Date:27/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/27/stories/2006062711140500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

IndiaGen launches sale of frozen bovine semen

Staff Reporter

US-based cooperative ties up with NDDB subsidiary, floats IGL

Improved genetic quality of breed helps in higher milk yield
Import of foreign breed to upgrade Indian bovine gene pool likely
AP-based agency distributes semen through Gopal Mitras

IGL to source frozen semen of exotic, pedigreed US breeds

VIJAYAWADA: In collaboration with US-based Cooperative Resources International (CRI), National Dairy Development Board's (NDDB) wholly-owned subsidiary Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) established IndiaGen Limited and launched commercial sale of its frozen bovine semen here on Monday. IndiaGen is a joint venture aimed at sharing of technology and infrastructure development.

IGL Managing Director Panicker said that improved genetic quality of breeds would help in higher productivity of milk. IGL would focus on upgradation of technology with the help of its US cooperative partner.

"In the next three to four months, new policies may come into effect for importing foreign breeds to upgrade Indian bovine gene pool. Such a facility will surely improve dairy sector on a number of counts," he added.

Gopal Mitras

Addressing a press conference after the launch, Dr. Panicker said that AP Livestock Development Agency (LDA) was currently engaged in distribution of semen through 1,700 `Gopal Mitra' groups..

IGL product was introduced in Chittoor district on a trial basis. Since it is priced high, the response was not as expected. . IGL plans to source frozen semen of pedigreed and progeny-tested bulls of exotic breeds such as Holstein Friesian and Jersey from USA.. CRI chief operating officer Deam Gile, IIL general manager T. Srivardhan,

Heritage Dairy GM B.P. Rao, Krishna Milk Union MD T. Babu Rao, Animal Husbandry joint director D. Venkateswarlu were present.