OPU IVF Calf Birth Milestone in Uttarakhand Indigenous Badri Cattle
Source:PIB ↗

આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
This development marks a significant convergence of advanced biotechnology (IVF) and indigenous livestock conservation, crucial for rural livelihoods, climate resilience, and genetic resource management in hill states like Uttarakhand.
સારાંશ
A major milestone in animal husbandry was achieved with the birth of the first OPU-IVF (Ovum Pick-Up In Vitro Fertilization) calf from Badri cattle, an indigenous and climate-resilient breed native to Uttarakhand. This breakthrough highlights the application of advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for the conservation and rapid genetic improvement of native bovine breeds, aligning with initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- First-ever OPU-IVF (Ovum Pick-Up In Vitro Fertilization) calf born from 'Badri' cattle, an indigenous cattle breed of Uttarakhand.
- Badri cattle is recognized as the first registered indigenous breed of Uttarakhand, known for its high resilience and medicinal properties in its milk.
- The technological milestone achieved through OPU-IVF aims to accelerate the genetic improvement and conservation of native cattle breeds facing population decline.
- Supports the broader national objectives under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission for enhancing bovine productivity and rural livelihoods.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
Rashtriya Gokul Mission
A central government initiative under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying aimed at the conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous bovine breeds in India.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (Agriculture & Animal Husbandry): Tests knowledge of government schemes for livestock development and native breed preservation.
Ovum Pick-Up In Vitro Fertilization (OPU-IVF)
An advanced assisted reproductive technique where immature oocytes are retrieved directly from a live donor cow's ovaries via ultrasound guidance and fertilized in a laboratory.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (Science & Tech - Biotechnology): Evaluates applications of modern reproductive technologies in livestock breeding and genetic conservation.
Badri Cattle
The first officially certified, climate-resilient indigenous cattle breed of Uttarakhand, known for its small size, hardiness, and high-quality A2 milk rich in medicinal properties.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims (Environment/Agriculture): Tests awareness of native biodiversity, indigenous animal genetic resources, and regional agricultural assets.
પ્રિલિમ્સ ટ્રેપ
Badri cattle is an exotic high-yielding dairy breed introduced to the Himalayan region to maximize commercial milk production.
Badri cattle is often confused with exotic high-yielding dairy breeds; however, it is an indigenous hill breed noted for disease resistance and A2 milk, not high volume commercial yield.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What are the key objectives and implementing frameworks of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in India?
- Nodal Scheme: Launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development for indigenous breed development.
- Breed Improvement: Focuses on genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production using elite disease-free indigenous germplasm.
- Key Components: Establishment of Gokul Grams, ETT/IVF labs, and distribution of sex-sorted semen to ensure female calf births.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
ART Conservation + Indigenous Livestock Biodiversity
Assisted reproductive technologies in endemic livestock link animal husbandry directly to biodiversity conservation under the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being.
Expect statement-based Qs on Rashtriya Gokul Mission, indigenous breed registration (NBAGR), and OPU-IVF mechanism in Prelims 2025.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3
- 2025PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission : I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2015MainsGS3
Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
- 2019MainsGS3
How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers?