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Gujarat's First IVF Gyr Calf Born in Amreli, Boosting Cattle Genetics

A Gyr calf has been successfully born through In-Vitro Fertilisation at the Gujarat Livestock Development Board's laboratory in Amreli, marking a first for the state. The initiative, supported by the National Dairy Development Board, aims to enhance genetic traits and milk production by using embryos from superior donor cows. Animal Husbandry Minister Jitu Vaghani stated the program began last year, with over 30 more recipient animals scheduled for embryo transfer. This advanced reproductive technology allows a single high-genetic-potential cow to produce more than 100 offspring, positioning Gujarat at the forefront of livestock innovation.

Key Points: Gujarat's First IVF Gyr Calf Born in Amreli

  • First Gyr calf via IVF in Gujarat
  • Aims to improve cattle genetics & milk yield
  • Program began last year with NDDB support
  • Technology allows one cow to produce 100+ offspring
  • Over 30 more recipient animals scheduled
2 min read

Gujarat records first Gyr calf born through IVF in Amreli

Gujarat achieves first Gyr calf birth via IVF at Amreli lab, aiming to enhance cattle genetics and milk production for farmers.

"The embryo used came from a Gyr cow with superior genetic traits, ensuring the calf inherits the same high-quality characteristics. - Jitu Vaghani"

Amreli, Feb 7

A Gyr calf has been born through In-Vitro Fertilisation at the Gujarat Livestock Development Board's Embryo Transfer Laboratory in Gujarat's Amreli, marking a first for the state.

The achievement demonstrates the potential of advanced reproductive technology to improve cattle breeding and milk production.

The laboratory, located in Varudi in Amreli district, is equipped with modern facilities to support livestock development in the Gyr cow breeding tract.

The initiative aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality reproductive technology and enhance the genetic traits of the state's cattle.

Jitu Vaghani, Gujarat's Animal Husbandry Minister, said the IVF programme began last year with technical support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

"During the initial phase, embryo transfer operations were carried out on 13 recipient animals. The latest success involved a recipient cow carrying a Kankrej lineage, which has now given birth to a pure Gyr calf. The embryo used came from a Gyr cow with superior genetic traits, ensuring the calf inherits the same high-quality characteristics as the donor," he added.

Officials said the programme will expand in the coming months, with more than 30 recipient animals at the Amreli laboratory scheduled for embryo transfer.

They added that these efforts will support the conservation and proliferation of Gyr cows in the state.

IVF and embryo transfer allow cows with high genetic potential to produce more calves than through natural reproduction, where a cow typically gives birth to seven or eight calves in a lifetime.

Eggs from superior donor cows are fertilised in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are implanted into surrogate cows.

Calves born through this method inherit the donor's genetic traits, potentially producing more than 100 high-quality offspring from a single cow during its lifetime.

Minister Vaghani said the technology is expected to increase the number of genetically superior cows in Gujarat and boost milk production, directly benefiting livestock farmers.

The milestone positions Gujarat at the forefront of advanced livestock reproduction technology in India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful achievement! It's heartening to see efforts to conserve and improve indigenous breeds like the Gyr through science. This can make dairy farming more profitable and sustainable for our farmers. Hope the benefits reach the small farmers too, not just the big ones.
R
Rohit P
Great step forward, but I hope the focus remains on animal welfare. These procedures must be done ethically. Also, the cost? Will a common farmer in Amreli or Junagadh be able to afford this technology, or is it only for government projects?
S
Sarah B
As someone interested in agricultural tech, this is impressive. The potential to get 100+ offspring from a single high-genetic cow is staggering. Gujarat is really leading in agri-innovation. The collaboration with NDDB is key for scaling this up across India.
V
Vikram M
Jai Gujarat! Our state is always ahead in development. This will directly help increase the income of our 'Annadata' farmers. More milk production means better economy. Hope they expand this lab to other districts soon.
K
Kavya N
It's good to see indigenous breeds getting attention. But we must also ensure we don't lose the natural diversity and resilience of these breeds in the pursuit of just milk yield. A balanced approach is needed. Still, a proud moment for Amreli!

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