NEW DELHI: Artificial insemination The technology, which is currently used to improve livestock breeds in the country, will now also be used for the genetic improvement of sheep and goats, and state semen banks that store frozen semen only from bulls of high genetic merit can function as semen bank for sheep and goats. Well.
Genetic improvement of sheep and goat breeds will be done through “selective breeding through propagation of superior male germplasm” through artificial insemination and establishment of semen storage facilities at the state level.
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The measure is part of the new operational guidelines of the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which aims to increase animal productivity by focusing on increased meat production; goat, camel, donkey and sheep milk; egg and wool under a general scheme. One of the most important objectives of the NLM plan is also to develop entrepreneurs in the livestock sector.
According to the new guidelines, published by the Union cattle raising and dairy minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Pune on Monday, the Center will provide assistance in setting up frozen semen production laboratory for goat semen production and liquid semen production laboratory for sheep at a regional level in a strategic location to supply semen from elite animals to nearby states.
In addition, within the framework of the NLM 2.0, the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds of horses, donkeys and camels will also be carried out through selective breeding. Currently, there is no approved breed registration society in the country to preserve the breed and valuable germplasm of horses, donkeys and camels.
“Indiscriminate breeding has caused the destruction of many breeds that are resistant to the Indian environment,” the new NLM guidelines state.
The Center will provide assistance to states and ICAR institutions for establishing semen production laboratories for horses, donkeys and camels at the regional level.
From January 14 to February 13, declared “Livestock and Animal Welfare Month”, the Ministry of Livestock is carrying out nationwide awareness campaigns and educational activities on the new guidelines and other relevant programs/schemes to support to the ranchers.