NDRI set to provide cloned animal semen to farmers

The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is making a significant breakthrough in animal cloning by aiming to extend the benefits of cloned animals to farmers. Having successfully produced and tested cloned animals in the laboratory, the institute has now approached the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for guidelines to distribute semen from cloned animals to farmers.

These cloned animals have demonstrated both high productivity and normal fertility, making them a valuable resource for the dairy and livestock sectors. A key objective of this initiative is to tackle the shortage of high-quality semen for artificial insemination. Scientists believe that using semen from cloned animals will not only bridge this gap but also ensure the availability of elite germplasm, thereby advancing genetic improvement programmes across the country.

“NDRI specialises in cloning techniques. We have produced several cloned animals, and their productivity and fertility are normal. We have already conducted a successful trial using the semen of cloned animals on NDRI’s own livestock, which yielded positive results. To extend the benefits of cloned animals to farmers, we have requested ICAR to provide guidelines for making this semen available to them,” said Dr Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI.

India is currently facing a shortage of high-quality germplasm and cloned animals could help meet this demand, he added.

NDRI has a long history of cloning achievements. On February 6, 2009, its scientists produced the world’s first cloned buffalo calf, though it survived only for 5–6 days. Undeterred, the researchers continued their efforts and successfully cloned a female calf named Garima on June 6, 2009. Garima survived for over two years, marking a crucial milestone. On August 22, 2010, NDRI produced Garima-2, who has since given birth to eight healthy calves.

The first male cloned buffalo calf, Shresth, was created on August 26, 2010, and his semen is now being used for high-quality germplasm multiplication. To date, NDRI scientists have cloned over 25 animals, including eight males, whose semen is proving to be of exceptional quality.

In November 2021, scientists achieved another milestone when 12 calves were born using semen from cloned buffalo bulls, demonstrating that the reproductive potential of cloned animals is comparable to that of naturally bred ones.

In March 2023, NDRI became the first institute in India to clone a cattle calf named "Ganga" from the somatic cell of the tail of the indigenous Gir cow breed, native to Gujarat. The Gir breed is highly sought after for its docile nature, disease resistance, heat tolerance and high milk yield. It is in demand not only in India but also in countries like Brazil, the US, Mexico and Venezuela.