First calf through advanced embryo transfer technology born in Puducherry

First calf born through IVF-ET in Puducherry, enhancing genetic potential of cattle with Rashtriya Gokul Mission support.

The first-ever calf born through In-Vitro Fertilized Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) technology in Puducherry has been delivered at Kanuvapet village near Villianur. The calf was delivered under a pilot project taken up with the support of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

A jersey cross recipient cow successfully gave birth to an elite, high-yielding and high genetic calf using this advanced reproductive technology.

The process began on July 1 of last year, when an embryo (7 days old ) was transferred to a jersey cow owned by a farmer from Kanuvapet. The successful conception test conducted in October last year was followed by the birth of the female jersey cross breed calf with superior genetic characteristics on March 28.

The procedure was overseen by V. Anantharaman, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Villianur.

“This is the first surrogacy calf produced through embryo transfer in Puducherry. The department has set a target of producing at least 500 heads of cattle using the technology in Puducherry and Karaikal during this fiscal,” Mr. Anantharaman said.

“The ET technology with In-vitro fertilization (IVF) process was started during 2024-25 with the notified agency to breed the available milch cows and buffaloes with superior genetic potential embryos and produce female calves of elite quality which on maturity shall yield a peak production of 5,000 litres of milk per lactation (25 litres of milk per day),“ he added.

K. Coumarane, Joint Director of Animal Husbandry cum Nodal Officer, attributed the success of the procedure to the support of Rashtriya Gokul Mission, to preserve and enhance indigenous cattle breeds and upgrade genetic potential of the cows in a short period, with the involvement of the Animal Husbandry department.