The Patriotic Blood : Nationalization of Cows

The Government has recently rolled out Mass Embryo Transfer Programme to carry out 440 embryo transfer of higher genetic merit of indigenous bovines into surrogate cows. The programme aims for conservation of indigenous cattle breeds. On first day of ET programme held on 2nd October, 35 Nos. of embryos were transferred in to recipients. Remaining were transferred on different days till 10th of October 2017.

The programme was initiated in 12 ETT centres across the country from 2nd October and was continued till 10th October 2017. Under this programme, embryos of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines were being transferred in to surrogate cows. Embryos of Indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni and Vechur were proposed to be transferred under this programme.

The technology now being taken up to the doorstep of the farmers will result in rapid propagation of high genetic merit indigenous cattle. Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines as a tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle. Department of Animal husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer Programme in Indigenous Breeds under the scheme, National Mission on Bovine Productivity. The plan was to carry out 440 embryo transfers during October 2-10, 2017 throughout the country. The Programme is implemented with the objective of conservation and development of indigenous breeds under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Through the use of ETT :

(i) a farmer can get a 5-6 fold increase in number of offsprings 

(ii) the calves so born will be of high genetic merit and 

(iii) the offsprings born will be free from diseases. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer Programme in Indigenous Breeds under the scheme, National Mission on Bovine Productivity.

The Programme is implemented with the objective of conservation and development of indigenous breeds under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Under this Programme, embryos of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines are being transferred in to surrogate cows. Embryo transfer is a technique by which embryos are collected from a donor female and are transferred to recipient females, which serve as surrogate mothers for the remainder of pregnancy.

Embryo transfer techniques have been applied to nearly every species of domestic animal and to many species of wildlife and exotic animals, including humans and non-human primates. 

Embryo transfer technology has revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines as a tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle.Benefits of ETT

(i) a farmer can get a 5-6 fold increase in number of offsprings

(ii) the calves so born will be of high genetic merit

(iii) the offsprings born will be free from diseases

Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014 for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds thereby enhancing milk production and productivity. The framework of the scheme is to enhance milk production & productivity through induction of high genetic merit bulls for semen production; field performance recording; strengthening of bulls mother farms; setting up of Gokul Grams etc.

National Mission on Bovine Productivity was launched in November 2016 with the aim of enhancing milk production and productivity and thereby making dairying more remunerative to the farmers. The scheme is being implemented with following components :

a) Pashu Sanjivni

It includes identification of animals in milk using UID, issuing health cards to all animals in milk and uploading data on INAPH data base

b) Creation of E Pashuhaat Portal

The e-pashuhaat portal has been launched in November 2016 for linking farmers and breeders of indigenous breeds.

c) Establishment of National Bovine Genomic Centre for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB)

The NBGC-IB is being established for enhancing milk production and productivity through genomic selection among indigenous breeds.

National Programme for Bovine Breeding is being implemented for enhancing productivity of milching animals through extension of Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage. This is done through establishment of Multi Purpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs); strengthening of existing AI centres; monitoring of AI etc.

National Dairy Plan-I is a world Bank assisted project being implemented in 18 major dairy States with aim of enhancing milk production and productivity in order to meet demand of milk in the country through strengthening of semen stations; bull production programme (progeny testing and pedigree selection), ration balancing programme etc.