A milestone in the field of conservation and improvement of native bovine breed ‘Binjharpuri’ has been achieved with the birth of first artificial insemination (AI) Binjharpuri female calf on February 7.
Way back in 2015, the State Government had decided to induct the Binjharpuri breed, which is very much adaptable to local environment to the frozen semen bank for collection of semen to be used for artificial insemination in cattle.
The then Secretary, FARD, Bishnupada Sethi had initiated the move and nine Binjharpuri bull calves were procured from the native tract and were reared as donor bulls at FSB, Cuttack for semen collection.
The semen was supplied to AI Centres of Jajpur and BBR and BM Farm, Khapuria, Cuttack, for selective breeding roughly one-and-a-half years ago.
The female calf has the credit of being the first ever Binjharpuri calf born through AI. More number of AI calves are expected in near future.
It is really a proud moment for all as we have marched a step forward for successful conservation and development of the breed, said a senior officer.
Such initiative was the first of its kind in the State, which could be possible due to constant guidance and support extended by Sethi.
This initiative was taken by Odisha Livestock Resources Development Society to take up bull procurement for genetic up-gradation of local cattle. Binjharpuri cow has already been registered as 33rd cattle breed in India.
The breed is a potential dual purpose indigenous cattle breed of Odisha, which has brought a lot of hope to the rearers, policy makers and scientists.