The Punjab Livestock and Dairy Department and USAID’s Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) on Thursday launched the ‘livestock herd book’ initiative to preserve and promote local cattle breeds. The first of its kind, the initiative will help to raise and regulate breeding standards which will result in yield improvements in Punjab’s livestock sector.
USAID’s Provincial Director Lea Swanson; Director General Extension of Livestock and Dairy Development Dr Ghulam Muhammad Gill, Vice Chancellor University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Chief of Party, USAID PEEP, Muhammad Junaid, as well as farmers and representatives of different livestock associations participated in the ceremony.
“I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Department to improve sector performance by engaging the private sector in policy and regulatory reforms.
I also commend the efforts of Punjab’s livestock breeders associations for promoting and preserving their local breeds,” remarked USAID’s Provincial Director, Lea Swanson.
With the assistance from USAID PEEP, the Sahiwal Cattle Breeders’ Society has developed the herd book, registering 60 herds of local Sahiwal cattle from three districts of Central Punjab and documenting the characteristics and performance of 300 milking cattle that constitute 60 herds.