Livestock Department Balochistan – Department of Livestock and Dairy Development

Livestock in Balochistan has the primary role in the provincial economy and livelihood. It also plays a highly important role in national food security. Livestock Department Balochistan is responsible for the health and production of this livestock. It offers a range of veterinary services along with research and development. Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Balochistan has three Directorate Generals. These include Directorate General Animal Health and Extension, Directorate General Livestock Research, and Directorate General Livestock Production & Feed Resources.

History of Livestock Department Balochistan

The origins of the Livestock Department Balochistan trace back to the British era. In 1884, the first Veterinary Unit was established at Tehsil Duki, marking the beginning of organized veterinary services in the region. Subsequently, in 1904, additional Veterinary Units and Dispensaries were set up in Barkhan, Duki, and Pishin. During this period, the department was known as the Civil Veterinary Department and was administered by a Director, with a Deputy Director overseeing Sindh and Balochistan from Karachi.

Significant progress began in 1958 with the development on poultry, sheep, goat, and cattle farms. Later on, the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Balochistan introduced its services at larger scale. During passing through the different phases and steps of development, this is a highly important department in Balochistan.

Functions of Livestock Department Balochistan

The primary function of the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Balochistan is the prevention of animal diseases and the enhancement of animal production in Balochistan. Its core functions include:

• Livestock Extension and Health Services
  • Animal health coverage, vaccination, and veterinary services
  • Advisory services to livestock farmers to enhance livestock production.

• Animal Breeding and Artificial Insemination
  • Genetic improvement through artificial insemination programs.
  • Conservation of indigenous livestock breeds.

• Livestock Farm Management and Production
  • Establishing and managing dairy farms, poultry farms, and research farms.
  • Supporting farmers with modern techniques for efficient livestock management.

• Livestock Research
  • Research and study to address challenges in livestock production, health, and breeding.

• Vaccine Production
  • Producing and distributing vaccines to control and prevent livestock diseases.

• Animal Disease Surveillance
  • Monitoring and reporting disease outbreaks to implement timely control measures.

• Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases
  • Protection of public health by taking measures to keep animals healthy and reducing the chances of the transfer of diseases

• Veterinary Education
  • Facilitating education and training programs for veterinarians and para-veterinary staff.
  • Raising awareness among stakeholders about animal health and management practices.

Directorates General of Livestock Department Balochistan

• Directorate General Animal Health and Extension
• Directorate General Livestock Research
• Directorate General Livestock Production & Feed Resources

Directorate General Animal Health and Extension

The main focus of the Directorate General Animal Health and Extension is the improvement of livestock health and production through extension services.  It provides services related to animal health including diagnosis and treatment. For breed improvement, it provides artificial insemination services with bovine semen of improved local breeds.

This directorate has Directors at Divisional Level and District Livestock Officers at District Level which monitor the veterinary services provided by the veterinary officers and supporting staff at Civil Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries. Additionally, the field staff also offers door-to-door veterinary services through mobile veterinary units. Besides health services, this directorate also focuses on the conservation of indigenous breeds through different projects and breeding programs. Moreover, the diagnostic labs under the directorate provide diagnostic services. In case of disease or natural calamity, this directorate ensures rehabilitation and emergency services for livestock.

Animal Sciences Institute under this directorate offers various training courses. Directorate General Animal Health and Extension also maintains a Semen Production Unit to provide bovine semen for artificial insemination.

This directorate focuses on one health by emphasizing the diseases of public health importance including Congo Fever.

Directorate General Livestock Research

The Directorate General Livestock Research of the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Balochistan focuses on research in the livestock and poultry sector. The department has various research farms, research centers, and the Veterinary Research Institute Quetta.  The department emphasizes advanced research on livestock production, breeding, nutrition, and animal diseases. It is also focusing on disease diagnosis and disease surveillance.

Selective breeding programs have been launched to preserve indigenous livestock and poultry breeds. The Livestock Department is especially focusing on the development of sheep breeds and wool production. Livestock Research Facilities under this directorate general include:

• Veterinary Research Institute, Quetta
• Wool Research Laboratory, Mastung
• Beef Production Research Centre, Sibi
• Karakul Sheep Breeding Farm, Maslakh
• Multi-Purpose Sheep Research Station, Yetabad
• Government Dairy Farm Dera Bugti, (Kech) Turbat, Gawadar and Kharan
• Government Poultry Farm, Kharan, Kalat, Kech, Dera Bugti, and Ziarat
• Research Centre, Dairy Development Farm, Lasbella
• Research Centre, Dairy Development Farm, Awaran

Directorate General Farms and Feed Resources

Directorate General Farms and Feed Resources of the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Balochistan combines technical training, breed conservation, and feed management to support the province’s livestock sector. It organizes training programs for veterinarians and supporting staff. Livestock farms under the directorate provide livestock products in remote areas. At livestock farms, local breeds including Bhagnari and Red Sindhi Cattle are maintained. Moreover, Friesian animals are also part of farms for cross-breeding. The department is also managing poultry farms.

Contact Livestock Farm Balochistan

Livestock & Dairy Development Department,
Spinny Road,
Quetta

DG Animal Health and Extension
081-9213528, 081-9213526

DG Livestock Research
0819213144, 0819213343

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

See Full Bio