ICAR Annual Conference & IDF/ISO Analytical Week 2025 at NDDB, Anand
ICAR Annual Conference & IDF/ISO Analytical Week 2025 at NDDB, Anand
1st April 2025, Anand: The International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and International Dairy Federation (IDF) / Indian National Committee of the IDF (INC-IDF), in collaboration with International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) organised the inaugural event of ICAR Annual Conference & IDF/ISO Analytical Week 2025 on 1st April 2025 at NDDB, Anand. The theme of the event is Sustainable Livestock Farming through Harmonization, Technology and Innovation.
Ms Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India & President, INC-IDF; Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB & Member Secretary, INC-IDF & Member, IDF Board; Dr Daniel Lefebvre, President, ICAR; Mr Philippe Trossat, Chair, MSSG & Member, SPCC, IDF and Mr Hans Cruijsen, Secretary, TC-MMP, ISO inaugurated the event.
The event brought together over 200 international and national delegates from 32 countries (with India), including academia, researchers, dairy professionals, farmer organisation representatives, consultants, industry manufacturers, diplomats and government officials. The 6 technical sessions cover topics like ICAR members developing tools to support farmers to increase sustainability of their dairy herd; Data collection to genetic improvement in smallholder dairy systems; Advancing climate smart livestock technology to enhance animal health & resilience, farmer prosperity and food; Analytical standards in support of a better & safer dairy chain; Milk analysis supporting the livestock and dairy production; Recording & phenotyping strategies with focus on functional traits; Breeding for lower methane emission - advances in recording, phenotypic & genetic analysis and implementation in breeding programmes. A poster session displays novelties across the dairy value chain. In addition, 19 exhibitors are exhibiting their innovations, technology and services.
Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB stated that this premier event showcases the latest developments in animal recording, testing and sustainable livestock practices. Participating delegates have the opportunity to explore future-driven solutions through meaningful discussions. International participants also have the chance to experience Indian dairying through technical tours, gaining first-hand insights into innovations.
Indian dairying is unique in the world. Despite small-scale dairying system with 2-3 cows per farmer and predominantly crop-residue based feeding, India has become the top milk producing country globally. India’s large-scale recording programmes and research projects are generating valuable data on previously unexplored breeds of cattle, buffaloes and other livestock species, drawing the attention of researchers worldwide.
ICAR is an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), composed of over 130 members from 55 countries. It provides an open yet secure network for sharing, learning from and interacting with fellow members and related stakeholders in global animal production.
Since its establishment in 1903, IDF has been uniting the global dairy community. Committed to scientific rigor and technical expertise, IDF has pioneered the path in promoting sustainable and safe dairy practices, shaping policies, standards and regulations worldwide.
ISO is an independent, non-governmental organisation that develops international standards relevant to various technical areas.
The ICAR Annual Conference is a global gathering of experts in the field of livestock performance recording, genetic evaluations and livestock improvement programmes. The IDF/ISO Analytical Week is an annual meeting of dairy experts who work together to develop standards for milk and milk products. This meeting is crucial for networking, discussing sector needs and sharing information with testing manufacturers about the latest developments.