Livestock Nutrition Training Program for Dairy Officers at IVRI Concludes Successfully

Explore how a five-day livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers at IVRI is shaping modern dairy practices through hands-on feed analysis, ICT tools, and expert insights.

IVRI Conducts Five-Day Capacity Building Training on Dairy Nutrition for Dairy Officers

A comprehensive livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers concluded successfully at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, marking a significant stride in capacity building and scientific extension for India’s dairy development. Organized from July 22 to 26, 2025, this five-day training session was spearheaded by the Joint Directorate (Extension Education) of IVRI in partnership with the Department of Dairy Development, Government of Punjab.

More than 25 dairy officers and technical staff participated in the program, which aimed to bolster grassroots understanding of dairy cattle nutrition, enhance technical knowledge in feed analysis, and promote hands-on skills for field-level application. The event reinforced IVRI’s ongoing commitment to modernizing animal husbandry through science-backed, farmer-centric interventions.

Strategic Focus on Dairy Capacity Building

The primary objective of this livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers was to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and field application in livestock feeding management. The program brought together experts from animal nutrition, veterinary science, and dairy extension to deliver updated knowledge on:

• Dairy feed analysis and ration formulation techniques
• Use of probiotics and mineral mixtures in cattle diets
• Application of ICT tools in dairy husbandry
• Grass-based feeding systems and seasonal nutrient balancing
• Hands-on training modules using lab and farm demonstrations

The training was inaugurated by Dr. S.K. Tiwari, Joint Director (Extension Education), who emphasized the strategic role of structured training in achieving sustainable growth in the dairy sector. Dr. Tiwari highlighted that “nutrition is the cornerstone of animal productivity, and empowering our officers with scientific tools is critical for scaling India’s milk economy.”

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Sessions Led by Experts in Animal Nutrition and Extension

Prominent faculty members of IVRI contributed their domain expertise throughout the event. Dr. L.C. Vaidhri and Dr. Anju Bala, senior scientists in livestock nutrition, conducted sessions on practical formulation of mineral mixtures and feed balancing. Participants learned how to analyze feed samples and design optimal rations tailored to different cattle breeds, age groups, and productivity levels.

Other highlights included hands-on sessions led by Dr. Rupsi Chitari, focusing on feed digestibility assessments and formulation of probiotic-rich diets. These modules underscored IVRI’s focus on integrating research with field-level execution.

Use of ICT Tools in Modern Dairy Practices

A dedicated session explored the role of digital tools and applications in advancing dairy extension. Officers were introduced to mobile-based applications and web platforms for data collection, diet planning, livestock record-keeping, and health monitoring. Experts presented case studies showcasing how rural dairy farmers have benefited from ICT integration for feeding schedules and productivity tracking.

These learnings reflected India’s broader push for Digital India initiatives, as well as the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying’s commitment to data-enabled decision-making.

Grass-Based Nutrition and Sustainable Feed Strategies

With climate resilience and low-cost feed solutions becoming pressing concerns, the program included modules on utilizing local grasses, silage techniques, and unconventional feed resources. Dairy officers were taught to identify region-specific feed ingredients and integrate them with traditional feed types to ensure nutrient sufficiency.

This theme gained praise from Dr. Chitari, who said, “Leveraging native grasses and bioavailable feed sources can cut down costs while maintaining optimum cattle health. This is critical in regions with seasonal fodder scarcity.”

Empowering Dairy Officers as Change Agents

The livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers wasn’t merely academic. Through intensive skill-based sessions, dairy personnel developed critical field-level competencies that they can now transfer to dairy farmers across Punjab and beyond. By equipping dairy officers with this knowledge, the training aligns with the national vision of self-reliance and sustainable agriculture.

IVRI’s Commitment to Inclusive Agricultural Growth

Celebrating its 135-year journey, IVRI continues to be a national hub for veterinary research, livestock vaccination, and scientific capacity building. The institute’s consistent engagement in outreach programs, such as this one, complements its mission to serve farmers with practical, research-driven solutions.

Participants of the program expressed high satisfaction and pledged to implement the learnings in their respective districts. A few attendees even suggested follow-up digital refresher modules and field audits to ensure sustained impact.

Bridging Science and Field Practice: The Way Forward

India’s dairy economy accounts for over 4.5% of its GDP and supports over 80 million rural households. Yet, productivity gaps persist due to inconsistent feeding practices and lack of access to scientific nutrition. By organizing programs such as this livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers, institutions like IVRI are closing that knowledge gap and nurturing a generation of technically empowered dairy professionals.

The success of the program also highlights the importance of state-institute collaboration. Punjab’s proactive support, combined with IVRI’s academic excellence, offers a model that can be scaled nationwide.

Internal Resources for Learners and Dairy Professionals

To further empower dairy stakeholders, we recommend exploring the following educational resources:

• NCERT Courses – For structured academic modules.
• Current Affairs – Stay updated with agri-sector developments.
• Download Notes – Easy reference for animal nutrition concepts.
• MCQs – Practice-based learning tools.
• Videos – Visual insights on ration formulation and feed management.
• Syllabus Resources – Full course plans.
• NCERT Mind Maps and PDFs – Conceptual clarity with free downloads.

External Link for Institutional Website Support

For veterinary or agricultural institutions looking to develop dynamic and informative websites to host training programs and resources, you can contact Mart India Infotech for customized web solutions.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What was the objective of the livestock nutrition training program for dairy officers?
A: To enhance technical and practical skills in livestock nutrition, feed analysis, and extension.

Q2. Who organized the five-day dairy feed analysis and ration formulation course?
A: The Joint Directorate (Extension) at IVRI in collaboration with Punjab Dairy Development.

Q3. What topics were covered in hands-on training in livestock feeding management course?
A: Feed analysis, ration formulation, ICT tools, probiotic use, and sustainable nutrition.

Q4. Why is probiotic and mineral mixture formulation for dairy cattle important?
A: These improve digestion, immunity, and productivity in dairy animals.

Q5. What are ICT tools in dairy husbandry extension training program?
A: Apps and software for diet planning, record-keeping, health monitoring, and analytics.

Q6. How does the training help bridge the gap between research and field practices?
A: By equipping officers with practical knowledge and hands-on application tools.

Q7. Can officers replicate this knowledge in their field areas?
A: Yes, they are expected to implement and train farmers in their respective districts.

Q8. How does IVRI support dairy development across India?
A: Through research, vaccine development, and capacity-building programs like this one.

Q9. What role does Punjab play in this collaboration?
A: Punjab provided officers and support for integrating the program outcomes into policy.

Q10. Is there a plan to scale this training model to other states?
A: Yes, the success here is likely to inspire similar initiatives in other regions.