Gadvasu will launch free mobile milk and feed testing in Punjab

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Gadvasu) is preparing a mobile laboratory for dairy farmers in Punjab, with services scheduled to begin from January. The unit will allow farmers to submit milk and animal-feed samples for testing without charge.

The project is being financed by a ₹1.55 crore corporate social responsibility grant from a private company. Gadvasu has acquired a vehicle and is carrying out fabrication work to install the laboratory equipment. The university said the arrangement is intended to make specialised testing available closer to farming communities, including those located far from fixed testing facilities.

Dr JS Hundal, head of Gadvasu’s Department of Animal Nutrition, said the project would make specialised testing more accessible to farmers near their villages. The university’s planned testing will cover milk quality and possible adulteration, as well as cattle feed, fodder and silage.

Feed samples will also be screened for aflatoxins, toxic substances that can contaminate animal feed. The source material states that, in some circumstances, aflatoxins can enter the milk supply chain. Analysis of feed resources will provide information on quality and nutritional deficiencies for farmers assessing animal diets.

Gadvasu plans to place the mobile laboratory at university campuses, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and other government sites. The proposed service will cover Punjab’s central, south-western and Kandi regions, allowing the unit to operate from established agricultural and public locations.

University officials have described the facility as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. They expect it to support work on herd nutrition, milk quality and food safety. If the project proves successful, Gadvasu plans to add mobile units and advisory services on balanced animal feeding.