These two topics were discussed at the seminar held by the joint project “Support to Sustainable Development of the Livestock Sector in Uzbekistan”, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation - MASHAV.

Considering the fact, that there are over 8.5 mln. heads of cattle in Uzbekistan, of which over 3.5 mln. are milking cows, productivity increase is of great significance in increasing incomes and standards of living of the rural population. Feeding is the determining productivity factor. Meanwhile, significant increase in milk yields is only possible provided a ration composed with consideration of cattle’s physiological peculiarities. During the seminar, Mr. Moshe Katz, the project’s international expert revealed basics of physiology of animals, as well as feeding principles, applicable both in large and small livestock households.

The livestock sector is characterized by high amounts of waste, mainly manure. Although manure is already widely used as a fertilizer, in order to minimize the damage to the environment it is prudent to compost it. This procedure provides destruction of all harmful microorganisms, larvae of insects and weed seeds. Thus, processed manure becomes a safe valuable fertilizer, which can fully or partially replace mineral fertilizers, enabling significant reduction of expenditures for fertilizers and avoid losses from spreading of weeds and parasite insects. Discussion of economic and ecologic benefits of using manure caused a vivid discussion among participants.

Small livestock breeding households create the majority of livestock produce in the country; therefore their development is the most important factor of the sector’s overall development. In this regard, Mr. Aytuar Tursunov, owner of “Jamol” farm shared his experience of livestock management in smallholder households. “Jamol” farm is an example of successful entity, which started from a small household farm. During the years of previously dehkan and later farming entity rich practical experience has been accumulated, which is of particular value, especially for owners of dehkan households.

Farmers, dehkans, veterinarians, specialists of Akkurgan and Quyichirchiq districts and representatives of Akkurgan district hokimiyat took part in the seminar. Organization of such events is called to improve knowledge and skills of livestock breeders, introduction of effective livestock management methods, and, as a result, increasing cattle productivity and incomes of rural population.