Government recognition of new cattle breeds
Synthetic Cattle Breeds Strengthening India’s Dairy Sector: The Government of India has officially registered two high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds, namely Karan Fries and Vrindavani. This step reflects a focused policy push towards improving dairy productivity while maintaining adaptability to Indian agro-climatic conditions.
Alongside synthetic breeds, new indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds such as Medini from Jharkhand, Rohikhandi from Uttar Pradesh, and Melghati from Maharashtra have also been recognised. This dual approach balances productivity enhancement with conservation of native genetic resources.
Static GK fact: India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing over 20% of global milk output.
Karan Fries cattle breed
Karan Fries is a well-established synthetic dairy cattle breed developed at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana. It was created to address the low productivity of local cattle while retaining their adaptability.
This breed is a cross between indigenous Tharparkar cows and Holstein-Friesian bulls. The genetic combination results in higher milk yield along with tolerance to heat and tropical diseases.
Karan Fries cattle are particularly suited for organized dairy farms and semi-intensive systems. They perform well under controlled feeding and management conditions common in northern India.
Static GK Tip: Tharparkar cattle originate from the Thar Desert region and are known for heat tolerance and drought resilience.
Vrindavani cattle breed
Vrindavani is a composite synthetic breed developed by the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. It represents a more complex genetic blend compared to Karan Fries.
The breed combines Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss, and Jersey exotic cattle with the Hariana indigenous breed. Hariana cattle are valued for their hardiness, draft ability, and disease resistance.
Vrindavani cattle show moderate to high milk yield, early maturity, and better reproductive efficiency. They are suitable for diverse agro-climatic regions and smallholder dairy systems.
Static GK fact: Jersey cattle are globally known for high butterfat content in milk.
Recognition of new indigenous breeds
The recognition of Medini, Rohikhandi, and Melghati breeds strengthens India’s livestock biodiversity framework. These breeds are adapted to local environments and support sustainable rural livelihoods.
Indigenous breeds generally require lower inputs, have higher survival rates, and are better suited for marginal farmers. Their registration ensures structured conservation and breeding programmes.
Static GK Tip: India has over 200 registered livestock breeds, one of the highest in the world.
Significance of synthetic cattle breeds
Synthetic cattle breeds aim to enhance milk productivity without compromising climate adaptability. They bridge the gap between high-yielding exotic breeds and resilient indigenous cattle.
Such breeds help reduce dependence on indiscriminate crossbreeding practices.
They also support long-term sustainability by improving disease resistance and farm profitability.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Synthetic Cattle Breeds Strengthening India’s Dairy Sector:
| Topic | Detail |
| Karan Fries | Developed by NDRI, Karnal; cross of Tharparkar and Holstein-Friesian |
| Vrindavani | Developed by ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly; composite of HF, Brown Swiss, Jersey, and Hariana |
| Indigenous breeds recognised | Medini (Jharkhand), Rohikhandi (Uttar Pradesh), Melghati (Maharashtra) |
| Policy focus | Higher milk yield with climate resilience |
| Dairy significance | Supports sustainable and organised dairy farming |
