Farmers told to produce antibiotic-free eggs, meat

Tribune News Service

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Ludhiana, May 2

The Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, conducted a two-week training course on poultry farming. As many as 16 farmers from Punjab participated in it. Dr Parminder Singh, Professor, Veterinary Extension, said during this hot season, poultry farmers were facing difficulties due to low egg price, low production and high price of chicks. Depending on the land holding, capital and marketing intelligence, one can venture into either layer farming meant for table egg production or broiler production meant for meat production.

Dr Kushpreet Singh, Assistant Professor, Extension Education, said during the course, the farmers were taught about specific breeds and strains of the poultry stock, construction of modern sheds, hatchery management, protection from heat and cold during environmental stress, economical and balanced ration for different stages of birds, making different products from egg and meat, their branding, vaccination in birds, post-mortem examination, preparation of project reports for borrowing loans etc. The trainees were also taken to nearby commercial layer and broiler farms for interaction with the poultry entrepreneurs.

Dr SK Kansal, Professor-cum-Head, Department of Extension Education, said the university conducted poultry training twice a year in April and November as there was a huge rush of trainees. He advised the farmers to adopt biosecurity measures and produce antibiotic-free eggs and meat. Dr HK Verma, Director of Extension Education, presided over the valedictory session. He distributed the certificates and asked the farmers to remain in touch with the university experts and inculcate the habit of reading.

GADVASU publishes monthly magazine “Vigyanik Pashu Palan” and has special books on poultry farming.