Bareilly, India – A breakthrough in assisted reproductive technology at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is offering new hope for boosting India’s dairy production and improving the genetic quality of its cattle. Scientists have successfully produced five Sahiwal calves – four males and one female – in a single attempt using in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a significant advancement over previous methods. This achievement, representing a major step forward in cattle breeding, promises to make high-quality livestock more accessible to farmers across the country.
The Sahiwal breed is renowned for its high milk yield, heat tolerance, and disease resistance, making it particularly valuable in India’s diverse climate. Increasing the population of high-performing Sahiwal cattle is a key goal for improving rural livelihoods and strengthening the national dairy industry, which is a vital component of the Indian economy. The successful IVF attempt, completed in February, builds on nearly four years of research focused on optimizing the process for this indigenous breed. The implications extend beyond simply increasing herd size; it’s about accelerating genetic improvement and making superior genetics available to a wider range of farmers.
The IVF Process at IVRI
The process involved a carefully orchestrated series of steps, beginning with ovum pick-up (OPU) through ultrasound. This non-surgical procedure allows scientists to collect eggs directly from donor cows. These eggs were then fertilised with semen from a carefully selected superior breed in a laboratory setting – the core of the IVF process. The resulting embryos were then transferred into surrogate animals, where they developed to term. According to officials, the procedure was performed on 16 cows, ultimately resulting in the successful birth of the five healthy calves.
The first calf, a female named Gauri, arrived on February 28, 2026, followed by the births of four male calves over the subsequent four days. This concentrated success rate is particularly noteworthy. “High-quality germplasm was used,” explained scientist Brijesh Kumar, “including a Sahiwal donor cow yielding over 12 litres of milk daily and semen from a superior breed.” This careful selection of genetic material is crucial to ensuring the calves inherit desirable traits, maximizing their potential for milk production and overall health.
A More Efficient Approach to Breed Improvement
IVRI has previously utilized embryo transfer techniques to produce 30 calves, but officials emphasize that the new IVF method is both more effective and cost-efficient. Traditional embryo transfer often relies on natural mating or artificial insemination to obtain embryos, which can be time-consuming and less precise. IVF allows for greater control over the fertilization process and enables the use of genetics from animals that might not be able to reproduce naturally. This increased efficiency translates to faster genetic gains and a quicker turnaround time for improving livestock populations.
The potential impact on farmers is significant. Currently, access to high-quality cattle breeds can be limited, particularly for smallholder farmers. IVRI officials state that the new technology will allow farmers to access embryos of these improved breeds and have them implanted into their own cows or buffaloes. This will accelerate the growth of improved stock and, crucially, increase milk production, leading to higher incomes for farmers. The availability of these embryos is expected to be rolled out in phases, beginning with regional livestock development programs.
Expanding Access to Superior Genetics
The success at IVRI is part of a broader national effort to enhance livestock productivity. India’s Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been actively promoting the use of advanced reproductive technologies to improve the genetic merit of indigenous breeds. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying provides funding and support for research and development in this area, as well as initiatives to disseminate these technologies to farmers. The goal is to create a more resilient and productive livestock sector that can meet the growing demand for milk and dairy products in India.
The Sahiwal breed, originating from the Sahiwal district of Punjab, Pakistan, has long been valued for its adaptability, and productivity. Its ability to thrive in hot and humid climates, coupled with its high milk yield, makes it an ideal breed for many parts of India. But, maintaining and improving the genetic quality of the Sahiwal breed requires ongoing investment in research and breeding programs. The IVF breakthrough at IVRI represents a significant step in that direction.
Looking ahead, IVRI plans to continue refining the IVF process and expanding its capacity to produce high-quality embryos. Researchers are also exploring the use of genomic selection techniques to identify animals with the most desirable genetic traits, further accelerating the pace of genetic improvement. The next phase of the project will focus on scaling up embryo production and establishing a network of regional centers to provide access to these technologies for farmers across India. The institute anticipates releasing further data on the long-term performance of the IVF-produced calves within the next two years.
This advancement in IVF technology offers a tangible pathway to a more sustainable and productive dairy industry in India. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting development and its potential impact on rural communities.
