In a significant move to enhance the genetic quality of Murrah buffaloes in North India, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) in Ludhiana has gratefully accepted a valuable donation. The university received a one-year-old elite Murrah buffalo calf, gifted free of cost by a dedicated dairy farmer from Haryana.
A Farmer's Generous Contribution to Genetic Progress
The donor is Shiv Kumar Redhu, a progressive dairy farmer from Balak village in Hisar district, Haryana. The ceremony for handing over the calf took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, at Redhu's own farm. A university delegation, led by Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education at GADVASU, visited the village to formally accept this important biological resource, known as germplasm.
The event was attended by local dignitaries including village sarpanch Krishan Redhu, former sarpanch Sadhu Ram Redhu, Balak gaushala president Mahavir, and several social workers, highlighting the community's support for this initiative.
Exceptional Genetic Pedigree and Performance Records
This is no ordinary calf. It carries an exceptional genetic potential backed by rigorous, multi-generational performance data and DNA-verified parentage. The calf originates from a highly productive female line that has been the cornerstone of farmer Shiv Kumar Redhu's Murrah breed improvement work for more than 15 years.
The impressive production records of its ancestors were showcased during the event:
- The calf's dam (mother) achieved a first lactation yield of 3600 kg, with a peak daily yield of 17.746 kg, as recorded by the Haryana Livestock Development Board (HLDB).
- Its grand dam (grandmother) delivered an astounding yield of 5102 kg over a standard 305-day lactation period. She also hit a peak daily yield of 26.5 kg and completed an exceptional 16 lactations
University officials and attendees widely appreciated Redhu's commitment to meticulous, data-driven animal selection and maintaining complete pedigree documentation for his herd.
Boosting Semen Production and Breed Improvement Programs
The acquisition of this elite male calf is a major boost for GADVASU's research and development missions. University authorities stated that the calf will play a crucial role in enhancing quality semen production for artificial insemination. This, in turn, will directly support the ongoing genetic improvement programs aimed at upgrading the Murrah buffalo population in the region.
J P S Gill, Vice Chancellor of GADVASU, emphasized the university's steadfast commitment to the scientific and sustainable improvement of dairy animal breeds. He acknowledged that such collaborations with forward-thinking farmers are invaluable for accelerating genetic progress.
Villagers and dairy farming enthusiasts present at the ceremony praised this farmer-university collaboration as an ideal model. They believe such partnerships are essential for fast-tracking genetic advancements in the Murrah breed, which is renowned for its high milk fat content and is a key asset for India's dairy sector.
