Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh): The increasing number of stray cattle, especially non-milking cows, has become a challenge for authorities. Farmers often abandon male calves due to their limited utility in dairy farming.
To tackle this issue, the Animal Husbandry Department has introduced Sex Sorted Semen technology, which ensures up to 90% female calf births through artificial insemination (AI). This technique separates X- and Y-chromosome sperm using Flow Cytometry, allowing farmers to choose the desired gender of the offspring.
Since female calves contribute to milk production, this initiative aims to boost the dairy sector, reduce stray cattle, and improve cattle breeds. Madhya Pradesh is the second state after Uttarakhand to adopt this method.
In Rajgarh district, where 65,000 cattle are registered, only 2,000 AI procedures have been conducted in three years. In 2024-25, the district achieved its target of 6,000 AI procedures, with a 30-35% conception rate.
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Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, Mahipal Singh Kushwaha, stated that farmers are still unaware of this advanced technique. While efforts are being made to spread awareness, many cattle keepers only know about traditional insemination methods.
Dr. M.S. Bamnia, in charge of Rajgarh block, reported that over 2,000 AI procedures have been performed in three years, with a 37% success rate in producing female calves. The initiative is expected to reduce stray cattle numbers as farmers retain productive animals, thereby benefiting both dairy farmers and the government.
