RAWALPINDI: The National Center for Livestock Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (NCLBG&G) at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) organised a national symposium titled “Transforming Livestock Through Genomics” at NCLBG&G, Rawat, bringing together participants from all provinces of Pakistan.
The symposium focused on the role of modern genomic technologies in livestock breeding, genetic improvement, productivity enhancement and sustainable development of the livestock sector.
PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman attended the event as chief guest. Addressing the symposium, he appreciated Prof Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, for his continued support for the establishment and development of NCLBG&G.
The vice chancellor said the centre’s state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced equipment and modern genomic technologies offered significant opportunities to improve livestock breeds, enhance productivity and strengthen scientific research in Pakistan.
He highlighted Pakistan’s vast livestock potential and stressed the need to translate research findings into practical solutions for farmers and livestock producers. He noted that genetic improvement of local breeds could help increase milk production and improve the quality and availability of dairy products, thereby contributing to national food security, higher farmers’ incomes and increased revenue generation.
A key feature of the symposium was the introduction of genomic selection technology in Pakistan, aimed at supporting more accurate livestock breeding decisions and accelerating genetic improvement.
The event also marked the first national symposium organised by NCLBG&G, providing a national platform for researchers, scientists, livestock experts and stakeholders from across the country to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Earlier, Dr Ghulam Bilal, Central Project Director of NCLBG&G, briefed the participants on the centre’s mandate and activities. He said the National Center operates through seven sub-centres across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, supporting research and development in livestock breeding, genetics and genomics.
An exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the symposium, featuring research and technical stalls that showcased modern agricultural and livestock technologies.
Technical sessions and consultative meetings with stakeholders and industry partners provided opportunities for expert discussions, knowledge sharing and identification of areas for collaborative research and innovation.
On the occasion, World Egg Day was also celebrated. The Institute of Animal Sciences highlighted the importance of eggs as a nutritious food source and their contribution to food security, public awareness and development of the poultry sector.
