In a significant achievement in livestock development in Himachal Pradesh, the state’s first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Laboratory, established last year at Banuri, Palampur, in Kangra district under the Department of Animal Husbandry, has successfully demonstrated rapid genetic advancement in Jersey cattle through advanced reproductive biotechnology.
According to Dr Ajay Choudhary, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry, Palampur, 45 Jersey and Jersey crossbred embryos have been transferred (surrogated) into Jersey crossbred farm animals and field animals at farmers’ doorsteps. There have been 10 confirmed pregnancies in field animals, six confirmed pregnancies in farm animals (Jersey embryos), and two confirmed pregnancies in farm animals (Jersey crossbred embryos).
A major breakthrough has been achieved with the birth of three high-genetic-merit calves from a single elite Jersey cow within one year through IVF and surrogacy. The first Jersey MSP male calf was born at Rajpur at the farm of veterinarian Dr Rajiv Phull. MSP is a Minimum Standards of Production of milk for a particular cow or buffalo breed set by Government of India. The MSP male calf means that its dam or mother meets those production standards.
A female calf from the same donor cow was born at the Jersey Cattle Breeding Farm (JCBF), Palampur. Another male calf was born to a surrogate cow belonging to Sardar Singh at Kandbari. This remarkable achievement demonstrates how IVF technology enables multiple offspring from a single elite cow in a short time, significantly accelerating genetic improvement. Notably, the original donor cow is currently pregnant with semen from a superior bull, further strengthening the genetic base.
Dr Choudhary said accotding to the established protocol, the male progenies born in the field will be brought back after disease testing and codal formalities. These bulls will be supplied to the PT Jersey Project and Sperm Station, Palampur. They will undergo quarantine at the sperm station and later be shifted to the upcoming Calf Rearing Centre at Kandbari. The female progenies born in the field will be inducted into JCBF Palampur for further breed development. The females born out of future breeding bulls are expected to produce more than 30 litres of milk per day, contributing significantly to the dairy productivity in the state.
The IVF Laboratory was funded by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DADF), Government of India, through the H.P. Livestock and Poultry Development Board. The facility was formally inaugurated in January 2025 by Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Chander Kumar.
The IVF process involves ultrasound-guided collection of oocytes from high genetic merit MSP (Minimum Standard Protocol) donor Jersey cows. These oocytes are matured, fertilised in vitro using semen from genetically superior bulls, and cultured into embryos under controlled laboratory conditions. The embryos are subsequently transferred into healthy surrogate cows.
The progenies born through this technology retain the superior genetic potential of the elite donor cow, enabling rapid multiplication of valuable germplasm. IVF technology plays a transformative role in rapid multiplication of elite dairy genetics, conservation and propagation of superior breeds, accelerated genetic gain, enhanced milk productivity and improved income opportunities for livestock farmers.
The successful implementation of IVF technology at Palampur marks a major step towards self-reliance in superior dairy germplasm. By enabling faster genetic gain and systematic multiplication of elite Jersey lines, the IVF Lab is poised to revolutionise dairy breeding in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative stands as a model for integrating biotechnology with field-level implementation, benefiting both institutional farms and progressive dairy farmers across the region.
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