International Seminar on Norwegian Red Dairy Cattle Potential and Pakistan
Animal Biotechnology Program NIGAB NARC of National Agricultural Research Center of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council organized an international seminar on “Exploring the Genetic Potential and Economic Impact of Norwegian Red Cattle: A Global Perspective”. In this seminar on Norwegian Cattle, Knut Ingolf Dragset Leader Global Technical Services of Geno Global Norway for Asia and Pacific, and other experts highlighted the productivity and adaptation of Norwegian Red Cows to Pakistan’s climatic conditions. Moreover, he also discussed the characteristics of the Norwegian Cow. Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan Miss Noor Khan also joined this seminar.
نارویجین ریڈ کیٹل پاکستان میں کراس بریڈنگ کیلئے فریزئن اور جرسی کے بعد اچھا انتخاب ہے، انٹرنیشنل سیمینار میں ماہرین کی گفتگو
کورین سیکسڈ سیمن، گائیوں میں جدید بریڈنگ ٹیکنالوجیز کے موضوع پر انٹرنیشنل تربیتی ورکشاپ کا انعقاد
Characteristics of Norwegian Red Cattle
During the Seminar, experts also shed light on the different stages of data collection by farmers in Norway and working on the breed improvement of this breed of Norwegian Red Cows.
برازیلی گائیوں کی نسلوں کی خصوصیات اور ہسٹری
Experts say in the last fifty years, work has been done on the health and breeding characteristics of the Norwegian Red Cattle. Breeders and experts also mainly focused on the production of Norwegian Cow. Its production in lactation is 12000 to 16000 liters. The milk of Norwegian Cattle contains 4.3% fat and 3.5% protein. Along with milk production, the calves of Norwegian Cattle are also profitable meat producers.
The characteristics of Norwegian Red Cows have also been worked on in terms of animal and hoof health as well as their ability to resist various diseases. Moreover, improved fertility and ease of calf birth are also part of this breed. The average weight of an animal of this breed is 610 kg. This breed of Norwegian Red Cows also has a good feed conversion ratio.
Read More Characteristics here
Speakers in Seminar
At the beginning of the seminar, the Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali introduced the various projects of the institution. He also highlighted the activities of the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology NIGAB, NARC.
The Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan Miss Noor Khan spoke about the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and Norway on this occasion. She said that the collaboration between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, HRM Dairies, and Geno Global Norway is a positive development.
Capt (R) Muhammad Asif Federal Secretary, MNFS&R introduced different cattle breeds of Pakistan and gave a comparison of indigenous and exotic breeds. He used Girolando and Norwegian Cattle as an example of genetically improved cattle breeds. Stakeholders from the federal and provincial government as well as the private sector also participated in the seminar.
برازیلی گائیاں پاکستان میں، ایمبریو اور سیمن فارمرز کو دستیاب ہوں گے: پاک فوج کا منصوبہ
While speaking in the seminar, Dr. Muhammad Naeem Riaz gave a presentation on the various activities going on in the Animal Biotechnology Program. He also discussed recent advances and the application of genomics for cattle breed improvement in Pakistan. CEO of Dairy Solutions Syed Hasan Raza discussed the challenges and future prospects of Pakistan’s livestock industry.
Chief Executive Officer HRM International Mudassir Hasan highlighted the practical aspects of cattle breeding and issues related to importing foreign cattle breeds into Pakistan.
Genetic Improvement of Local Breeds in Pakistan
Speaking at the international seminar, the experts emphasized on taking steps for the conservation and genetic improvement of Sahiwal, Cholistani, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, and other indigenous breeds. Experts said that these indigenous breeds are the national asset of Pakistan which are well adapted to the climate.
Moreover, they are resistant to diseases and can withstand problems such as lack of fodder under harsh conditions. Further experts also highlighted the importance of genetic improvement through crossbreeding of non-descript cows.
ساہیوال نسل کی گائے کے اوصاف اور پرکھنے کا معیار
Norwegian Red Cattle for Crossbreeding in Pakistan
Referring to Norwegian Red Cattle, experts of Geno Global Norway said that it is the third best option for crossbreeding in Pakistan after Holstein Friesian and Jersey. This breed of Norwegian Cow can improve the genetic potential of low-yielding non-descript cows in Pakistan.
Geno Global Norway Experts said that the Norwegian Cow has good phenotypic characteristics through which it can be used as a good breed for milk and meat. An example of successful crossbreeding of these animals is in Madagascar, a hot and humid country in East Africa.
