'UVAS playing pivotal role in livestock sector's uplift'

Livestock and Dairy Development Secretary, Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh has said that University and Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) is playing its pivotal role for uplifting the livestock sector as well as contributing to national economy. He was talking to the Vice Chancellor, who escorted him for a visit to university's Ravi campus Pattoki on Tuesday.
Hamid Yaqoob said UVAS was one of the oldest veterinary institutions in Asia. The university was also having the distinction of first Islamic-world veterinary university dealing in veterinary science subjects. He noted that within nine years UVAS was getting marvellous growth especially in research and contributing a lot in the in the economic development of the country. He regarded UVAS as the best varsity of the country. Yaqoob assured to provide all out support for the university at all levels.
UVAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz explained that low potential animals should be replaced with best genetic animals. He added that one third of fodder and water was being wasted due to such animals. He elaborated "Pakistan is lagging behind in milk yield with only three to five litre per animals it should be meet the 20 to 25 litre per animal in this regard. Dr Nawaz elaborated 'UVAS is the national based university and making effort for the development of livestock sector and producing professional manpower to uplift national exchequer.
Commenting on livestock growth, he said 70 percent population is dependent on three to five type of animals. By adopting good management practices, small farmers could increase 25 to 50 percent of milk and meat production. On the occasion, Director Institute of Continuing Education & Extension Dr Aneela Zameer Durani briefed about the extension activities of the institution.
Earlier, Livestock and Dairy Development Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh visited the four blocks of Ravi Campus spread over 1,000 acres of land. He took keen interest in livestock farms, bio-gas plant, fisheries and poultry departments. Vice Chancellor thanked Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh for his first visit to UVAS after taking charge as Secretary. Livestock and Dairy Development Department Director General (Ext), Dr Irfan Zahid, Buffalo Research Institute chief research officer Dr Muhammad Hanif Khan, L&DD director communication Dr Asrar Hussain and UVAS registrar Kamran Ashraf were also present on the occasion.