Artificial insemination in cattle

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of 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.

1. 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.
2. Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) to extend AI coverage among bovines using semen of High Genetic Merit Bulls of indigenous bovine breeds.
3. Induction of High Genetic Merit Bulls (HGM) for semen production: For production of high genetic merit bulls with known genetic potential Progeny Testing programme and Pedigree selection programme is implemented under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. High Genetic Merit Bulls produced under the programme is made available to semen stations for production of quality semen doses.
4. Strengthening of semen stations: 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 Department has formulated guidelines for import and export of bovine germplasm.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.