The Government has undertaken an ambitious project “cattle genome” of genome sequencing of 40 breeds of indigenous cattle to boost production and predict the breeding value of desi cow more accurately.
So far genome sequencing has only been done for European species like Jersey and Holstein Friesians cows, but not for native cattle.
The project, to be carried out by the Department of Bio-technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, will also see development of DNA chips of these breeds which will help understand various traits of the cattle species.
“Genetic improvement of livestock through traditional selection for increasing productivity has major limitations. To overcome this, genomic selection has played a crucial role in livestock industry globally.
“At present genome sequencing has only been done for European species like Jersey and Holstein Friesians cows, but not for native cattle,” said Mohd Aslam, senior scientist and Advisor with the DBT.
On the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan also launched Biotech-Kisan initiative, where farmers, scientists and science institutions across the country will work as a network that will identify and help solve problems in a cooperative manner.
The minister said, to start with the Biotech Kisan project will be launched in four agro-climatic zones in the country, namely East and West Himalayas, the Upper Gangetic region and Southern plateau and hills.