Gurez, Oct 07: The Division of Animal Genetics & Breeding under ICAR sponsored Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources has further strengthened its efforts for conservation of local Gurezi sheep in collaboration with KVK Gurez and Sheep Husbandry Department Gurez.
The programme witnessed presence of Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah, PI of Project Prof. Shanaz, DSHO Bandipora Dr. Irshad, Scientist Animal Science KVK Gurez Dr.Nazir and SDO Gurez Dr. Naseer Shabnam.
While addressing the beneficiaries Dr. Rafiq highlighted role of SKUAST-K for conservation of Gurez sheep. He further cautioned beneficiaries to honestly adhere to the guidelines given by Prof. Shanaz in terms of management practices especially avoiding mixing of this breed.
Speaking about the project Prof. Shahnaz stated that intensive survey and selection of pure Gurezi sheep’s was done in year 2020 and then selective breeding of these animals was carried out at FVSc & AH Shuhama for genetic improvement and ex-situ conservation. On this occasion the progeny of these animals was distributed free of cost among Dardi tribal beneficiaries at its native place of Gurez valley for to in-situ conservation of the breed by increasing its population. Quality feed prepared at MLRI, SKUAST-K was also distributed among all beneficiaries. An awareness cum clinical camp was also conducted at Dawar where in quality medicine and informative leaflets where distributed among the beneficiaries.
