India’s first Banni buffalo IVF calf born

Highlights:

• India’s first IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) calf of Banni breed of buffaloes was born at a farmer’s house in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat on October 23, 2021.
• Banni breed of buffalo is found primarily in the Kutch region of Gujarat.
• IVC process was carried out in a bid to enhance the number of genetically superior buffaloes for increasing the milk production.
• Banni buffalo, belonging to a dairy farmer, from Dhanej village gave birth to IVF male calf.
• Embryos of Banni donors were implanted in 18 recipient buffaloes using the IVF technology.
• Banni breed had achieved six pregnancies, out of which one calf was born, at the farmer’s firm. More will be born in few days.
• This process was carried out by JKBovagenix of NGO JK Trust which is a social initiative of Raymond Group.

• Banni buffalo are also known as “Kutchi” or “Kundi”. 
• This breed of buffalo is found primarily in Kutch district of Gujarat.
• The word ‘Banni’ is specific to not only the buffaloes but pasture grass species as well, that are native to this region.
• This breed of buffaloes is preserved by a local community of Kutch called the ‘Maldharis’.