NDRI Develops Two Cloned Buffaloes That Can Bring Another White Revolution In India

Scientists of National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal have achieved new success in the field of cloning. 2 cloned calves (1 Male & 1 Female) have been produced at NDRI, which have the genetic ability to give high quantity of milk. Scientists claim that this will double the milk production in the country and increase the income of farmers.

Milk production in buffaloes born from the semen of cloned animal is 14 to 16 kg per day as compared to normal buffalo.

After the approval of the central government, this technology will be delivered to the farmers. Dr MS Chauhan, Director of National Dairy Research, Karnal, said that this is breakthrough moment in the field of cloning, the scientist’s research is moving in the right direction. Apart from this, he told that animal husbandry has an important place in the agricultural economy of India. Buffalo contributes about 50% of the total milk production and is playing an important role in the livelihood of the farmers. Semen from cloned animals can double milk production.

Dr Chauhan told the male calf is named ‘Gantantra’ since he was born on Republic Day, while the female calf is named ‘Karnika’ (born on December 20) after the city Karnal. NDRI has generated over 25 cloned animals, 11 of which are still alive.

According to Manoj Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the NDRI, Gantantra is a clone of an elite bull, while Karnika was created from the cells of an NDRI high-yielding buffalo that produced 6,089 kg milk in the fifth lactation. The calves were delivered by regular parturition, and both are in good condition.

This is another significant accomplishment, and we are now focusing on lowering the death rate of cloned animals, which has already grown to roughly 6% from 1% in 2010.

He claims that these cloned animals will assist satisfy the need for high-quality bulls and milk production. “Seven of the 11 cloned animals are male, and three of them are employed to produce sperm,” he continued.

“The efforts of NDRI researchers will not only help boost milk production in the country, but will also help satisfy the need for excellent quality semen for artificial insemination,” said Manmohan Singh Chauhan, director of NDRI Karnal.