TAWANG, Sep 25: The Indian Army, in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Yak), Dirang, Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development and the Tawang District Administration, organised an Artificial Insemination (AI) programme for yaks and cattle in the high-altitude areas of the district.
The programme was conducted at Tsachin near Bumla, Kumrotser near Taktsang Gonpa and Mera GG towards Chema, with the objective of improving the genetic quality and productivity of the yak population and addressing the problem of inbreeding among the animals.
Experts said continued inbreeding can adversely affect important traits such as body size, milk production and disease resistance. The AI initiative is expected to promote healthier and more productive yak herds while contributing to efforts to increase the yak population in Tawang.
Principal Scientist Dr Vijay Paul and Dr Mukhtar from NRC-Yak, the OC RVC, Tawang, and veterinarians from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development, Tawang, were involved in carrying out the artificial insemination process.
District Veterinary Officer, Tawang, Dr Thuptan Tashi appealed to Brokpas and yak herders across the district to come forward and avail themselves of the facility. He said artificial insemination involves considerable expenditure for individual herders, but the service under the present initiative is being provided free of cost with the support of the Indian Army.
Dr Tashi said wider adoption of scientific breeding practices could help improve the health, productivity and population of yaks in Tawang while supporting the traditional yak-rearing livelihood of the Brokpa community.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Commanding Officer of Lungrola Battalion, Assistant Commissioner Nawang Thutan, DHO Koncho Gyatso, Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu and APB&OCWWB Registering Officer Phurpa Tsering, attended the programme and witnessed the AI process at Tsachin.
The initiative brought together the Army, scientific institutions, district administration and line departments in an effort to promote scientific livestock management and strengthen livelihood support for yak herders living in the challenging high-altitude areas of Tawang district. (DIPRO)