At least 43 veterinary officers from across Punjab attended a master trainers' workshop organized by the Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab.
Focus on Small Ruminants and Poultry
The workshop concentrated on goat, sheep, pig and poultry animals, aiming to enhance practical skills among veterinary professionals. JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, emphasized that continuous capacity building of veterinary professionals is imperative for ensuring efficient animal healthcare services and sustainable livestock development. He highlighted that such practical, need-based training programmes enable veterinary officers to update their technical expertise, adopt emerging technologies and effectively address the evolving challenges faced by the livestock sector.
Bridging Science and Field Application
RS Grewal, director of extension education, said such programmes bridge the gap between scientific advancements and field-level application, benefiting the farming community. Rajesh Gupta, deputy director (small ruminants), Department of Animal Husbandry, noted that the veterinary officers trained in the session will act as master trainers and train other veterinarians in the field and farmers.
Practical Sessions and Topics Covered
The workshop was coordinated by Jaswinder Singh, head of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, and Ravdeep Singh. It focused on practical and field-oriented aspects of veterinary practice, including blood sampling techniques in poultry and pigs; surgical management of urinary obstruction; nutritional requirements of sheep, goats, pigs and poultry; farm economics; humane euthanasia methods for small animals; and standard postmortem procedures.
Participants appreciated the practical sessions, stating they enhanced their technical competencies and preparedness for field challenges. They added that such need-based training programmes ultimately benefit livestock farmers and strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system for animals.
