BackBrainstorming programme on revisiting selection criteria of CSWRI Institute breeding projects and Workshop on breeding policy of imported Merino sheep under NLM held during 16-17 September, 2022 at ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar.

---

 A Brainstorming programme on revisiting selection criteria of CSWRI Institute breeding projects and Workshop on breeding policy of imported Merino sheep under National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme of DAHD, Govt. of India was held during 16-17 September, 2022 at ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar. The Brainstorming session held on 16.09.2022 was chaired by Dr. Arjava Sharma, former Director, ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal and ICAR-CIRC, Meerut. The workshop on breeding policy of imported Merino sheep under NLM on 17.09.2022 was chaired by Dr. Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), Govt. of India. Both the programmes were co-chaired by Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar. The other expert members were Dr. Vineet Bhasin, former Principal Scientist (AG&B), ICAR Headquarter and Dr. G. R. Gowane, Senior Scientist (AG&B), ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. The programmes were attended by the PI/Co-PIs of CSWRI Institute breeding projects running on Avishaan and Patanwadi sheep at Avikanagar, Chokla sheep at ARC, Bikaner, Avikalin and Bharat Merino sheep at SRRC, Mannavanur, Gaddi synthetic sheep at NTRS, Garsa and Dumba sheep at Avikanagar. A total of eight veterinary officers from four NLM beneficiary states/UTs like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir UT and Ladakh UT involved in imported Merino sheep scheme also participated in the programmes. Heads/Scientists from the Divisions of Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Animal Nutrition, Animal Health, and Textile Manufacturing and Textile Chemistry also attended the programmes on both the days.

The programme started with visit of the experts and other participants to different sheep, goat and rabbit sectors to showcase the improved germplasm of the Institute for breed improvement purposes. At the outset Dr. Tomar, director of the institute welcomed all the dignitaries and participants in the meeting. Subsequently, the PI/Co-PIs of the projects as mentioned above made detailed presentations of the objectives, technical programmes, present selection criteria and breeding plan being followed and achievements. The Chairman, co-chairman and other experts critically evaluated and discussed about the selection criteria and other relevant activities of different projects. They also emphasized the need of strengthening the breedable female stock of different sheep breeds in order to develop efficient selection indices and properly execute the selection criteria to achieve the desired genetic progress in different economic traits. The workshop on breeding policy of imported Merino sheep under NLM was specifically meant for the Veterinary Officers of beneficiary four states/UT viz. HP, UK, J&K UT and Ladakh UT. They were given practical exposure to general management practices in an organized farm at sector no. 18. Hand mating of nominated pairs of sheep was shown to them and other important breeding management practices to be followed with reference to the imported Merino sheep were elaborately discussed. The participants were also sensitized about the importance of accurate and dedicated data recording and data management in the farm. The preparation of sire lines and its importance in avoiding inbreeding was discussed with the participants. Their individual queries were also adequately addressed by breeding scientists, Dr. Ashish Chopra, Dr. G.R. Gowane, Dr. P.K. Mallick and Dr. S.S. Misra. On 17.9.2022, Dr. Praveen Malik, AHC evaluated the performance of each state and gave directions to resolve their issues with the help of the practical knowledge they acquired in the workshop. Lectures on role of extra-nutritional requirements for the high end prolific/exotic sheep by Dr. R.S. Bhatt, Incharge Head, Animal Nutrition Division and applicable healthcare practices for sheep flocks with special reference to the temperate regions by Dr. C.P. Swarnkar, Scientist (SG), Animal Health Division were delivered for updating the knowledge of Veterinary Officers of HP, UK, J&K UT and Ladakh UT.

 The programmes were coordinated by Dr. R.C. Sharma, Principal Scientist and Incharge Head, AGB Division.