DR PN BHAT THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FORMER DIRECTOR OF INDIAN VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE HAS LEFT US TO HIS HEAVENLY ABODE. APART FROM BRINGING MODERNIZATION AND DIGITALIZATION TO IVRI DR BHAT HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPLIFT OF THE PROFESSION IN ALL RESPECTS. A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION OF ”BHAT SAHEB” IS A LAND MARK REPORT DURING EXPERT PANEL MEETING, OCT. 1983 PART I; FAO/UNEP 1984.).
PL READ BELOW HIS BOLD STAND AGAINST THE UNSCIENTIFIC AND MATERIALISTIC CROSS BREEDING INTRODUCED IN INDIA SINCE 1960. Read on,-
Asia has immense diversity of genetic resources in respect of animals and birds but these are fast vanishing because no systematic effort has been made in the past to conserve them*. In an attempt to provide a drastic improvement in production performance many developing countries had adopted cross breeding programs using exotic genetic material. The impact of cross breeding over 3-4 decades has not resulted in a wide spread improvement in performance at grassroots level. In comparison to 61.00 Million breedable indigenous cows, we have 3.50 Million crossbred cows and 40 Million she-buffaloes. Though the level of production of exotic/ crossbred animals are relatively superior, the total intake nutrient level is high and survival low under the prevailing (practiced) conditions. Under certain environmental conditions (foraging, supplemented by kitchen waste) the improved exotic breeds had genotypic value of zero for most production traits *. (P.N.Bhat, 1984)
HIS HISTORIC PAPER SUPPORT OF ALL OVER THE WORLD AND IN INDIA see below,-
Emphasis need be laid on their improvement, conservation of their germplasm and identification of their germplasm and identification of their role in region’s economy. An important factor yet to be forthcoming is the lack of quantification of the benefit from genetic manipulation. In other words even though it is proved beyond doubt that higher milk yield, finer wool or better yield can be achieved through introduction of superior exotic germplasm, we are yet to assess whether these have factually improved the income of the live-stock owner or our export potential.
(*”Breeding plans for the improvement of indigenous breeds and species.” Proceeding of the Expert Panel Meeting, Oct. 1983 Part I; FAO/UNEP 1984.)
Farm animals developed to improve one or two production traits under controlled conditions produce when provided with high quality food, inputs and insulated from harsh weather, pests, disease and stress. When these animals were distributed around the world, specially small livestock holders, the latter experienced a dramatic increase in demand for input which they could not meet with their limited resources. Imported animals have not only, not stood the challenges of the new grounds, but have also brought with them diseases hitherto unknown in the developing world: Most of these were viral diseases whose diagnosis and control required high security labs and hi-tech diagnostic tools. (Dr.C.M.Singh, 2001, founder President VCI)
It is an undisputed fact that the animal is an important component of the ecosystem that holds the balance between man and nature. “Animals are factories that convert crop residues into milk, meat, wool and other utilities” (C.K. Rao, former Anim. Husbandry Commissioner).
From the fb wall of Prof.Dr.Rama kumar V. ,Founder Secretary,VCI.
