Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 11: Approximately 200 students from Government Senior Secondary School, Garacharma undertook an educational exposure visit on January 7, 2026 to the Dairy Training-Cum-Demonstration Farm and the Govt. Central Hatchery, LFC, Dollygunj, facilitated by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
The students were divided into groups for guided tours of the Cattle farm, Goat unit, Piggery section, Fodder section and the state-of-the-art hatchery facility. They observed scientific livestock management i.e. Animal housing systems, breeding practices, feeding regimes, health management protocols and the complete process of egg incubation, hatching and chick rearing.
Veterinary officers and technical staff briefed the young visitors on essential scientific management practices in livestock and poultry farming. Key topics included balanced ration formulation, clean milk production techniques, breed improvement through artificial insemination, regular vaccination and deworming schedules, bio-security measures, waste utilisation through composting, incubator operation, temperature and humidity control, and the role of hatcheries in supplying quality chicks and ducklings to farmers across the islands.
The students displayed immense curiosity, actively interacting with the staff and asking questions about animal nutrition, disease prevention, hatchability improvement and career prospects in veterinary science and animal husbandry. Many were particularly fascinated by the automated incubation process and the sight of newly hatched chicks.
Accompanying teachers praised the Department for arranging such practical learning opportunities that complement classroom studies and inspire interest in agriculture and allied sectors.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services highlighted that these exposure visits are crucial for building awareness among the younger generation about sustainable and scientific livestock rearing practices suited to island conditions, while encouraging them to consider careers in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences.
More schools are scheduled to visit DTCDF Dollygunj and the Central Hatchery in the coming months as part of the Department’s ongoing educational outreach programme.