Revolutionary Breakthrough in Deoni Cattle Breed Conservation

Bidar: Scientists from the Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Veterinary College, Bidar in collaboration with the Livestock Research and Information Center (LRIC), have achieved a significant milestone in Deoni cattle breed conservation and propagation.

Led by PhD scholar Ashok Walikar, under the guidance of experts including Dr Bijurkar RG, Dr Venkanagouda D, Dr MK Tandle, Dr Dilipkumar D, Dr Shrikant Kulakarni, and Dr Prakashkumar Rathod, this endeavor focuses on multiple ovulation and embryo transfer.

In a major initiative at the Livestock Research and Information Center (Deoni), Bidar, 42 embryos were collected from six high-quality donor cows. Out of these, 36 were deemed suitable for transfer. These embryos were carefully placed in surrogate cows.

According to a press statement ten cows were confirmed pregnant, including 3 with sex-sorted embryos. The first calf from this revolutionary in-vivo embryo transfer technique was delivered on Oct 31. The research team is expecting nine more calves by June 2024 through this technique.

This method involves inducing multiple ovulations in high-genetic-merit donor cows, followed by artificial insemination. Approximately seven days post-insemination, embryos were retrieved and transferred to multiple recipients within the same estrus cycle.

This technology not only speeds up the spread of high-genetic-merit genetic merit germplasm but also leads to the development of a superior animal population in a shorter time.

"Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer Technology maximizes the potential of superior females and is typically carried out in organized dairy farms. However, this study was conducted under field conditions at LRIC, (Deoni), Katti Tugaon, Bidar. This can be one of the methods to undertake Deoni Breed Conservation and Propagation," Dr BV Shivaprakash, Director of Research, KVAFSU, Bidar said. "This technology would benefit the farming community in the days to come," he added.

The indigenous cattle breed conservation through selective breeding in their native tract is laborious and time-consuming. Deoni cattle breed is diminishing very fast despite continuous efforts. Now, scientists are successful in faster multiplication of elite Deoni germplasm through Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer Technology at field conditions.

Normally, a single high-quality cow can give 6-7 calves in its lifetime if maintained properly, but by using this technology it is possible to obtain 4-5 quality embryos in each cycle and can get many elite calves through surrogate cows.

Prof K C Veeranna, Vice Chancellor, KVAFSU, Bidar has congratulated the research team and Director of Research for this remarkable research in the field of veterinary and animal science.

"This success story highlights the dedication, expertise, and pioneering spirit of the team, reinforcing commitment to advancing livestock research and innovation. The results of this research promise a brighter future for the dairy industry, showcasing the potential to significantly enhance the quality of our livestock population," he said.