ICAR-IVRI Advances Indigenous Cattle Breeding with New Technology
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) has achieved a significant breakthrough in cattle breeding by producing calves from high-quality genetic material sourced from Sahiwal cattle. The donor cow, a Sahiwal, yielded over 12 litres of milk daily, and was fertilized with semen from a bull with a maternal lineage showing a lactation yield of approximately 3,320 kilograms.
Advanced Reproductive Techniques
The program successfully utilized non-stimulated conditions to recover oocytes, achieving an average of 14.5 oocytes in Tharparkar cattle, 13.14 in Sahiwal cattle, and between 4.5 and 5.5 in Murrah buffalo. The efficiency of embryo production was notable, with blastocyst development rates exceeding 47% in cattle and over 42% in buffalo, comparable to leading international standards.
Scalable Approach for Genetic Improvement
ICAR-IVRI plans to expand the use of Ovum Pick-Up - In Vitro Fertilization - Embryo Transfer (OPU-IVF-ET) technology to enhance genetic improvement programs. The initiative also aims to conserve India's indigenous bovine germplasm, ensuring the preservation of native genetics.
Alongside these scientific efforts, the institute is investing in workforce development through practical training in assisted reproductive technologies. These initiatives are designed to foster technical expertise, support entrepreneurship, and stimulate new ventures within India's livestock sector.
The project was led by Dr. Brijesh Kumar, with guidance from Dr. S. K. Singh and support from senior scientists and research scholars. Commenting on the success, Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) at ICAR, emphasized the potential for further advancements in assisted reproductive technologies.
This development represents a crucial step for India's dairy industry, integrating modern reproductive science with efforts to improve and conserve indigenous dairy breeds. It highlights the dual goals of enhancing productivity and preserving valuable native genetics.
