Explainer: India’s first IVF Gir calf born from a cloned donor cow a breakthrough in dairy sector
Adding another feather to its cap, scientists at the ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) have successfully produced the country’s first Gir calf using a unique combination of three cutting-edge reproductive technologies — cloning, ovum pick-up (OPU), and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The landmark achievement has significantly shortened the breeding cycle from the conventional 46–50 months to just 39 months. The breakthrough paves the way for faster multiplication of elite indigenous cattle and offers new hope for breed conservation, genetic improvement and self-reliance in dairy production.