In a major development for the conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds, scientists have successfully produced a healthy female Badri calf using advanced Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilization (OPU-IVF) technology. The calf was born on September 11, 2026, at the Academic Dairy Farm after an embryo produced from a Badri cow was transferred into a Sahiwal recipient cow.
Badri cattle are an important indigenous genetic resource of Uttarakhand and are recognised as the state animal. The successful birth marks a significant step towards using modern reproductive biotechnology to conserve valuable Badri germplasm, accelerate its multiplication and support systematic breed-improvement programmes.
The achievement is the outcome of collaborative research by the ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), Karnal, and G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The programme received financial support from the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, Haldi.
Advanced Technology for Breed Conservation
OPU-IVF offers an opportunity to multiply desirable female germplasm at a substantially faster pace than conventional reproductive methods. Under the programme, oocytes were collected from selected genetically valuable Badri donor cows using ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up.
The retrieved oocytes were matured under laboratory conditions and fertilised in vitro with semen from a genetically superior Badri bull. The semen was supplied through the Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board. Following fertilisation, the embryos were cultured under controlled conditions before being transferred into synchronised recipient cows.
One of the resulting Badri embryos was transferred into a Sahiwal recipient, which successfully delivered the healthy female calf. Another synchronised crossbred recipient cow is expected to give birth to a Badri calf within the next five to seven days.
Three-Year Scientific Collaboration
The research initiative began in 2023 under the leadership and initiative of the then Vice-Chancellor of G. B. Pant University, Dr M. S. Chauhan. The collaboration with ICAR-NDRI was established to develop and standardise advanced reproductive technologies for the conservation and multiplication of Badri cattle.
Over the past three years, scientific teams from both institutions have worked on establishing protocols covering OPU, in-vitro embryo production and embryo transfer specifically for Badri cattle germplasm.
Dr Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, said technologies such as OPU-IVF can significantly enhance the multiplication of elite female animals. He noted that the success could provide a strong foundation for structured programmes focused on the conservation and genetic improvement of Badri cattle.
Cloning Research Also Underway
The collaborative programme is also investigating the possibility of cloning elite and high-performing Badri cows. Scientists involved in the project have successfully produced cloned Badri embryos through multiple stages of ongoing research.
In the next phase, embryos generated through both OPU-IVF and cloning will be considered for transfer into suitable Sahiwal, crossbred and Badri recipient cows. The objective is to increase the availability of superior Badri germplasm while strengthening long-term conservation efforts.
The successful birth demonstrates how advanced reproductive biotechnology can be combined with indigenous genetic resources to promote sustainable livestock development in Uttarakhand and the wider Himalayan region. It is expected to pave the way for expanded research, genetic improvement and wider dissemination of elite Badri cattle germplasm.
ICAR-NDRI and G. B. Pant University have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint research and technology-transfer initiatives aimed at conserving, improving and sustainably utilising India’s valuable indigenous livestock breeds.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
