HYDERABAD, Feb 28: Livestock scientists and experts have expressed concern over extinction of superior breed animals and stressed the need for research to save the breed. They were speaking at the concluding session of a training programme for preservation of the superior breed of livestock at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, on Saturday.

The 10-day training course was held in cooperation with the Higher Education Commission and conducted by Washington State University expert Mushtaq Ahmad Memon.

The experts said the superior breed of livestock was on the verge of destruction and urged livestock institutions to save the livestock.

Speaking as chief guest, Faqir Jadam Mangrio, special assistant to the Sindh chief minister, said the fast extension of the breed was a serious problem and, unfortunately, there was shortage of livestock scientists.

He urged the Sindh Agriculture University to impart practical training to livestock owners and officers of departments concerned.

Lahore University of Veterinary Sciences vice-chancellor Dr Manzoor Qureshi said that due to non-cooperation of authorities and departments concerned, shortage of meat and milk was being experienced in the country. He said there was also no coordination among research organizations of the country.

He stressed the need for extensive research for increase of livestock and on animal diseases.

Sindh Agriculture University vice-chancellor Dr Bashir Ahmad Shaikh said that as far back as 1981, it had been pointed out at a meeting in Islamabad that there were only 500 red cows in Sindh. He, however, said no research had been carried out on the subject till date.

He said the decrease in the superior breed of livestock was alarming.—Bureau