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India’s first batch of IVF Buffalo Calves born amidst lockdown; boost to dairy
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Friday, 07 August, 2020, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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JK Trust has announced India’s first batch of IVF buffalo calves that took birth on a large buffalo farm located near Rahu, Taluka - Daund, District - Pune. This first-of-its kind initiative was pioneered by JK Bovagenix, an initiative of the trust, working in the field of animal husbandry and is currently implementing ‘Cattle and Buffalo Breed Improvement Programme’ throughout the country.
These 5 IVF buffalo calves, which were born from 4 buffaloes on Sonawane Buffalo Farm near Pune, also have the first case of twin buffalo calves born through IVF in India. These calves are of Murrah breed which is one of the world’s most renowned buffalo breeds.
The trust, which is a social initiative of Raymond Group, is successfully implementing various cattle breed initiatives that are in line with ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’.
“This is one of its kind initiative that upholds the potential to give a significant boost to our national dairy production. It is imperative that in today’s context we conserve our indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, as the milk given by them contain higher nutritional value to fight diseases. Also, increasing the Indian dairy produce can usher in more growth at the grassroot level across Indian villages,” said Gautam Hari Singhania, CMD, Raymond Group.
During the last year-and-a-half, the trust has been pivotal to establish 94 IVF pregnancies from a Gir donor cow ‘Gauri’ in a span of 16 months which is from April 2019 to July 2020. Out of 94 IVF pregnancies, 64 are at JK Trust’s Farm and the rest 30 are at farmers’ doorsteps. Till now, 39 calves are born and remaining calves are expected to be born in the current year. This latest initiative is a breakthrough in cattle reproduction, as a cow normally produces a maximum of only 8-10 calves in her entire lifespan. This will pave the way for rapid multiplication of superior female animals at a much faster pace.
Dr Shyam Zawar, CEO, JK Trust, said, “India has more than 109 million buffaloes that are 56% of the world’s buffalo population. India is also home to Murrah, one of the world’s most renowned buffalo breeds and using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in buffaloes can enable India to multiply the population of genetically superior buffaloes resulting in higher quantity milk yield. Though, In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in buffaloes is comparatively difficult than cows, the latest Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) needs to be popularised and should be used in buffaloes.”
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