Nation's largest livestock research institute in Salem becomes operational

THE country's largest livestock research institute—Advanced Institute of Integrated Research in Livestock and Animal Sciences (AIIRLAS)—in Thalavasal, Salem, commenced operations on Monday.

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Chief Minister MK Stalin, via video-conferencing, inaugurated the facility, which was established on 1,102.05 acres at ₹564.44 crore.

Equipped with modern technology, the campus has administrative buildings, research laboratories, guesthouses, and 126 structures comprising nine wings, including livestock farms, dog-breeding units, a fodder research station and support facilities.

AIIRLAS director Dr. Krishnakumar told TNIE that the institute houses around 120 animals, including native cattle breeds such as Pulikulam, Sindhi and Kangeyam, four breeds of goats, sheep and pigs. "A research station for fisheries has been operational for the past 20 days," he said.