Buffalo Research Institute (An Introduction, Importance & Significance)

Reported By: Muhammad Basil
Dairy Scientist, IA&DS, FAH, UAF

Former Internee at BRI, Pattoki


Buffalo Research Institute, Bhunikey, is situated at Pattoki, District Kasur and is located on Lahore-Multan Road. BRI was established in 2005. The need for its establishment was the survey which was held between 1972-1985. The report of this census was that only 1 bull was left for the 140 female buffaloes. Whereas, one male bull is only for sixty female buffaloes. BRI was established to save the important breeds of buffalo. There was a need that the Nili-Ravi DNA details should be present and a reference population should provide that study. Base and data should be established. Milk production gene must be more. Based on that sequence, we would be able to study the DNA and select the animal and the remaining animals will be used for slaughtering purposes. The objectives to establish BRI are mentioned below:

Objectives:

& Undertake research on all aspects of buffalo production and reproduction.

& Genetic improvement of buffalo through the production of progeny tested bulls.

& To establish nucleus breeding herd of buffalo breed.

& To study the digestive physiology of buffalo for better utilization of feed resources and the determination of nutritional requirements of buffalo.

& To characterize the buffalo breeds genetically in the country and get them patented at the international level because of the coming WTO scenario.

& To act as a repository of information on all aspects of buffalo production and development.

& To undertake technology transfer and extension activities.

Quantifiable targets:

Quantifiable targets of BRI are as mentioned below in points:

*                    Purchase and management of 400 buffaloes.

*                    Purchase of 400 buffaloes male calves and their rearing at Calf Raising Centre.

*                    Registration and production recording of 15000 buffaloes in 10 districts of Punjab.

*                    Test mating of 75 candidate bulls under the progeny testing program.

*                    Testing of 1000 animal samples for Gene mapping to genetically characterize the Buffalo breeds in the country.

*                    Fattening trials of 40-50 male calves for production of quality beef.

*                    Holding of fairs/farmer days quarterly.

*                    Short term training of 10-15 registered farmers on monthly basis.


Organizational Structure:

Open the link below to study the Organizational Structure of BRI in detail:


Divisions:

For the smooth working and functioning of BRI, the divisions are working with their particular organizational structure. There are six major divisions at BRI working under the ‘’Chief Research Officer’’. CRO is also the head of the institute. In this report, all the six divisions are explained to better understand Buffalo Research Institute. Please click on the divisions and their sub-divisions to open and read them.

1.      Administration and Management Division.

(Link explaining this division will be shared soon). 


     2.     Breeding and Genetics Division.

 (Link explaining this division will be shared soon).


3. Reproduction Division

https://dsuaf.blogspot.com/2021/07/reproduction-division.html

3.1 Calf Raising Centre (CRC)


     4.     Nutrition Division.

 (Link explaining this division will be shared soon).

4.1. Nutrition Laboratory 

4.2. Feed Supplement Section

4.3. Agricultural Section


     5.     Farm and Health Division. 

 (Link explaining this division will be shared soon). 

5.1 Livestock Experiment Station (LES)

5.2 Buffalo Genomics Laboratory

https://dsuaf.blogspot.com/2022/03/buffalo-genomics-laboratory-bri-pattoki.html

     6.     Economics and Technology Transfer Division.

 (Link explaining this division will be shared soon).

 

Buffalo Milk Festival

‘’Doodh Mella’’

This festival is arranged at Buffalo Research Institute. It has several segments;

                 i.            Buffalo milk competition.

               ii.            Milking buffalo beauty competition.

             iii.            Buffalo heifer beauty competition.

              iv.            Buffalo breeding bull beauty competition.

                v.            Buffalo young bull beauty competition.

              vi.            Display of different stalls such as informative, feed additives, medicines and modern dairy instruments.

            vii.            Display of other animals such as race dogs, camel dance, goat breeds and cultural dance on the drumbeat.

          viii.            Participation of foreign delegates.

              ix.            Visit of livestock officers, scientists, politicians and breeders across the country.

                x.            Entertainment and refreshment for the farmers.

Accommodation:

A huge shed is present at BRI for the accommodation of animals and their owners. This shed includes the space for residential tents, feeding and water troughs for animals. The food mobile canteen is also established nearby. The toilets also have been built there for caretakers.

Pastureland:

To fulfil the need for animal feed. Participants are allotted the pasturelands for grazing their animals. As well the fresh green fodder is also allowed to be cut from the fields of the Agricultural area. Which is assigned to the farmers.

Feed Additives and Hay:

Feed Additives such as Wanda, mineral mixture and mineral salts are also available at BRI and can be purchased. Hay is also facilitated there.

Medical Assistance:

To deal with veterinary emergencies, Veterinary Officers are appointed there. All kind of medicines and medical support is available to the animals. RESCUE 1122 also remains active during the festival to deal with any kind of unpleasant situation for the humans.

Milking Competition:

In this competition, buffalo is milked five times. First, two milkings are not considered but counted. First, two initial milkings are for taking out extra milk from the udder. The final three milkings are considered as actual milk weightage.

Beauty competition:

The ring is established there in which owners move their animals. The judges stand inside the ring and observe the animals. In the end, they announce the first, second and third positions. It is announced based on body scoring, beauty and walking style.

Display of different breeds:

Different types of cattle and buffalo breeds are displayed there for their recognization and to raise their importance.


 

 

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