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International workshop emphasizing the importance of scientific cattle welfare measures within a global context

“Cattle welfare issues need to be addressed in order to improve production and productivity through dairying “says Sri.Anil.X, Vice Chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The VC made this remark while inaugurating the international workshop on applying welfare measures to improve sustainability of small holder dairy production in Kerala held at the Flora Airport Hotel, Nedumbassery, Kochi on 16th December 2016. It was organized as part of the research project between KVASU and University of Bristol funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK. It is an urgent need to increase production and productivity from livestock, without increasing cost of production or compromising the welfare of livestock. Cultivation of fodder based on good soil health will improve fodder production through which cost of production can be reduced. Concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, safe food production, and one health are acquiring momentum across the globe. “The International Workshop on Cattle Welfare aims to facilitate the state in attaining sustainability in dairy farm production”, the VC added, releasing the Compendium of the workshop. Registrar Dr.Joseph Mathew presided over the function. Professor John Tarlton of Bristol University, UK during the keynote address recognized that the demands of global food security requires that more food is produced using less resources, but that this needs to be in the context of improved livestock welfare. Indeed, high welfare should be considered a prerequisite for optimal production. The Bristol University KVASU partnership is aiming to establish standard protocols for surveillance of health, welfare and risk assessment in cattle production in India. Biju Prabhakar, Director of Agriculture, Govt of Kerala, during his address suggested that integration of agriculture and livestock sector will pave the way for establishing sustainable organic production system in the State. In the changing scenario, mechanization in dairying in various aspects of production and management will facilitate sustainable and profitable dairying and will attract more entrepreneurs. Professor David Barrett of the University of Bristol, during his talk on dairy production in the UK, discussed the suitability of European dairy genetics in India and suggested that over time larger more mechanized farms would increase efficiency of production here in Kerala. He also suggested that better nutrition and allowing cattle more freedom to express normal behavior would result in higher milk yields and improved welfare. He said this could be achieved in existing farms if cows were tied for less time and had access to adlibitum forage and water.
Directorate of Entrepreneurship Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan during his introductory note, suggested that appropriate management measures on welfare can increase milk production, whilst benefiting the wellbeing of the cattle. Dean, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy Dr.Sisilamma George, Director Academics & Research Dr.K.Devada, Professor Michael Lee of University of Bristol, Dr.G.Girish Varma, Dean, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Dr.K.Vijayakumar, Dean, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and Dr. Sabin George, Board of Management member offered felicitations. Director of International Co-operation Dr.K.P.Sreekumar welcomed the delegates and Dr.DeepaAnanth expressed vote of thanks. 60 delegates from across the world including United States, Australia, UK are attending the two day workshop.