Sahiwal calf born through IVF technology, big success in increasing milk production in India
A very big and good news has been received in the efforts to make India completely self-reliant in milk production. Bihar Agricultural Research Centre, Piprakothi, a unit of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, has achieved this feat. Scientists of the university have used In Vitro Fertilization (IVD) technology to produce high-breed Sahiwal heifers that can survive well in the weather and climate of the country and give more milk. This is the first success in producing calves of Sahiwal breed through IVF technology in Eastern India.
This success is being considered a historic and revolutionary step in India’s milk production strategy. Till now, farmers mainly depended on foreign breeds of cows (such as Holstein Friesian and Jersey) for more milk. But now the government and scientists are giving more emphasis on indigenous (native) breeds, especially those breeds which are suitable for India’s changing weather and climate change. Scientists of the university have produced a total of four Sahiwal calves with the help of IVF technology. Of these, three calves were born at the Center of Excellence for Native Breed Promotion at Piprakothi and the fourth calf was born at Chakia Gaushala.
There will be rapid development of indigenous breeds
University Vice Chancellor Dr. P.S. Pandey said that for the last several decades, Indian farmers have been relying only on cows of foreign breeds for milk production. But now the situation is changing. Cows of foreign breeds are facing many problems. As:
They get sick more in the hot weather of India
having difficulty conceiving
Their milk production is being affected due to climate change
On the other hand, native breeds like the Sahiwal can tolerate the heat, humidity and changing climate of India very well. These breeds fall sick less and the quality of their milk is also very good.
‘Climate-smart’ cow prepared through IVF technology
Vice Chancellor Dr. P.S. Pandey said that the university is working towards providing climate-friendly (climate-smart) cows to the farmers. These Sahiwal calves born through IVF technology will be able to tolerate the heat well, fall sick less and give more milk. This will give two benefits to the farmers:
- high milk production
- less expense and less hassle
Desi cow’s milk is more nutritious and healthy
Dairy scientist Dr. Pramod Kumar told that cows of native breeds give A2 type milk. Which is very good and beneficial for health. Exotic breeds (such as HF and Jersey) produce predominantly A1 milk, which can cause digestive problems, gas, bloating and other problems in some people.
Benefits of A2 milk:
- very easy to digest
- is rich in nutrition
- Contains proline amino acid, which prevents the formation of harmful BCM-7 peptide
- Contains high amounts of calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids
- Helps in brain development and increasing the body’s immunity
Economic benefits for farmers
Dairy scientist Dr. Krishna Mohan Kumar said that IVF technology is very beneficial for farmers. The biggest feature of this technique is that no matter the breed of the mother (be it Friesian or Jersey), the calf or heifer born through IVF is completely of pure Sahiwal breed. Meaning, a high quality indigenous breed is prepared in a single generation. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Krishna Mohan Kumar and Dr. R. were involved in this entire research work. Of. Asthana team has worked hard.
future plan
The university is now planning to take this IVF technology to common farmers. If this technology successfully reaches the farmers, then a new revolution can come in the dairy industry of the country. Farmers will be able to produce more milk at less expense and India will be able to become strongly self-reliant in the milk sector.
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