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OTHER DEPARTMENTS
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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT
Functions.
Treatment of sick animals, control of cattle epidemics, castration and breeding of healthy cattle are the primary functions of the Animal Husbandry department. Besides, the department also advises the people in hygienic methods of animal management and for propaganda purposes participates in cattle and poultry fairs and shows held from time to time at various places in the State.
Organisation.
Activities concerning animal husbandry in the district are controlled by the Zilla Parishad and the functions regarding animal husbandry which forms a section of the Agriculture
department are controlled by the District Animal Husbandry Officer responsible to the Agricultural Development Officer of the Zilla Parishad. In technical matters the advice of the Director of Animal Husbandry who is the head of the department at the State level, prevails.
Activities in the District.
A chain of seven veterinary dispensaries and 21 aid centres has been established throughout the district. The work of treating and vaccinating animals and poultry birds against various diseases is carried out by the veterinary officers and stockmen attached to these veterinary institutions. In 1961-62, 63,080 animals were given treatment and 1,77,375 poultry birds were vaccinated. These veterinary institutions also undertake castrations and breeding of healthy cattle.
Natural as well as artificial methods are employed in the breeding. At present though there is no district artificial insemination centre, four such sub-centres have been established at Miraj, Tasgaon, Vita and Islampur. These are attached to the veterinary dispensaries at the respective places and the work is carried on by the veterinary officers and stockmen, no special staff having been recruited for the purpose. For natural breeding the district has been supplied with 59 premium bulls and 258 premium cows (1961-62). At Bilashi a Premium Bull centre has been established.
Poultry development activities in the district are promoted by supplying good quality hatching eggs and pure breed of cocks. The District Poultry Breeding Farm has been temporarily set up at Bhilavadi.
The district has two Sheep and Wool Extension Centres, recently set up to rear good quality rams and improve the local breed.
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