Page 21 - Dairy Dimenison Aug-Sep24

| Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Jul-Aug 2024 INTERVIEW | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Jul-Aug 2024

two species Bos indicus and Bos tarus.
N. Kandasamy, a veterinarian,
did masters and doctorate in · Absence of selection as next generation parents and
Animal Genetics. He has more culling practices
than 35 years of research and
· Indiscriminate breeding of cows
teaching experience in animal
genetics. He has adequate The goal for introducing crossbreeding was to quickly
field experience and enhance milk production through hybrid vigor in the F1
understands field problems. generation using semen from high-yielding breeds.
In later part of his career he
was involved in survey and However, this vigor diminishes in subsequent
characterization of animal generations.
genetic resources of Tamil Dairy expert: Several factors contribute to this
Dr. Kandasamy Nadu. stagnation. Selection of semen based on the breed and

the farmer's ability to manage high-yielding animals is
understanding the pros and cons. Progeny-tested bull
semen offers a reliable option. crucial. More awareness is needed among service
providers and farmers on proper breed and genetic
Why has the growth rate of milk production in merit selection. The aim of introducing crossbreeding
crossbred cows stagnated? Is crossbreeding a was to increase milk production in low-yielding desi
sustainable practice for a country as diverse as breeds. While we have 40 million crossbred cows, the
India?
average milk yield remains low. Selecting the right breed,
Dr. Kandasamy: Loss of heterosis (increased vigor) in combined with proper selection methods, is essential for
generations following the F1 (first cross) and sustainability.
crossbreeding in resource-poor areas lowering the Should data on milk production and other economic
average milk yield are possible reasons. The decreasing traits of elite herd cows be withheld from academic
need for draught power has led to a shift towards milk and farmer communities?
production for income generation, especially for small Dr. Kandasamy: The concept of an "elite herd" is
Experts’ Opinion on Breeding and marginal farmers. Crossbreeding with suitable relative under Indian conditions. Elite herd selection
breeds like Jersey or Holstein (around 50% exotic
requires a large base population. Identifying elite cows
Strategies for Milk Production inheritance) is sustainable if followed by performance and bulls is based on performance compared to
recording and progeny testing for wider use of superior
contemporaries. Frequent changes in government
sires. Crossbreeding should not be attempted in
drought-prone areas. Sustainability depends on water leadership make maintaining elite herds challenging.
This first group interaction by DAIRY DIMENSION with Development Board (NDDB) can restrict state control. availability, rainfall, crop residue availability, and also a Dr. Rajeshwaran: Transparent sharing of data on the
seasoned dairy experts delves into the intricacies of Dairy farmers, primarily engaged in dairying, are the key suitable climate for dairy farming. pedigree and milk production of each animal at the
breeding practices and their impact on milk production stakeholders and it is important to involve them for Dr. Rajeshwaran: There are multiple reasons like: individual farmer and village level, as well as involving
in India. As Schneider (1948) aptly noted, breeders must better policy decisions. farmers through livestock farmer associations, is crucial
consider various factors, including climate adaptability, Dr. Rajeshwaran: Breeding policies need a complete · Loss of hybrid vigor after the F1 generation for identifying parent stock. This data, along with
available feed, and the socio-economic context of overhaul, focusing on consumer preferences for liquid · Infertility due to incompatibility of genes between the vaccination status, should serve as the foundation for
livestock management. In this discussion, experts Dr. milk, homemade products, and bulk markets. Pooling selecting breeding stock—the parents of the next
Kandasamy, Dr. Rajeshwaran, and a dairy expert who milk from all animals should be phased out beginning Dr. S Rajeshwaran is a generation.
veterinarian and a rural
requested anonymity share their insights on the impact with separate collection and sale of milk from crossbred management professional Dairy expert: This data should be accessible for analysis
of breeding policy, the scope of genetic improvement, cows (A1 milk) and indigenous cows and buffaloes (A2 with a doctorate in Public by academics and for informed decision-making by
and the need for technological advancements. milk). Breeding policies should be dynamic, district- Policy from the Indian farmers.
Institute of Management,
Are current breeding policies relevant to address specific, and decided upon by farmers who raise parent Bangalore. He brings with him What is the logic behind crossing draught breeds
present and future demands for milk production and stock through Breeders' Associations. Professionals can 40 years of work experience with milch breeds like HF and Jersey?
nutrition? guide proper implementation. across the entire vertical of
dairy value chain from the Dr. Kandasamy: In India, as the need for draught
Dr. Kandasamy: Existing state breeding policies are Dairy expert: The breeding policy needs revision. individual farmer to the animals lessens, dairy farming offers income
broad generalizations. Supplying good quality frozen Crossbreeding with exotic bulls like Holstein Friesian (HF) national and international possibilities. However, local draught breeds have low
semen for insemination is more critical. Additionally, and Jersey can continue, but farmers should be level. milk production. To address this, farmers can crossbreed
intervention by organizations like the National Dairy empowered to choose the breed and blood level after Dr. Rajeshwaran their draught animals with high-yielding exotic dairy

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