A short-term hands on training programme, “Semen evaluation techniques and nutritional management of breeding bulls” was organised at ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru from 2 to 4, December, 2021
The training has been organized as a part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in association with Department of Animal Husbandry and veterinary Services, Karnataka for the benefit of veterinarians and technicians working in the frozen semen banks. Fourteen participants from four frozen semen banks located in Karnataka participated in the training.
Objective of the training was to provide hands on training to the veterinary professionals and technicians working in the bull semen bank. The training comprised of preparation of buffers and stains to evaluate sperm kinematics, viability, morphology, microbial load, functional membrane and acrosomal integrity assessment. The trainees were also apprised of the importance of species-specific semen extender and recent advances in semen evaluation and progress with sexing of semen. Fodder production and nutritional management for breeding bulls were also enlightened.
Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, ICAR-NIANP was the Course Director and Drs. S. Selvaraju, A.Arangasamy, B.Krishnappa and BK Binsila were the course coordinators. The trainees appreciated the training program in their feedback and expressed their gratitude to the Government of Karnataka for nominating to the training. Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, NIANP highlighted the need for assessing the semen quality accurately and eliminating the low/sub fertile bulls from the breeding program of dairy cows and buffaloes for improving the reproductive efficiency. He also emphasized the need for nutritional management of breeding bulls considering their semen production capacity.
Dr. RN Sreenivas Gowda, Former Vice-chancellor of Karnataka Veterinary and Animal Sciences University was the chief guest of the valedictory function. After releasing the compendium and distributing the certificates to the participant trainees, he highlighted the current challenges in improving reproductive efficiency of dairy animals in artificial insemination program and producing high quality semen for improving field fertility. The Chief guest also suggested regular capacity building training for semen bank personnel for improving their technical skills at national Institutes such as ICAR-NIANP.
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