Government of India has officially registered two high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds – Karan Fries and Vrindavani, expanding the country’s list of recognised livestock breeds. Alongside these, new indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds have also been notified, reflecting a balanced strategy of productivity enhancement and genetic conservation.
Key highlights
- Two synthetic cattle breeds, Karan Fries and Vrindavani, have been officially registered.
- New indigenous breeds recognised include:
- Medini – Jharkhand
- Rohikhandi – Uttar Pradesh
- Melghati – Maharashtra
- The move strengthens dairy productivity while safeguarding climate resilience and native biodiversity.
- India now has 200+ registered livestock breeds, among the highest globally.
What are synthetic cattle breeds?
- Synthetic breeds are developed through planned crossbreeding of selected exotic and indigenous breeds.
- Objective:
- Higher milk productivity
- Better adaptability to Indian agro-climatic conditions
- Improved disease resistance and reproductive efficiency
- They act as a bridge between high-yielding exotic breeds and hardy indigenous cattle, reducing indiscriminate crossbreeding.
Karan Fries cattle breed
Developed by
- National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana
Genetic composition
- Cross of:
- Indigenous Tharparkar cattle; Tharparkar cattle originate from the Thar Desert and are known for heat tolerance and adaptability to arid conditions.
- Exotic Holstein–Friesian bulls
Key characteristics
- Milk yield: Over 3,500 kg in a 10-month lactation
- Peak daily yield: Up to 46.5 kg/day
- Combines:
- High productivity (from Holstein–Friesian)
- Heat tolerance and drought resilience (from Tharparkar)
Suitability
- Best suited for:
- Organised dairy farms
- Semi-intensive dairy systems
- Performs well under controlled feeding and management, especially in northern India.
Vrindavani cattle breed
Developed by
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
Genetic composition
- Composite breed developed by blending:
- Exotic breeds: Holstein–Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey
- Indigenous breed: Hariana cattle
- Jersey cattle are globally known for high butterfat content in milk.
- Hariana cattle are hardy indigenous animals suited to North Indian conditions.
Key characteristics
- Moderate to high milk yield
- Early maturity
- Better reproductive efficiency
- Suitable for diverse agro-climatic regions
- Well adapted for smallholder and mixed dairy systems
Recognition of new indigenous breeds
Medini (Jharkhand), Rohikhandi (Uttar Pradesh) and Melghati (Maharashtra)
- Adapted to local ecological conditions
- Require lower inputs
- Higher survival and disease resistance
- Particularly beneficial for:
- Marginal and small farmers
- Sustainable and low-cost livestock farming
Significance
- Ensures structured conservation and breeding programmes
- Protects India’s rich livestock genetic diversity
- Supports climate-resilient rural livelihoods
Policy Significance
- Reflects a dual strategy:
- Productivity enhancement via synthetic breeds
- Genetic conservation via indigenous breed recognition
- Strengthens India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer
Why this recognition is important
- Enhances national dairy productivity in a sustainable manner
- Reduces dependence on indiscriminate crossbreeding
- Improves farm profitability and disease resistance
- Aligns with long-term goals of:
- Food security
- Farmer income enhancement
- Climate-smart agriculture
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Apex agricultural research body of India
- Autonomous organisation under:
- Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Key facts
- Established: 16 July 1929 (earlier Imperial Council of Agricultural Research)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Network:
- 101 ICAR institutes
- 71 agricultural universities
Mandate
- Crop science
- Animal science
- Fisheries
- Horticulture
- Natural resource management
- Agricultural education and extension
Role
- Played a key role in the Green Revolution
- Leads research and innovation in agriculture and animal sciences