India's First Cloned Desi Gir Female Calf, Paving the Way for Enhanced Milk Production
NDRI, renowned as the country's premier dairy research institute, has been dedicatedly working on a project to clone indigenous high-yielding cow breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal since 2021. The institute has employed an indigenous cloning method, developed by a team of accomplished scientists.
India's National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), located in Karnal achieved a significant milestone by successfully cloning a female calf of the indigenous Gir breed. This marks the first instance of cloning a Gir calf in the country, known for its high milk production potential of over 15 liters per day.
NDRI, renowned as the country's premier dairy research institute, has been dedicated to working on a project to clone indigenous high-yielding cow breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal since 2021. The institute has employed an indigenous cloning method, developed by a team of accomplished scientists, who have spent over two years refining the technique for producing cloned cattle.
Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Red Sindhi are among the crucial Indian cattle breeds that play a significant role in the growth of the Indian dairy industry and milk production.
The cloned Gir female calf has been named Ganga and was born on 16th March. At the time of birth, Ganga weighed 32 kilograms (kg) and is reported to be thriving well, according to NDRI. This groundbreaking achievement aligns with the government's objective of boosting milk production in India.
The successful cloning of Ganga, the Gir female calf, is a remarkable achievement that holds immense potential for the Indian dairy industry. By preserving and replicating the superior traits of indigenous breeds, such as high milk production and disease resistance, through cloning, the country can further enhance its dairy sector's productivity and sustainability.
The cloning program was initiated collaboratively by NDRI and the Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board, based in Dehradun. Dr. Dheer Singh, Director of NDRI, emphasized that Gir cattle are known for their robustness and immunity against stress and diseases commonly found in tropical regions. In the past, Gir cattle have been exported to countries such as Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela for the development of zebu cows.
Also Read: Focus On Livestock Sector For Income Growth in Indian Agriculture
The groundbreaking work carried out by NDRI showcases India's capability to employ advanced biotechnological methods to bolster its agricultural and livestock sectors. As research and innovation continue to drive the country's agricultural landscape, the cloned Gir calf sets the stage for further advancements in dairy production and paves the way for future breakthroughs in cloning technology.
source-The Economic Times
Also Read: Top 5 High Milk Producing Buffalo Breeds In India
