2nd November 2023, Meerut

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut in collaboration with Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board (ULDB), Kalsi, Dehradun, have successfully produced a healthy Frieswal female calf using the cutting-edge technique of Ovum Pick-Up In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (OPU-IVF-ET) from a recipient Sahiwal cow.

This milestone accomplishment was made possible through a collaborative effort between Dr. Suresh Kumar, Head, Cattle Physiology and Reproduction, and his team, along with the team of experts of Animal Breeding Farm, Kalsi, Dehradun led by Dr. A.P.S Aswal, Project Coordinator of ET NDP I.

Dr. Suresh Kumar accentuated that OPU-IVF-ET is a sophisticated reproductive technology that allows for the efficient production of superior-quality embryos by extracting ova from the female donor, fertilizing them in vitro, and transferring the resulting embryos into surrogate mothers. The collaboration between ICAR-CIRC and the ULDB in Kalsi, Dehradun, was integral to this success. This partnership facilitated the smooth execution of the project and exemplifies the synergy between research institutions and state bodies.

Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-CIRC, congratulated the entire team involved in this project, commending their unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing agricultural research and livestock development.

The Frieswal breed is known for its high milk production and adaptability to diverse climates, making it a valuable addition to the Indian dairy industry. It not only enhances the genetic quality of cattle but also opens the doors for increased milk production, improved cattle breeds, and, subsequently, better livelihoods for farmers.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut)