Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, organized a brainstorming conclave on “Roadmap for Beetal
Goat Breed Improvement in Punjab: From Conservation to Commercialization”. The conclave brought together scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and progressive goat farmers to deliberate on strategies for conserving and improving Punjab’s indigenous Beetal goat breed.
Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Vice-Chancellor, was the patron of the event, while Dr. R.S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education, chaired the conclave. Dr JPS Gill emphasized that the conclave is expected to strengthen collaboration among research institutions, government departments, farmers and industry stakeholders, paving the way for a coordinated approach to Beetal breed conservation, genetic improvement and commercialization in Punjab.
Dr. M K Singh, Principal Coordinator, Central Institute for Research on Goats Makhdoom, highlighted the contribution of the goat sector towards the vision of Breed Development. He also emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to breed conservation, scientific breeding, improved productivity, semen preservation and commercial promotion.
Technical deliberations covered the status, characteristics and challenges of the Beetal breed; lessons from genetic improvement 
and stall-feeding practices at Veterinary University; breeding objectives and selection criteria; and strategies for genetic improvement among farmers. Experts also discussed goat semen preservation, Integrated goat farming disease prevention, biosecurity, economic viability, marketing strategies, policy support for goat production and livelihood opportunities for goat farmers.
Dr R. S. Grewal informed that the conservation and genetic improvement of the Beetal goat breed are essential for strengthening Punjab’s livestock sector and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods. He further underscored the importance of developing farmer-oriented technologies, strengthening market linkages and creating awareness about scientific goat-rearing practices.
The concluding session involved stakeholder perspectives, open-floor discussions and formulation of recommendations. The initiative reaffirmed University’s commitment to advancing scientific goat farming, conserving indigenous animal genetic resources and promoting sustainable livestock-based livelihoods in Punjab.
