Artificial insemination in cattle

• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Highlights:

• This mission aims to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds, with genetic upgradation of the bovine population and enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines.
• The following steps have been taken under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for enhancing efficiency and success rate of Artificial Insemination of Indigenous Breeds in the country.
• Induction of Multi Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRI) to make available trained manpower for delivery of quality artificial insemination services at the farmers’ doorstep.
• Assistance is also made available to States and Union Territories for refreshers training of artificial insemination technicians and professionals.
• Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) to extend AI coverage among bovines using semen of High Genetic Merit Bulls of indigenous bovine breeds.
• For production of high genetic merit bulls with known genetic potential Progeny Testing programme and Pedigree selection programme is implemented under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
• In order to improve quality of semen production Strengthening of semen stations is covered under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
• Minimum Standard Protocol for semen production has been formulated by the Department and Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) has been constituted for evaluation and grading of semen stations.
• In order to ensure the protection of indigenous breeds from indiscriminate breeding, breed purity test of all imported germplasm is conducted in the country.
• To regulate import of germplasm and to avoid ingress of exotic diseases into the country, the Department has formulated guidelines for import and export of bovine germplasm.

Prelims Takeaway

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission