RAJ-SHEETAL: ICAR-NRCE Delivers Country’s First Live Horse Foal Produced Through Embryo Transfer

In a groundbreaking development for equine conservation, the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE), Hisar, has successfully delivered India's first live horse foal produced through embryo transfer. The female foal, named RAJ-SHEETAL, was born at the Regional Station of the Equine Production Campus (EPC) of ICAR-NRCE in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This significant achievement marks a milestone in the conservation of indigenous equine breeds like the Marwari and Zanskari horses.

RAJ-SHEETAL, weighing 20 kilograms, was produced using frozen semen for artificial insemination. The embryo was flushed on day 7.5, vitrified using advanced cryodevices, and stored in liquid nitrogen. After two months, it was thawed and implanted into a synchronized surrogate mare, which successfully carried the pregnancy to term.

Dr. T.K. Bhattacharya, Director of ICAR-NRCE, highlighted the importance of assisted reproductive technologies in addressing the rapid decline of India's equine population. The country has witnessed a 52.71% drop in the population of horses and donkeys between the 2012 and 2019 livestock censuses. Dr. Bhattacharya emphasized that embryo cryopreservation offers significant advantages, including easier transportation and international exchange of genetic material, supporting conservation efforts.

The scientific team behind this success, led by Dr. Talluri at ICAR-NRCE Bikaner, has also vitrified 20 Marwari horse embryos and 3 Zanskari horse embryos to date. The successful birth of RAJ-SHEETAL sets the stage for further advancements in equine conservation, especially for indigenous breeds.

This accomplishment demonstrates ICAR-NRCE’s dedication to preserving India's valuable equine population using cutting-edge reproductive technologies.