India’s dairy sector bets big on embryo transfer technology

New Delhi: Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has revolutionized the breeding strategies in bovines as a tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle.

The Department of Animal husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 state governments has undertaken a mass embryo transfer programme in indigenous breeds under the scheme, National Mission on Bovine Productivity. It has been planned 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,  a farmer can get a 5-6 fold increase in number of offsprings and the calves so born will be of high genetic merit free from diseases.

The programme has been initiated in 12 ETT centres across the country from 2nd October and will continue till 10th October 2017. Under this programme, embryos of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines are being transferred in to surrogate cows. Embryos of Indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni and Vechur have been proposed to be transferred under this programme. On first day of ET programme held on 2nd October, 35 Nos. of embryos were transferred in to recipients. Remaining will be transferred on different days till 10th of October 2017.

The technology now being taken up to the doorstep of the farmers will result in rapid propogation of high genetic merit indigenous cattle.