India’s first Banni buffalo IVF calf born in Somnath district of Gujarat

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With the birth of the first IVF (in vitro fertilisation) calf of the Banni Buffalo breed in the country, India’s ovum pick-up (OVU)- IVF work has reached the next level, according to information provided by the ministry for animal husbandry and dairying.</p>
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This first IVF Banni calf is born out of 6 Banni IVF pregnancies established at farmer Vinay . L. Wala’s Sushila Agro farms, located at Dhanej in Somnath district of Gujarat.</p>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about the Banni buffalo breed during his visit to Kutch region of Gujarat on December 15, 2020. The very next day Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) and aspiration processes for the in vitro fertilization (IVF) of Banni Buffaloes were planned, the official statement added.</p>
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The scientists aspirated 3 Banni Buffaloes of which 29 oocytes (egg cells) were subjected to intervaginal culture device (IVC). The 15 embryo transfers that took place resulted in 6 pregnancies which works out to a 40% success rate.</p>
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Of these 6 pregnancies, the very first IVF Banni calf was born on Saturday.</p>
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Both the government and the scientist fraternity see a great potential in the field of IVF of buffaloes and are working to improve cattle wealth in the country, the official statement added.</p>