Did NDRI Achieve a Milestone by Producing a Gir Breed Calf Using IVF Technology?
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Synopsis
The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has successfully produced a Gir breed calf using cutting-edge IVF technology. This remarkable achievement promises to boost the population of high-breed cows and improve dairy production in India, revolutionizing animal breeding practices.
Key Takeaways
- NDRI has successfully produced a Gir breed calf using IVF technology.
- The OPU-IVF technique has reduced the reproductive cycle to 39 months.
- This technology can significantly increase the number of high-breed cows.
- Approximately 900,000 Gir cows exist in India.
- The cloned cow used for this achievement is named Shravani.
Karnal (Haryana), July 15 (NationPress) The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has recently achieved a significant milestone in the realm of animal breeding technology by successfully producing a Gir breed calf through the innovative use of In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology.
NDRI scientists conducted an embryo transfer, implanting an embryo created from the egg of Ganga, the nation’s first cloned Gir breed cow, into the womb of a Sahiwal breed cow. This pioneering procedure culminated in the birth of a Gir breed calf on July 11.
The objective of this initiative is to enhance the population of milch animals. The adoption of the OPU-IVF technique has also significantly shortened the reproductive cycle. Typically, it takes between 60 to 84 months to produce two generations, but this advanced technique has reduced this timeline to an impressive 39 months.
NDRI scientists assert that this breakthrough will facilitate a rapid increase in the population of high-breed cows.
In contrast to traditional animal breeding methods, where a cow typically gives birth to 10-12 calves throughout her lifetime, this groundbreaking technology has the potential to dramatically increase those numbers.
A dedicated team of scientists, including Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Dr. Naresh Selokar, Dr. Ranjit Verma, Kartikeya Patel, Dr. Priyanka Singh, and Dr. Nitin Tyagi, worked diligently under the guidance of NDRI Director Dr. Dheer Singh to accomplish this feat.
Dr. Dheer Singh stated that the birth of the calf from the egg of cloned cow Ganga, utilizing OPU-IVF technology with a surrogate mother, represents a remarkable success for the institute's scientists.
He further mentioned that the combined application of cloning and OPU-IVF technology can significantly accelerate the increase of high-yielding high-breed animals in the nation.
Currently, there are approximately 900,000 Gir cows in the country, primarily located in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with populations also in Hisar and Jind of Haryana.
The cloned cow, from which the egg leading to this calf was taken, has been named Shravani, as it was born during the auspicious month of Saavan. Genetic testing will be conducted to determine the percentage of Gir breed characteristics present in the calf.
Point of View
I find this achievement by NDRI not only innovative but also crucial for the future of dairy farming in India. The application of IVF technology in animal breeding is a testament to our growing expertise in agricultural science and holds the potential to address the increasing demand for dairy products while ensuring the sustainability of livestock.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What technology was used to produce the Gir breed calf?
The calf was produced using In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology.
What is the significance of the OPU-IVF technique?
The OPU-IVF technique significantly reduces the reproductive cycle, allowing for faster generation production.
Who were the key scientists involved in this achievement?
The team included Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Dr. Naresh Selokar, Dr. Ranjit Verma, Kartikeya Patel, Dr. Priyanka Singh, and Dr. Nitin Tyagi.
What is the current population of Gir cows in India?
There are approximately 900,000 Gir cows in India, primarily found in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
What potential impact does this achievement have on dairy farming?
This achievement is expected to rapidly increase the number of high-breed cows, enhancing dairy production across the country.
