Proposed Breeding Policy & Programmes
The Government of Kerala vide G.O.(M.S) No.144/98/AD dated 10.7.1998
of Agriculture (AHF)Department, accepted the recommendations of the
Expert Committee constituted to review the existing breeding policy
in the State of Kerala and suggest changes. The committee comprised
of Dr G Mukundan, Dr Sosamma Iype, Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr
M K Rao, and Managing Director, KLD Board.
Milk production enhancement in the State
is possible by:
* improving the genetic potential of the animals including cattle,
buffaloes and goats
* increasing the proportion of high yielding crossbreds in the population
* enhancing the reproductive efficiency of the female stock
* augmenting the overall management of the animals
* identifying field problems in the sector and taking corrective measures
* expanding the market facilities for the milk and milk products efficiently
1.1.Genetic Improvement
1.1.1. Breeds to be used
As per the breeding policy in force, Jersey, Holstein-Friesianand
Brown Swiss breeds are used as exotic donor breeds in varying proportions.
Jersey though not the the highest yielding dairy breed of the world,
due to the advantage of smaller size, high fat content in milk, heat
tolerence,and disease resistance is preferred by majority of the farmers
Considering the acute shortage of roughage, high cost of imported
concentrate feeds, the preference and economic advantage of high fatmilk,
Jersey will continue to be the preferred breed by majority of farmers.
However for farmers and and areas where feeding is less expensive
and more roughage based, Holstein would be suited.
Cosidering all aspects and the liking of the farmers in the State,
it is proposed that only Jersey and Holstein-Friesian will be used
as exotic donor breeds. it is also recommended that the Jersey and
its crossbred lines be used in larger proportions.
1.1.2. the level of exotic inheritance
The Committee considered the views of the farmers, professionals and
scientists in the sector. Results of field crossbreeding programme
in Kerala and other parts of the World were also studied. It is evident
from the studies and discussions that increasing the percentage of
exotic inheritance to levels above 50% does not commensurate with
increase in profitable milk yoeld without adequate management support.
Considering the present inputs offered by farmers in the dairy sector
and limitations for drastic improvement in management in the coming
decade., there will not be much economic advantage in increasing exotic
inheritance level of exotic breeds. it may even become counterproductive
at the hands of the average dairy farmers of today. as such it is
proposed that the level of exotic inheritance be limited to around
50%.
there are farmers in different parts of the State having high input,
commercial and specialised dairy farms. these farmers will be able
to maintain animals of higher exotic inheritance. For such farmers
semen of high value pure breeds (Jersey?HF) and proven Sunandini bulls
shall be made available at a differential price using the existing
scheme of premium bull AI programme.
The results and economic advantages of the resultant offspring shall
be monitoredto get more information in future.
1.1.3. Genetic selection
A systematic genetic selection programme is implemented in the State
continuously from 1977 with the assistance and guidance from the Government
of India. the results obtained from the milk recording areas in the
State indicate that there is an average annual increase of 56.6 kg
milk
in the first standard lactation yield of the cross bred cows belonging
to the farmers since 1983. In the population of Sunandini cows in
Kerala, where the generation interval is almost 1.7 times that of
pure exotic breeds in developed dairying countries. Young bull programme
gives genetic gains equal to the conventional progeny testing programme.
as such the Committee do not recommend any change with the present
bull selection programme. The Committee recommends to intensify the
selection of the bull mothers using procedures like cow index and
to include dairy conformation also a criteria for selection.
6.1.4.Bringing in of superior from out side sources
one of the recommendations in the previous report was to procure crossbred
bulls from sources outside Kerala and include them in the breeding
programme. It is evident that there are not many sources in India
to supply crossbred bulls with required qualifications. However crossbreeding
is picking up momentum in other parts of the country, it would be
possible to get bulls from other sources before long. This possibility
should be explored on a regular basis.
The programme of F1 bull calf production using superior quality of
semen of Jersey ad Holstein-Friesian breeds imported from abroad on
the well recognised dairy zebu cows should be strengthened.
The infusion of superior germplasm from exotic donor breeds of Jersey
and Holstein Friesian should be a continuous programme to widen the
genetic base and to keep the population open for bringing in the positive
selection responses obtained elsewhere in the world to the Sunandini
breed. The committee proposes to replace around 20% of the exotic
bull stock annually with exotic bulls of high genetic merit and preferably
from unrelated sources. The breeding value of bulls thus introduced
should be above that of the bulls in stock.
6.1.6.Use of embryo technology
There is evidence to show that embryo technology can contribute to
the genetic progress in a population, more significantly. When used
in the production of bulls used for A!. Studies conducted in Kerala
indicate that this programme can add/ supplement in the genetic improvement.
It is recommended to incorporate embryo technology also in the production
of breeding bulls used fro A1 in the State.
6.1.7.Elimination of genetically poor female stock
A large variation between animals will be there for characters controlled
by quantitative genes. All through the years genetic improvement in
the population was attempted only through introduction of superior
germplasm from outside sources and selection among males used in A1
programme. The culling and elimination of poor milk producers owned
by the millions of farmers were never attempted. It is needless to
mention that substantial gains other in genetic and economic terms
can be obtained by culling and elimination of poor milk producers
and reproducers. As such the committee recommends to call and delayed
first calving age adequately compensating the owners.
Government shall draw up a suitable programme to this effect.
6.1.8. Proven Sunandini bulls semen for premium AI
It is reported by the KLD Board that about 3000 doses each from 4
proven bulls every year are available in long storage. A small quantity
of this semen is used for nominated mating of the elite stock. However
due to the very limited requirement of frozen semen doses for nominated
mating, a sizable quantity can be made available for AI on elite cows.
The committee proposes to include these bulls also in the premium
bull list and to use them extensively among elite cows. Thus the genetic
superiority of the proven bulls be directly employed in the general
herd of the State including the test herd.
6.2. Breeding Operations
6.2.1.A1 centers
The number of AI centres in the State has increased to around 2300
during 1997-98 resulting in providing one AI centre for every 809
breedable female cattle. However considering the need of effective
coverage of the entire state, it was recommended to reduce the no,
of breedables females per AI centre to 500 by providing more no, of
AI centres. This committee endorses the view.
The AI centre should not limit its activity to the mere conducts
of AI, only but should function as a centre for guidance to the farmers
in aspects of breeding, feeding, management, health care and product
marketing.
A scanning of the distribution of AI centres over districts reveals
that the northern districts and high ranges have lesser no. of AI
centres per adult female. This disparity may be eliminated by relocating
the available centres and taking proper care while allotting new centres.
6.2.2.AI at the doorstep of the farmer
It is felt that the reproductive efficiency can be improved if the
breeding services are provided at the abode of the cows, rather than
taking them to the AI centre through the busy traffic. The farmers
always prefer to have the cow inseminated at his doorsteps due to
reason of better conception rate, difficulties in taking the cows
in peak yield through the roads, non availability of personnel to
take the cow, etc. The farmers would not hesitate to pay some additional
charge for the service at his doorstep. It is recommended that the
AI service be made available at the door step of the farmers at their
request at the differential rate. The mobile AI programme may be implemented
in all AI centres by the close of the ninth five year plan.
6.2.3.Training of the AI technician
All the technicians involved in the AI programme should be basically
trained in AI and all related aspects. A study conducted in Kerala
has clearly indicated that the between centre variation regarding
conception rate was far too high than the within centre variations.
This indicates that the major actor who can change the success rate
of AI is the AI technician. Investments in equipping him optimally
for the conduct of the business will back suitably. As such it is
important and essential that these technicians are subjected to refreshers
courses on a regular basis, at least once in 5 years.
6.2.4.Quality of frozen semen at AI centre
The frozen semen collected at the semen production stations is handled
at different places before being used for insemination. Strict quality
control measures are to be exercised at all levels for obtaining maximum
results. The quality of the semen being distributed to the AI centres.
Random samples of semen doses may also be checked by drawing samples
from the AI centres on a regular basis of bacterial load, motility,
etc.
6.2.5.Control of the bulls used for natural service
It can be seen from the latest census (1996) figures that the number
of bulls used for breeding has increased by 38% during the period
from 1987 to 1996. The number of bulls used for breeding in the State
is 17000 according to the 1996 livestock census. It is need less to
mention that these unselected bulls will be creating great damage
to the genetic improvement programmes carried out in the State over
and above the spreading of sexually transmitted disease. The committee
proposes to take urgent and intensive measures to sterilise the unselected
breeding bulls used for natural services in all areas where AI facilities
are provided by invoking the provisions of the Livestock Improvement
Act 1961.
6.2.6.Pedigree details of the bulls
All the AI centres should have the pedigree details of the bulls whose
semen is available for AI. The present system of supplying the pedigree
details of bulls should be strengthened to ensure that all centres
are provided with the pedigree details so that the AI technician can
explain the details to the farmers. The details of the bulls may also
be supplied to the farmers by redesigning the present AI receipt form
incorporating these details as well.
6.3.Management improvement
6.3.1.Farmers education and extension
Many studies have indicated that there is a large scope in increasing
the productivity of the sector through improvement in the management
practices. Farmers' education and extension programmes will go a long
way in this regard. The present farmers training programmes may be
strengthened and expanded for providing easy to adopt management packages
that will benefit the farmers. The publication of information through
mass media systems shall also be strengthened. Stress should be given
for educating the farmers on the proper feeding and reproductive management.
6.3.2.Feeding
Unlike in other parts of the country dairying is highly concentrate
based in Kerala. There is ample evidence to show that the quality
of the compounded cattle feed is not satisfactory. As such farmers
are mixing concentrates like cakes into the compounded energy balances.
In order to make the feeding cost effective and meaningful there is
an urgent need to make necessary regulations for the quality control
of the compounded cattle feed.
The roughage feeding in the State is becoming increasingly expensive
on account of the prohibitive price of the paddy straw. Fodder production
programme needs a thorough restructuring with the involvement of the
grama panchayats so that good quality fodder is made available to
the cattle.
6.3.3.Care of the growing stock
The female calves are to be managed and looked after scientifically
till returns are received from them. However majority of the farmers
are yet to practice a scientific calf rearing scheme. The efforts
of the Government under the special livestock breeding programme have
clearly indicated that there is considerable reduction in the age
at first calving by adopting scientific calf rearing practices. The
cows brought up under the special livestock breeding programme also
yield 35 to 40% more milk than that of the average crossbred cows.
As such it is recommended that the special livestock breeding programme
be expanded to cover at least 15% of the female calves born in the
State annually.
6.3.4. Reproductive management
Substantial increase in the State's milk production could be achieved
by reducing the age at first calving and calving interval of the crossbred
cows. Both these parameters are at present far from satisfactory.
Farmers education, providing AI service at the door of the farmer
improvement in the quality of AI services, regular pregnancy diagnosis,
are all inseminations should be subjected to detailed examination
and treatment. A massive programme to achieve 'zero sterility' should
be launched for improving the reproductive efficiency of the cattle.
6.4.Management of information and establishment of Pasubhavan
There are many information gaps in the livestock sector. Information
helps in assessing the impact of the programme, to make corrective
measures and for the planning process. Genetic selection and animal
breeding schemes greatly depend on individual date for taking appropriate
decisions.
With the above objectives, it is proposed to establish 'Pasubhavans'
in selected areas to be expanded in a phased manner. To start with
3 panchayats in each district may be selected breeding, reproduction,
feeding, production, health, etc., should be recorded and made administrators
and farmers to take steps for improvement and remedial measures. These
Panchayats will be model for others to replicate.
As it is followed for recognised breeds allover the world there should
be a breeders association for the Sunandini breed. The Pasubhavans
shall take a lead role in organising and instituting breeders association
which in turn will be responsible for the welfare the Sunandini cows
and their owners.
6.5.Buffaloes and goats
The population of buffaloes are constantly on the decline in Kerala.
At present frozen seen from selected Murrah bulls are made available
in all the AI centres as per demand. This programme should be continued
using superior Murrah bulls. Though there was a decline in the goat
population from 1982 to 1987, it has shown considerable increase during
1987 to 1996. The breeding programme for goats needs improvement.
The Malabari breed of goats, a famous duel purpose breed, can be improved
with regard to its economic characters. Supply of superior and selected
breeding in needy areas. It is learnt that deep frozen semen AI is
being experimented in goats in selected centres. The AI programme
may be expanded to more AI centres after perfecting the system. It
is also recommended that crossbreeding programme with world's best
milk producing goat breeds, such as Sannen and Alpine may be implemented
in the non- Malabari tracts in a pilot scale.
6.6.Research & development
6.6.1Constitute of a coordination committee
For the smooth functioning of the breeding operations in the State
it is necessary to have coordinate efforts of all the agencies engaged
in cattle development. This is all the more important in the changing
scenario where many of the cattle breeding operations are carried
out with the involvement of the local bodies.
The Committee proposes to constitute a coordinate committee
with following members
-Secretary (AH & Dairying ) Government of Kerala Chairman
-Director of Animal Husbandry, Kerala
-Dean, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
-Managing Director, KCMMF
-Managing Director, KLDB
-A reputed scientist specialised in animal breeding.
This coordination committee will over see the progress of the breeding
operations periodically and provide necessary guidance.
This committee shall also recommended the areas of research and development
programmes that need thrust from time to time in the livestock sector.
6.6.2.Karyotyping
The karyotyping of bulls used in the breeding programme should be
carried out on a regular basis for which facilities at the Kerala
Agricultural University shall be strengthened.
6.6.3.Parentage Control
The parentage control programme started on experimental basis at the
Kerala Agricultural University shall be scrutinised with a view to
subject all breeding bulls, and random number daughters of test bulls.
6.6.4.Quality standards for milk
Farmers are often complaining that they ate penalised for supplying
milk having sub standard fat percentage. It is necessary to undertake
a field study and to recommend to Government for making suitable amendments
in the PFA Act.
6.6.5.Germ plasm conversation
It may be desirable that herds of local cattle of Kerala be maintained
in Government and University farms. Since the University farms are
basically for research and teaching such programmes will be desirable
6.6.6.Economics of milk production
Studies are recommended to know the impact of the breeding operation
and the economy of milk production in the State.
Annexure I.
District wise details of AI and AI centres
| Thiruvananth
apuram |
117.56 |
32.56 |
7.70 |
157.82 |
222 |
165844 |
711 |
747 |
| Kollam |
112.30 |
41.21 |
3.63 |
157.14 |
211 |
158759 |
745 |
732 |
| Pathanamthitta |
78.56 |
28.86 |
0.77 |
108.19 |
161 |
109605 |
672 |
681 |
| Alapuzha |
75.17 |
20.15 |
1.57 |
96.89 |
136 |
134344 |
712 |
988 |
| Kottayam |
104.39 |
21.71 |
1.99 |
128.09 |
175 |
115007 |
732 |
657 |
| Idukki |
96.91 |
38.00 |
7.01 |
141.92 |
163 |
50170 |
871 |
308 |
| Ernakulam |
116.13 |
41.58 |
3.78 |
161.49 |
196 |
108211 |
824 |
552 |
| Thrissur |
92.96 |
39.83 |
7.57 |
140.36 |
169 |
155249 |
831 |
919 |
| Palakkad |
111.05 |
69.81 |
9.85 |
190.71 |
166 |
102179 |
1149 |
616 |
| Malappuram |
83.40 |
45.98 |
8.15 |
137.53 |
158 |
57073 |
870 |
361 |
| Kozhikkode |
63.48 |
65.71 |
0.43 |
129.62 |
154 |
83944 |
842 |
545 |
| Wynad |
60.28 |
17.29 |
1.81 |
79.38 |
107 |
39431 |
742 |
369 |
| Kannur |
82.34 |
47.00 |
1.45 |
130.79 |
181 |
84071 |
723 |
464 |
| Kasargode |
31.82 |
59.84 |
2.45 |
94.11 |
93 |
25744 |
1012 |
277 |