Experts want farmers to adopt modern breeding techniques for conservation of Deoni cow

Experts have stressed the need to adopt modern breeding technologies, improve milk productivity and preserve superior bloodlines for the conservation and development of the indigenous Deoni cattle breed.

The annual general meeting and technical seminar of the Deoni Cattle Conservation and Breeders Association was recently held here.

Addressing the gathering, Dean of the College of Agriculture Latur Dr Babasaheb Thombre noted that the Deoni breed originated from crossbreeding Gir cattle of Gujarat with local hill cattle.

He appealed to cattle breeders to focus on milk yield, physical strength and udder quality rather than coat colour. Proper management during pregnancy results in healthier and heavier calves, he said.

Director of Extension Education at the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University Dr Anil Bhikane emphasised the importance of planned breeding using superior bloodlines to develop affordable, highly productive, and economically beneficial Deoni cows for farmers.

He said the selection of bulls should not depend merely on appearance, but also on the milk-yielding capacity and genetic traits of their mothers.

Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry Dr Rajkumar Padile urged Deoni cattle breeders to move beyond cattle exhibitions and adopt scientific breeding practices.

Farmers should take advantage of the Chief Minister's Rural Livestock Scheme, he said.

Association president Dr Bhaskar Borgaonkar advised breeders to avoid overfeeding bulls merely to make them bulky and instead ensure regular exercise for maintaining their fitness.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)