China approaches Indian centre for equine technology

Hisar, Nov 27 (UNI) Chinese Agricultural University (Equine Centre) has approached National Research Centre on Equine (NRCE) here for transfer of its technology on commercial basis.

The institute has also been requested for a collaborative research project between India and China, Dr S K Dwivedi, Director, NRCE today told UNI.

At present, the conservation of the threatened Indian breeds of horses found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir was being taken up by the centre on a priority basis, he said.

The institute is working on direct collaboration with Central Agricultural University, Manipur, Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University, Srinagar for conservation and propagation of Manipuri and Zanskari ponies.

Dr Dwivedi said, ''the role of the centre in export and import of horses is unique as only NRCE was recognised by the Government and international agencies for health certification of horses before their deportation to another country either for equestrian events or other purposes''.

Development of technology using biotechnological tools for early pregnancy diagnosis of mares and field applicable methodology of artificial insemination for production of superior quality mules currently required by farmers for transportation in arid and difficult hill terrains of the country, were some major achievements of the centre, he said.

Recently, the institute was approached by Indian Army to conduct mandatory tests upon the horses regarding some important infectious diseases before participation of the animals at Doha Asian Cramos, he said.

A National Conference on ''Finalisation of Breed characteristics of Marwari Horse'' was organised at 'NRCE under the aegis of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, on its 22nd foundation day yesterday.

A Horse Farmers' meet was also held on the occasion which was addressed by specialists in different areas of equine health and production and the queries of farmers related to reproduction, breeding, nutrition and health issues were promptly dealt with.

An equestrian event was also organised and hundreds of horse lovers applauded the performance, specially the horse dance, by Indigenous Horse Society of India, Dundlod&NRCE, Hisar.

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