IVRI Scientists Achieve Breakthrough with Five Sahiwal Calves via IVF
In a significant scientific achievement, researchers at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly have successfully produced five indigenous Sahiwal calves through a single in vitro fertilisation (IVF) attempt. This milestone includes four male calves and one female calf, marking a major advancement in veterinary reproductive technology.
Boosting Milk Production and Farmer Income
The development is poised to have a transformative impact on the dairy industry by enhancing milk production, improving breed quality, and ultimately increasing farmers' income. Officials emphasize that this breakthrough will provide farmers with access to high-quality cattle breeds developed in laboratory settings.
Detailed Process and Timeline
The IVF procedure, which was completed in February, is the culmination of nearly four years of dedicated research. The process involved several sophisticated steps:
- Ovum Pick-Up (OPU): Eggs were collected from donor cows using ultrasound technology.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Fertilisation was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment.
- Embryo Transfer (ET): The resulting embryos were implanted into surrogate animals.
This procedure was applied to 16 cows, with five successfully delivering healthy calves. The first calf, a female named Gauri, was born on February 28, 2026, followed by four male calves over the subsequent four days.
High-Quality Germplasm and Expert Insights
Scientist Brijesh Kumar highlighted the use of premium genetic material in the process. "We utilized high-quality germplasm, including a Sahiwal donor cow that yields over 12 litres of milk daily and semen from a superior breed," Kumar explained. This careful selection ensures the offspring inherit desirable traits for milk production and overall health.
Future Implications for Farmers
Officials note that farmers will soon be able to access embryos of high-quality cattle breeds developed in laboratories. These embryos can be implanted into other cows or buffaloes, accelerating the growth of improved livestock and significantly boosting milk production across the country.
Advancements Over Previous Techniques
While IVRI has previously produced 30 calves using a different embryo transfer method, the new IVF approach is hailed as more effective and cost-efficient. This innovation represents a leap forward in reproductive technology, offering a scalable solution for enhancing cattle breeds and supporting agricultural sustainability.
