Kadapa: Heifer Competition Held In Achanapalli Village To Promote Scientific Dairy Farming And Artificial Insemination

Andhra Pradesh: A heifer competition aimed at promoting scientific livestock management and improved dairy production was organised on Saturday in Achanapalli village of Khajipet mandal in Kadapa district. The programme, conducted by the District Animal Husbandry Department and the Animal Husbandry Development Organization, brought together farmers and veterinary officials to spread awareness on modern calf rearing practices and advanced breeding technologies.

• Farmers advised on scientific calf rearing

Speaking on the occasion, District Joint Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. NA Srinivasulu, who attended as the chief guest, emphasised that farmers must take proper care in the rearing, nutrition, and management of female calves.

He advised farmers to ensure that newborn calves receive sufficient milk immediately after birth and have access to clean drinking water. Proper feeding with balanced nutrients, he said, plays a crucial role in healthy growth and future milk production.

Officials also suggested using mineral mixture bricks made from jaggery, mineral mixtures, and other nutrients. These bricks can be tied with a rope and hung in cattle sheds so calves can lick them regularly, preventing them from eating soil and helping them receive essential minerals.

• Awareness on artificial insemination and sex-sorted semen

District Animal Husbandry Development Organization Deputy Director Dr. Raja Thimmareddy explained the benefits of artificial insemination (AI) and the use of sex-sorted semen, which helps farmers obtain female calves suitable for dairy farming.

He noted that calves born through scientific breeding methods grow faster, develop into healthy buffaloes in a short time, and contribute significantly to higher milk production.

“The cost of one insemination dose is about Rs 150. From now on, sex-sorted semen will be supplied for buffalo breeding so that farmers can produce more female calves,” he said.

Officials added that both the State and Central governments are promoting such programmes to improve livestock breeds and enhance milk production across rural areas.

• Participation of veterinary official

Several veterinary officials and staff attended the programme and interacted with farmers, explaining modern animal husbandry practices.

Those present included Kadapa District Deputy Director Dr. G Srinivasulu; Regional Veterinary Officer and Assistant Director Dr. I Murali; Mandal Veterinary Officer Dr. M Lakshmaiah; Veterinary staff and other officials.

• Farmers honoured with prizes

As part of the competition, farmers were recognised for their efforts in livestock rearing.

First Prize: B Subbareddy

Second Prize: C Subhadra

Third Prize: V Ramachandra Reddy

Prizes were also distributed to all participating farmers as encouragement. Officials said such awareness programmes help farmers adopt scientific dairy farming methods, ultimately improving livestock productivity and strengthening the rural economy.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)