The ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar and Indian Society for Buffalo Development, Hisar jointly organized Brainstorming Session on “Use of cloned Bull Semen for Breed Improvement” at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) stressed on the need to critically analyze the pros and cons prior to the dissemination of the technology to the farmers. This would help in meeting the growing need of the superior buffalo germplasm.
Dr. Mohapatra opined that the use of this technology for the breed improvement would lead to increased production potential of the animals. He also emphasized on the selection of best bulls of buffaloes available with the organized farm or developmental agencies.
Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries & Animal Science), ICAR emphasized on the need of superior bull for increasing the artificial insemination coverage in the country.
Dr. A.K. Misra, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board, ICAR stressed on the cloning technology’s potential for the breed improvement.
Dr. P.S. Yadav, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIRB highlighted the ICAR-CIRB, Hisar and ICAR-NDRI, Karnal’s joint efforts that helped in producing the superior male bulls using the cloning technology. This helped in meeting the demand of buffalo semen for the artificial insemination globally.
Dr. Yadav stated that both the Institutes have cloned 4 male bulls that are producing semen which is being utilized for the artificial insemination in the experimental herd. The process is performing normally in all the parameters of semen quality and conception and has resulted in the production of normal progenies.
Earlier, Dr. S.S. Dahiya, Director, ICAR-CIRB delivered the welcome address. The 2 Sessions on “Importance and current standing of cloning technology” and “Strategy for making best use of elite cloned bull semen for breeding” were also held on the occasion.
