The First IVF Calf of Punganur Cattle Breed Born in Maharashtra

The Punganur breed is one of the world's shortest cattle breeds, with less than 500 cows. On Saturday, the Punganur breed's first IVF calf was born in the year 2022, bringing joy to the breed and the Animal Husbandry Department. According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), "India's first IW calf of Punganur calf was born at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra".

The DAHD, which is part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has launched a project that can substantially enhance national dairy production while also safeguarding indigenous cattle. 

"Milk from indigenous cattle has a stronger nutritional value for combating diseases," an official stated. 

Over the last many decades, India has suffered a reduction in indigenous cattle for a variety of causes. The Department of Animal Husbandry is now pushing the use of IW for cattle to protect indigenous, endangered bovines. 

The DAHD has also been working on comparable projects for the Banni, Tharpakar, and Ongole breeds. Earlier in October, India's first Banni buffalo IVF calf was born in Gujarat's Somnath district, while Suratgarh in Rajasthan saw the birth of the first female Tharpakar calf created using the IVF technique. 

According to the official, the procedure was carried out to raise the number of genetically superior buffaloes to improve milk output. 

In an arid area, the Banni buffalo is noted for its resilience and superior milk production capability.

A "Banni" buffalo belongs to a dairy farmer from Dhanej village in Gir Somnath who gave birth to an IVF male calf, which the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying described as the breed's first calf produced via in-vitro fertilization (IVF).