The Indian government has introduced four groundbreaking technologies aimed at improving the livestock and dairy sectors. These innovations, developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), focus on enhancing bovine productivity, advancing genetic improvements, and ensuring better traceability of dairy products. The technologies include a cost-effective bovine sex-sorted semen production method, unified genomic chips for indigenous cattle and buffaloes, indigenous IVF media for rapid genetic improvement, and a traceability platform for livestock products.
The Indian government has unveiled four game-changing technologies aimed at transforming the livestock and dairy sectors, which will be available to all states across the country. The technologies are designed to improve productivity, foster innovation, and offer cost-effective solutions to farmers. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) shared the developments with states, marking a significant step forward for India’s vast agricultural landscape.
The four breakthrough technologies include:
- Indigenous Bovine Sex-Sorted Semen Production Technology
- Unified Genomic Chip for Cattle and Buffaloes
- Indigenous Media for In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Livestock Product Traceability Platform
Indigenous Bovine Sex-Sorted Semen Technology
One of the standout innovations is the indigenously developed bovine sex-sorted semen production technology, aimed at improving the productivity of India’s 30 crore bovines. With over 18% of the world’s bovine population, India faces challenges, including the low utility of male bovines. Traditionally, sex-sorted semen technology, which helps produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, has been expensive and primarily controlled by multinational corporations. However, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), under the DAHD, has now developed an affordable, indigenous sex-sorting machine, which will reduce costs significantly, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 250 per semen dose. This move is expected to boost farmer incomes and help control the stray cattle population in the coming years.
Unified Genomic Chips for Cattle and Buffaloes
In a pioneering effort, the DAHD, through the NDDB and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, introduced the unified genomic chips, ‘Gau Chip’ for cattle and ‘Mahish Chip’ for buffaloes. Unlike the genomic technologies used in developed nations like the US and Germany, which are designed for exotic breeds, these chips are tailored specifically for India’s indigenous breeds. They enable farmers to identify high-quality bulls early, leading to improved genetic quality and enhanced dairy productivity.
Indigenous IVF Media for Rapid Genetic Improvement
Another breakthrough is the development of indigenous IVF media, which accelerates genetic improvement by achieving results in one generation (approximately three years) rather than the traditional seven generations (21 years). This technology promises significant productivity gains for female calves, providing a more affordable path to genetic enhancement and improving overall dairy sector output.
Livestock Product Traceability Platform
Lastly, the livestock product traceability platform, developed in collaboration with GS1 India, will enable end-to-end tracking of dairy products, ensuring better transparency and quality control. This platform aims to enhance consumer trust and streamline supply chains across the country.
These innovations are expected to have a profound impact on India’s dairy sector, addressing challenges related to productivity, quality, and sustainability. As India continues to be a global leader in dairy production, these technologies offer promising solutions for the nation’s farmers.
