University-backed initiative, supported by a ₹1.55 crore CSR grant, aims to bring milk adulteration detection, aflatoxin screening and feed-quality analysis closer to dairy farmers.
LUDHIANA: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) is set to launch a mobile laboratory offering free milk and animal feed testing services to dairy farmers across Punjab from January, according to a media report.
The initiative aims to make scientific testing more accessible to farmers by bringing laboratory facilities closer to villages. The mobile unit is expected to help assess milk quality, detect adulteration, screen animal feed for harmful contaminants and support better livestock nutrition.
Mobile laboratory to offer milk and feed analysis
The university has procured a vehicle for the project and is undertaking fabrication work to equip it with laboratory facilities. The initiative is being supported by a ₹1.55 crore corporate social responsibility (CSR) grant from a private company.
Dr J. S. Hundal, head of GADVASU’s Department of Animal Nutrition, said the objective is to enable farmers to access specialised testing services without travelling long distances to established laboratories.
The planned testing services include:
- Milk quality and adulteration testing: To help farmers assess milk quality and identify possible adulteration.
- Aflatoxin screening: To detect harmful toxins that may occur in contaminated feed and potentially enter the milk supply chain.
- Cattle feed analysis: To assess the nutritional quality of feed ingredients and compounded rations.
- Fodder and silage testing: To support evaluation of feed quality and identify nutritional deficiencies.
The availability of these services could help farmers make more informed decisions about animal feeding, milk production and food safety.
Planned deployment across Punjab’s agricultural regions
GADVASU plans to station the mobile laboratory at university campuses, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other government locations to extend its reach across Punjab’s central, south-western and Kandi regions.
The deployment strategy is intended to improve access for farmers in different dairy-producing areas and reduce the practical barriers associated with laboratory testing.
Potential benefits for dairy productivity and food safety
Access to milk and feed testing can help dairy farmers identify quality problems earlier, improve ration formulation and make better use of fodder and silage.
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Aflatoxin monitoring is particularly relevant because aflatoxin B1 in animal feed can be metabolised by dairy animals into aflatoxin M1, which may be detected in milk. Testing feed and milk can therefore contribute to risk management across the dairy supply chain.
However, the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the laboratory’s testing capabilities, analytical methods, quality-control procedures, sample-handling protocols and the availability of timely results and technical advice.
Expansion may follow initial implementation
According to the report, GADVASU may consider adding more mobile laboratories and expanding advisory services on balanced animal feeding if the initiative proves successful.
The project represents a potential step towards decentralising dairy testing services in Punjab, combining scientific analysis with practical guidance for farmers. Its longer-term impact will depend on the number of farmers served, the range of validated tests offered and how effectively test results are translated into improvements in feed management, animal health and milk quality.
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