(Moo)ving beyond exotic breeds: In a 1st, Sahiwal gets genomic glow-up

India may be the world’s largest producer of milk, but its booming dairy sector has long leaned on exotic breeds for higher yields, often ignoring indigenous breeds.

Farmers prefer foreign breeds such as Holstein Friesians or Jerseys, which give more milk but struggle in local conditions, while native breeds such as the Sahiwal — prized for their heat tolerance and disease resistance — remain underutilised.

Crossbreds do produce more milk, but they frequently suffer heat stress, infertility, high disease incidence, and higher management costs.

Indigenous breeds, on the other hand, are naturally suited to India’s climatic conditions, with strong disease resistance, better fertility, and longer productive lifespans. The only drawback is their relatively lower milk yield.

To address the issue, scientists of the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, have come up with a genomic selection technology for the Sahiwal that provides a unique opportunity to bridge the productivity gap without losing the natural advantages of indigenous cattle.

What is genomic selection programme?

A genomic selection programme involves obtaining DNA-level information to predict the genetic merit of a bull to improve accuracy, time and efficiency of breeding, compared to conventional methods.

It involves five steps: genotyping reference population using DNA chips; phenotyping a breed for milk production traits; developing an optimum prediction models linking genotypes and phenotypes; estimating genomic breeding values (GBV) using prediction equations for selection candidates; and designing a breeding programme based on GBVs to maximise genetic gain and maintain diversity.

Unlike conventional breeding — which depends mainly on observable traits and pedigree records — genomic selection is faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

When did NDRI begin the project?

ICAR-NDRI began focusing on genomic selection after international models were standardised for cross-breeds in 2020. Under the guidance of ICAR-NDRI Director Dr Dheer Singh, a team led by Head (animal genetics and breeding) Dr Vikas Vohra is driving genomic selection in Sahiwal cows, supported by colleagues Dr Rani Alex, Dr Anupama Mukherjee, Dr Gopal Gowane, and Dr TV Raja. The scientists’ objective is to develop prediction equations suitable for Indian conditions, including smallholder production systems and areas with limited pedigree records.

Similar efforts are also being made at ICAR-CIRC, Meerut, and IVRI, Bareilly, while the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is preparing to expand its genomic programmes to indigenous breeds after success with crossbreds.

The NDRI has become the first in the country to introduce the technology in indigenous cows.

Why the focus on Sahiwal?

The Sahiwal is one of India’s most important indigenous cow breeds — known for its heat tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to thrive under low-input conditions.

It is also the highest milk-yielding indigenous breed, though its average production of 8-10 kg per day is still lower than that of exotic or crossbred cattle.

Conventional progeny testing programmes are slow and expensive due to long generation intervals. Genomic selection can address these issues, strengthening productivity while conserving valuable indigenous cattle resource. This technology is poised to multiply elite animals of the breed.

What benefits can India expect from genomic selection?

The new technology promises two-three times faster genetic gain compared to traditional methods. It allows early identification of superior bulls (within weeks after birth) and cows at the calf stage, saving time and resources.

It also enables the creation of breed-specific genomic databases and reduces dependence on exotic cattle.

Most importantly, it strengthens indigenous breeds, enhancing traits like heat tolerance and disease resistance, making Indian dairying more sustainable and climate-resilient.

What are the limitations of genomic selection in India?

Despite its potential, genomic selection faces hurdles. Its success depends on accurate data recording, the development of large reference populations, and active participation of farmers. Without strong support systems, the technology may not reach its full potential.

What is the global status of genomic selection?

Internationally, genomic selection has developed rapidly. In 2008-2009, scientist Van Raden suggested the use of the genomic relationship matrix within the BLUP model, which led to genomic BLUP.

By 2010, scientist Aguilar and others had proposed a single-step genomic selection method, which integrated pedigree, phenotypic, and genomic data.

Countries like the United States have validated and applied genomic selection from 2019, while Nordic countries and the Czech Republic integrated it into dairy cattle breeding in 2024.

Australia has been applying it in beef cattle breeding for some years, and partially in dairy cattle.

India is successfully implementing it.