Prime Minister launched Unified Genomic Chip and indigenous sex-sorted semen technology for the benefit of livestock in India.
About Unified Genomic Chip
It is a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) chip.
Objective: Designed for genomic profiling and evaluation of Indian cattle breeds.
It has enabled the direct application of DNA technologies to enhance the genetic potential(genetic improvement) of diverse dairy animal populations in the country.
These chips will help farmers to identify high-quality cattle early and enhance dairy farming efficiency.
Variants of the chip:
Gau chip for cattle
Mahish chip for buffaloes
Developed by: Consortium led by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
It comprises of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NAIB), etc.
About Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
It refers to a variation in a DNA sequence where a single nucleotide is different from the reference sequence.
DNA sequences are formed from a chain of four nucleotide bases: Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T).
An SNP may replace the nucleotide Guanine (G)with the nucleotide thymine (T) in a certain stretch of DNA.
These are the most common type of genetic variation among people.
They are commonly used in research studies and by genetic testing companies.
About Sex-sorted Semen Technology
Sex Sorted Semen is the 'gender selected' semen used in Artificial Insemination (AI) for cattle and buffaloes.
It ensures the birth of only female calves with more than 90% accuracy whereas conventional semen produces equal proportion of male and female (50:50) calves.
Under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the NDDB has developed the indigenous technology of sex sorted semen.
Till now it was manufactured by multinational companies.
About Genetic/Breed Improvement
It involves selecting animals with superior traits, producing frozen semen, and disseminating it in the respective breeding tracts, in order to increase productivity of dairy animals.
It also promotes conservation of indigenous breeds.
It involves different techniques such as Artificial Insemination, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo transfer technology (ETT), etc.
Need for Genetic/Breed Improvement:
Building a disease-free closed herd
Developing climate-tolerant and disease-resistant breeds.
Contributes to the overall genetic pool of the breed, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Empowering farmers and building resilient livelihoods.
Reducing dependence over exotic species and cross breeds.
Other Initiatives Taken by India for Genetic/Breed Improvement
Rashtriya Gokul Mission(2014): Launched with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and genetic upgradation of bovine population. Under it, following initiatives have been taken
Implementation of Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme
Accelerated breed improvement programme using bovine In-Vitro Fertilization technology (IVF)
Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection Programme to produce high genetic merit bulls.
Delivery of quality artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep through Multi Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs).
Establishment of breed multiplication farm.
IndiGau: India’s first Cattle Genomic Chip for the conservation of pure varieties of indigenous cattle breeds like, Gir, Kankrej, Sahiwal, Ongole etc.
Launched by NAIB (under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology).
Other initiatives:
Breed improvement under National Livestock Mission (NLM), 2014.
e-pashuhaat Portal for connecting breeders and farmers regarding availability of bovine germplasm.
Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH): Developed by NDDB, facilitates capturing of real time reliable data on Breeding, Nutrition and Health Services.
Conclusion
Launch of Unified Genomic Chip for cattle and indigenous sex-sorted semen technology will help in improving the genetic potential and productivity of the cattle and increase in farmers’ income. Also, it will support food security of the country.
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