Practical Knowledge in Action: Bank Kompanion Holds Livestock Weight Measurement Training in Kara-Dyykan Village

Animal husbandry remains one of the main sources of income for rural communities in Kyrgyzstan. Especially in the regions, livestock farming is not just a way of life — it is the economic backbone of many families. That is why Bank Kompanion continues to conduct educational trainings for farmers across the country. One such hands-on seminar recently took place in Kara-Dyykan village of Uzgen district, Osh region.

Mornings in the village begin early, even before sunrise. At 6:00 a.m., after milking, locals take their cows out to pasture. Each family owns its own cow, but villagers join together to form a common herd called a “bada”, supervised by a single herder. Among them are families of labor migrants, actively engaged in small-scale farming and highly motivated to improve livestock productivity. Bank Kompanion’s regional managers organized a training group specifically for them and conducted a practical workshop on how to measure the live weight of livestock.

What did participants learn?

• How to measure a cow’s live weight without using a scale;

• How weight changes depending on pasture access and feeding quality;

• Why proper nutrition directly impacts productivity and animal health.

Why does it matter?

Understanding an animal’s live weight helps to:

• Accurately assess productivity;

• Adjust feeding strategies and identify nutritional deficiencies;

• Sell livestock at a fair price based on weight;

• Keep records and plan household business development.

Our mission is not only to be a financial partner, but also a reliable source of knowledge and support for local businesses. Supporting migrant families, livestock owners and smallholder farmers through training and access to modern agricultural methods is at the core of our regional sustainable development program.

If you’d like to take part in similar trainings, please visit your nearest Bank Kompanion office or contact our regional managers.