10 November, Vitebsk /Sergey Kochetov - BELTA/. Farms in the Vitebsk region increased livestock and poultry production (rearing) by almost 10% in January-October compared to the same period in 2010, reaching 188.8 thousand tonnes. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Vladimir Mashero, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Regional Executive Committee. Based on the results of work in January-October, milk production in the region increased by 3.3% compared to the data for 10 months of 2010, reaching 572 thousand tonnes. In October alone, almost 60 thousand tonnes of milk were produced, with a production growth rate of 107.7% compared to October last year. This was made possible by improving the quality of work organisation in agricultural organisations as a whole and enhancing the quality indicators of harvested fodder. This year, almost 30 centners of fodder units per conventional head of cattle have been harvested, which is more than 20% higher than the same indicator in 2010. Furthermore, the quality of fodder is significantly higher than last year's level in terms of protein and nutrients, which has allowed for the avoidance of milk losses and a positive production trend since the start of the stall-feeding period, noted Vladimir Mashero. In the region, egg production also increased by 2% over 10 months, amounting to over 328.5 million eggs. Despite difficulties with financing the construction of livestock facilities, farms are increasing their animal populations. For instance, in January-October, the cattle population grew by 2.4% to 613.2 thousand heads, and the number of pigs increased by 7.4% to 512.4 thousand heads. In addition, the region has achieved a positive trend in the calf population, with numbers rising by over five hundred to 183.3 thousand heads (a growth rate of 100.3% compared to January-October 2010), as well as in piglet numbers, which increased by 10% to 738.7 thousand heads. Overall, all livestock premises have been prepared for winter operating conditions, with the exception of isolated minor issues that will be resolved in due course before the onset of frost. Animals in stalls have been switched to their winter feeding regimen. -0-

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