The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed by Meenesh Shah, ED, NDDB, and RS Sodhi, MD, GCMMF, practically on May 18th in Anand, Gujarat.
As part of the project, around 1.9 lakh animals will be surveyed over the next five years with regard to their milk production capacity, their fat, SNF and protein content in the milk, their reproductive regularity, their disease frequency, their body type, their behavior, etc. detected.
Of the animals recorded, more than 80,000 animals will be genotyped and related data will aid in a more accurate estimate of genomic breeding value.
This program includes major breeds such as Gir, Kankrej and crossbred cows, as well as Mehsana, Jaffarabadi and Murrah buffalo. In addition, all bulls entering Gujarat’s semen stations are genomically selected to ensure genetic value.
According to an NDDB statement, the Milk Unions of Gujarat have decided to work together to expand the reference population for genomic selection and to extend the benefits of improved genetics to Gujarat farmers. The NDDB, GCMMF and Milk Unions will work together to develop SOPs for recording and recording data analysis and monitoring the quality of the data collected.
The project aimed to rapidly track the genetic process of cattle in terms of their milk production potential, along with regular breeding, reduced disease rates and improved pear production. With the help of semen stations, farmers can also use genomics to select the heifers.
NDDB has been working on the implementation of genomic selection since 2014. It has developed customer-specific genotyping chips INDUSCHIP and BUFFCHIP for the genotyping of cattle and buffalo.
According to NDDB, more than 20,000 animals were genotyped with these chips. Using genotype data and performance records, genomic breeding values (an estimate that shows an animal’s genetic potential) are estimated. Bulls of Gir, HFCB, JCB and Murrah breeds are genomically selected prior to distribution (at seed stations).
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