IVF Technology for Cattle Breeding

Recently, Puducherry achieved milestone in livestock management. The first calf born through In-Vitro Fertilized Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) technology was delivered in Kanuvapet village. This development is part of a pilot project supported by the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

What is IVF-ET Technology?

IVF-ET technology involves fertilising an egg outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo into a surrogate cow. This method allows for the selection of embryos with superior genetic traits. The aim is to produce high-yielding cattle that can increase milk production.

Goals and Targets

The Animal Husbandry department aims to produce at least 500 heads of cattle using IVF-ET technology in Puducherry and Karaikal. This initiative seeks to improve the genetic potential and production capacity of local dairy farms. The goal is to achieve a peak milk production of 5,000 litres per lactation from each cow.

Success Rates and Challenges

The project has reported a success rate of around 25%, which is higher than the national average. Out of 350 selected cows, embryos were implanted in 125, with successful conception in 31 cases. Despite the promising results, the technology demands specialised expertise and facilities, making it more complex and costly than traditional breeding methods.

Financial Aspects and Accessibility

The cost for implementing IVF technology is approximately ₹21,000 per cow. A subsidy of ₹5,000 from the Central government and a contribution of ₹16,000 from the Puducherry government make this technology financially accessible for farmers. This financial support is crucial for encouraging wider adoption of IVF-ET technology among dairy farmers.

Benefits of IVF Technology

The advantages of using IVF technology in cattle breeding are substantial. It allows for enhanced genetic improvement, reduces breeding time, and improves herd management. The technology not only aims to increase milk yield but also focuses on preserving and enhancing indigenous cattle breeds.

About Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Launched: December 2014

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries

Merged into: Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana in 2021

Funding: 100% grant-in-aid by the Central Government

Objectives

Conservation & improvement of indigenous cattle breeds

Increase milk production and productivity of bovines

Enhance genetic quality through breed development programs

Organized breeding using Artificial Insemination & IVF

Economic upliftment of rural farmers, especially women (who form 70% of the workforce in this sector)

Key Components

National Program for Bovine Breeding
National Mission for Bovine Productivity

Need for the Mission

Declining Indigenous Breeds – India has 41 native cow breeds & 13 buffalo breeds, many facing extinction

Nutritional Advantage – Indigenous breeds produce A2 milk, which is healthier

Climate Adaptability – Indigenous breeds require less care than foreign breeds

Reduced Dependence on Imported Breeds