FAISALABAD, Dec 18: Pakistan is facing challenges to boost agriculture and livestock sectors according to the international standards. This was stated by University of Agriculture vice-chancellor Dr Bashir Ahmad at a seminar on ‘Dairy nutrition and management to improve animal well-being and performance’ organized by the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology in collaboration with the USDA and the American Soybean Association here on Saturday.

He stressed the need for introducing a new technology for silage for the livestock sector. He urged the scientists to develop manual of composite feed for livestock for all seasons. Milch animals faced shortage of green fodder twice a year once in May and June and the second in October and November. This was the crucial period for the livestock in the context of fodder and their management, he said.

He said livestock farmers were not properly educated regarding storage of animal feed. He urged the scientists to convey their research to stakeholders.

Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology director Dr Mohammad Sarwar said the livestock management was a key issue which was neglected in the past. Milch animals were suffering from 32 per cent protein deficiency and 28 per cent other food supplement deficiencies. He said his institute was utilizing its efforts to promote composite feed for livestock. They were providing cheaper food for milch animals.

American scholar Dr Tillak Ram Dhiman said Pakistan had a great potential in the livestock sector which could be utilized through better management and balance feed.

US Soybean Export Council liaison officer Shahnawaz Janjua highlighted the role of proteins in feed science. He said soybean was a major source of protein which should be introduced as feed in Pakistan.