Myanmar Fellow Obtains Animal Production Training in India

The fellowship was an activity of TC project MYA5013, Integrated Approach for Enhancing Cattle Productivity. Mr. Win spent three months in India, and received a comprehensive programme of training in general cattle production. For example, this programme included aspects of management of dairy animals of all ages, from calfhood to adulthood, and for both males and females. Mr. Win received training on ration formulation and management for cattle and buffaloes of all ages and studied forage production and storage. With respect to animal reproduction, the fellowship addressed both sexes of animals.

For cows, the fellowship covered basic management and treatment of common fertility disorders, as wells estrus synchronization and the use of ultrasound scanning. For bulls, topic covered included semen collection, processing, quality control and storage.

Mr. Win observed first-hand the various cattle and buffalo breeding programmes in India and evaluated their suitability in Myanmar. Field activities included visits to dairy farms (both buffalo and cattle), where Mr. Win learned about field breeding schemes and general management, and village AI centers where he studied and discussed about liquid nitrogen availability, frozen semen distribution, milk data collection, AI recording and progeny testing. Mr. Win visited the village cow care unit and observed dehorning and tumor surgery, examples of parasitic skin diseases and mineral deficiency symptoms in cows and buffaloes. Finally, Mr. Win studied the cases at the University animal hospital, and learned about reproductive prolapse and the fetotomy for relieving of dystocia.