Category: News

𝟭𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: The Department of Livestock (DoL) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) is pleased to announce the receipt of substantial in-kind support from the Republic of Korea’s Small Grant Aid Project (SGAP), facilitated by the Korean Embassy in Dhaka in 2023. This support included critical laboratory equipment to: 1) assess the quality and safety of animal feed, 2) produce and supply bovine artificial insemination inputs for dairy breed intensification, and 3) evaluate the quality and safety of dairy products (post-production laboratory services).

With a total allocation of USD 0.5 million, the National Development Centre for Animal Nutrition (NDCAN) in Bumthang and the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC) in Yusipang, Thimphu, received 21 different pieces of equipment. The project included the installation and demonstration of major equipment such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Computerized Automated Semen Analysis (CASA) AndroVision System, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, and Furnace by certified service engineers.

The project was implemented through the Livestock Production Division of the DoL. The handing-over ceremony, held on June 10, 2024, at NDDC in Yusipang, was graced by the Director of the Department of Livestock, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Jin Hee Baek, and delegate Ms. Hae Yeon Kim from the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance, Ministry of Finance, also attended the event.

This crucial support from the SGAP project enables NDCAN to routinely analyze feed for heavy metals and pesticides, ensuring feed quality and safety. Similarly, the equipment supplied to NDDC will enhance the production and supply of high-quality dairy inputs, improve dairy breeds, and ensure the quality and safety of dairy products.

The Department of Livestock extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of Korea and the Korean Embassy in Dhaka for this vital and timely assistance.

𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: The Regional Livestock Development Center, Kanglung, is currently conducting an in-service training program for Animal Health personnel. This training, held in Trashigang, aims to enhance the proficiency of extension staff from various Dzongkhags and farms in delivering animal health services. It focuses on updating their knowledge and skills in clinical examination procedures, disease diagnosis, treatment protocols, sampling techniques, as well as preventive measures for emerging notifiable and zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, the training covers essential topics such as veterinary drug administration, dosage calculation, and indications. Participants will also receive insights into Antimicrobial Resistance and its application through a traffic light system in livestock management.

The training program additionally emphasizes the improvement of skills in basic surgical and obstetrical procedures for common surgical conditions and metabolic disease management. Currently, 47 members, including resource persons, from six eastern dzongkhags and farms, are participating in the program, which commenced on May 13th and will conclude on May 17th, 2024. Funding for this initiative is supported by the CARLEP project.

Reported by: RLDC, Kanglung