Semen from cloned bulls may soon hit the fields, says NDRI

Sixteen years after India’s first successful animal cloning, the use of semen from cloned bulls for artificial insemination (AI) in the field may soon become a reality. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), Karnal, is in advanced talks with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of India, to roll out this historic initiative.

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If implemented, it will be the first time that semen from cloned animals developed at NDRI will be used in a structured manner across states, aiming to address the country’s shortage of elite germplasm and boost livestock productivity.

“We are exploring the possibility of bringing semen of cloned animals to the fields with the help of the Animal Husbandry Department, Government of India. It will be for the first time when semen of cloned animals of NDRI will be used in the fields across the country,” confirmed Dr Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-NDRI.

The NDRI is expected to deliver semen from three progeny-tested bulls, which will then be distributed to various states. The institute has already achieved successful lab results and farm-level trials using semen from cloned bulls.

“We have already witnessed positive results from laboratory as well as trials in NDRI farm. We believe semen from cloned bulls is safe, genetically stable and capable of enhancing productivity,” said Dr Singh.

NDRI’s cloning journey began on February 6, 2009, with the birth of the country’s first cloned calf, which survived only a few days. However, on June 6, 2009, the birth of a female calf named Garima marked a turning point, as she survived over two years. Later, Garima-2, born on August 22, 2010, produced eight normal calves, further validating the technology.

The first male cloned calf, Shresth, born on August 26, 2010, has since contributed to good germplasm multiplication. Other cloned bulls — Swaran, Rajat, Karan, Tejas, Shakti, Basant and Gantantra — have also been produced. To date, NDRI has successfully cloned several male and female buffalo and cattle, with 12 currently alive, reproductively sound and healthy.