Port Blair, July 22:The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has implemented the ‘Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme – Sex Sorted Semen (ABIP-SS)’ under the central sector scheme ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’ in these Islands. This scheme aims to strengthen the ongoing Cattle Development Programme for up-gradation of local cattle through Artificial Insemination using frozen semen of bulls having superior quality. The Department has been implementing these programme since the last three decades and a sizeable population of local variety of cattle yielding an average of (2.5–3 litres) of milk per day has been upgraded by cross breeding to yield on an average of (8-10 litres) of milk per day. Along with the cross breeding programme, the Department of (AH&VS) also implements scheme for improving the fodder production in the Territory and for better management of dairy cattle.
One of the major constraints in diary development of these Islands is import of good variety of high yielding milk producing cattle in these Islands due to the high cost of quarantine and transport. Hence, all efforts to increase milk production needs to be focussed on the existing population of breedable cross. The cross breeding programme using conventional semen straws, though effective in up-gradation of productivity, but also results in production of male calves. It is expected that out of the total number of calves born every year 50% will be male. The male calves are neglected and thus become stray and also subject of animal welfare issues. To address this problem, Govt. of India has introduced the ABIP using sex sorted semen. The sex sorted semen differs from conventional semen straws by the fact that it ensures 90% birth of female calves.
Under this scheme, interested beneficiaries will have to register his/her name at the local Veterinary Institution and agree to bear the cost of frozen semen. The beneficiary will be eligible for subsidy and will have to pay Rs 250/- per semen straw. The cattle should be healthy and should not be more than its 3rd lactation. In case the animal does not conceive in the first attempt, farmers have the option to purchase the second sex-sorted straw. However, in the case the animal does not conceive even after two attempts, the amount deposited will be refunded but further insemination will be done using conventional semen straws only. If a male calf is born after two attempts, then the farmer will be entitled to get 50% refund. All information will be uploaded using Bharat Pashudhan App under the National Digital Livestock Mission.
The farmer has the option to choose between three types of breed including Jersey Pure breed and Cross breed Sahiwal & Cross breed Gir. The Department aims to produce 2000 cross breed female calves in a span of 5 years. This will accelerate the induction of good variety of diary calves by the year 2027 when the calves start producing milk. It is estimated that about 300 such calves will be in production and contribute an additional 7 lakhs litres of milk annually, which will keep increasing in subsequent years.
All the livestock owners of the UT of A&N Islands have been requested to take benefits of this scheme. For detailed information and for registration they have been requested to contact the Senior Veterinary Officers of the nearest Veterinary Hospital or Dispensary.
