In a major development for India’s dairy and livestock sector, the Karan Fries cattle, developed by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, has been officially registered as a distinct breed. The registration was conducted by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), which approved a total of 16 new livestock breeds from across the country today.
The Significance of Karan Fries The Karan Fries is a crossbred cattle variety that has been a hallmark of NDRI’s research for decades.
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Genetic Lineage: This breed was developed by crossing the exotic Holstein Friesian with the indigenous Tharparkar cattle.
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Key Traits: It is highly valued for its high milk yield and its ability to adapt better to the hot and humid Indian climate compared to pure exotic breeds.
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Registration Impact: Official registration as a breed provides a unique identity to Karan Fries, facilitating its promotion, conservation, and systematic breeding across the country. It also helps in protecting the intellectual property and research efforts of NDRI.
Expanding India’s Livestock Portfolio The 16 newly registered breeds include varieties of cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep from different states, bringing the total number of indigenous and developed breeds in India to a new record high.
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The Process: ICAR-NBAGR follows a rigorous evaluation of the physical characteristics, performance parameters, and genetic uniqueness before granting “breed” status.
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National Impact: This move is part of the government’s Mission Fingerprinting of Indian Livestock, aimed at documenting and protecting the biodiversity of India’s animal genetic resources.
Research Excellence at NDRI The NDRI administration hailed the registration as a recognition of years of dedicated research by its scientists. The inclusion of Karan Fries in the national breed list is expected to encourage dairy farmers to adopt this variety for commercial milk production, especially in the northern plains of India.
The certificates of registration for the 16 breeds were presented during a special ceremony, marking a step forward in the scientific management of India’s livestock wealth.
SUMMARY
The Karan Fries cattle breed, developed by NDRI Karnal, has been officially registered by ICAR-NBAGR among 16 newly recognized livestock breeds. This crossbred variety (Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar) is known for its high milk yield and climate resilience. The registration provides the breed with a formal identity, aiding in its conservation and national promotion.
