The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by successfully producing indigenous Sahiwal calves using advanced Assisted Reproductive Technologies (OPU–IVF–ET).
This marks the first-ever success of its kind at IVRI, opening pathways for rapid genetic improvement and conservation of indigenous livestock breeds.
Key Highlights of Achievement
- Five healthy Sahiwal calves born using OPU–IVF–ET technology
- Births occurred within five days starting 28 February 2026
- Produced from elite germplasm:
- Donor cow: Yield > 12 litres/day
- Semen source: Proven bull with ~3,320 kg lactation lineage
- Represents a major leap in indigenous cattle breeding technology in India
Background of Programme
- Initiated in 2022–23 by ICAR–IVRI
- Objective: Strengthen genetic potential of indigenous breeds
- Target breeds:
- Sahiwal cattle
- Tharparkar cattle
- Murrah buffalo
- Focus:
- Standardisation of OPU–IVF–ET protocols
- Applicable under both farm and field conditions
Scientific Outcomes & Technical Efficiency
Oocyte Recovery (Non-stimulated Conditions)
- Tharparkar: ~14.5 oocytes
- Sahiwal: ~13.14 oocytes
- Murrah buffalo: ~4.5–5.5 oocytes
Embryo Development Efficiency
- Cattle: >47% blastocyst rate
- Buffalo: >42% blastocyst rate
These rates are comparable to leading global laboratories
What is OPU–IVF–ET Technology?
- Ovum Pick-Up (OPU): Ultrasound-guided collection of eggs (oocytes) from elite female
- In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Fertilisation of eggs in laboratory using selected superior semen
- Embryo Transfer (ET): Developed embryos transferred into surrogate mothers
Key Advantage
- Enables rapid multiplication of superior genetic traits
Future Prospects
- Technology to be scaled up across India
- Expected benefits:
- Faster production of elite indigenous breeds
- Strengthening of genetic improvement programmes
- Conservation of indigenous germplasm
- Boost to sustainable livestock sector
About Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
- Includes:
- IVF (In-vitro fertilisation)
- Embryo transfer
- Cloning (advanced cases)
- Used for:
- Genetic improvement in livestock
- Increasing productivity and efficiency
About Sahiwal Breed
The Sahiwal cattle is one of the best indigenous dairy breeds of the Indian subcontinent.
Origin & Distribution
- Named after Sahiwal district (Punjab, Pakistan)
- Found in:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
Physical Characteristics
- Coat: Reddish dun (sometimes with white patches)
- Medium-sized breed
- Heat tolerant with strong adaptability to tropical climates
Average Size
- Pakistan:
- Bulls: 544 kg, 170 cm
- Cows: 408 kg, 130 cm
- India:
- Cows: ~327 kg, 124 cm
Uses of Sahiwal Breed
- Milk production (primary use)
- Meat
- Draught work
Cross-breeding is used in developing breeds like:
- Australian Friesian Sahiwal
- Frieswal
- Karan Swiss
- Kenya Sahiwal
- Jamaica Hope
Why Sahiwal is Important?
- High milk productivity among indigenous breeds
- Heat tolerant
- Disease resistant
- Ideal for tropical climates
- Crucial for sustainable dairy development in India
About ICAR
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Apex body for agricultural research and education in India
- Functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare