Strategies and indigenous technologies to improve livestock productivity in India

Abstract India is the world's largest milk producer; however, the average milk productivity per dairy animal remains considerably lower than that of developed dairy-producing nations. Major constraints include limited availability of genetically superior breeding bulls, low artificial insemination (AI) coverage, cryopreservation-induced sperm damage, poor field-level semen quality assessment, and the high cost of advanced reproductive technologies such as semen sexing. Developing affordable indigenous technologies is therefore essential to enhance reproductive efficiency and accelerate genetic improvement. Over the past decade, ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (ICAR-CIRB), Hisar has developed a suite of indigenous reproductive technologies that strengthen the entire AI chain. These include a ready-to-use semen extender to improve post-thaw sperm quality, the CIRB Artificial Vagina for increasing semen dose production through optimized semen collection, the portable Spermoscope for on-site evaluation of sperm motility under field conditions, the CIRB AI Gun for minimizing thermal damage during insemination, and a low-cost semen sexing technology for increasing the production of female calves. Together, these complementary technologies improve semen production, preservation, evaluation, and utilization while reducing dependence on imported equipment. This paper reviews the scientific basis, development, commercialization, and potential impact of these technologies on dairy production. Their integration into breeding programmes can improve conception rates, accelerate dissemination of elite genetics, increase the availability of replacement females, and enhance milk productivity. The widespread adoption of these indigenous innovations will support sustainable dairy development, strengthen India's self-reliance in reproductive biotechnology, and contribute to national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Viksit Bharat 2047. Keywords: Artificial insemination; Buffalo; Dairy productivity; Indigenous technology; Semen cryopreservation; Ready-to-use semen extender; CIRB Artificial Vagina; Spermoscope; CIRB AI Gun; Semen sexing; Female calf production; Reproductive biotechnology; Genetic improvement; Milk production. 1. Introduction The livestock sector plays a vital role in food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development, with dairy farming serving as a major source of income for millions of smallholder farmers in India. Although India is the world's largest milk producer, the average milk productivity per dairy animal remains considerably lower than the global average. Buffaloes, which contribute nearly half of the country's milk production, represent a valuable genetic resource; however, only about 30% of breedable bovines are covered under artificial insemination (AI), while the majority are still bred through scrub bulls of unknown genetic merit. This highlights the need for rapid genetic improvement through efficient reproductive technologies. Artificial insemination is the most effective tool for disseminating superior germplasm and enhancing milk production. However, its potential is constrained by a limited number of elite breeding bulls, inadequate semen dose production, cryopreservation-induced sperm damage, and poor field-level semen quality assessment. Frozen-thawed sperm often undergo structural and functional deterioration, reducing conception rates, while the absence of portable semen evaluation tools and temperature fluctuations during semen handling further compromise AI success under field conditions. To address these challenges, ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (ICAR-CIRB), Hisar has developed a series of indigenous reproductive technologies that strengthen every stage of the AI chain. These include a ready-to-use semen extender for improved cryopreservation, the CIRB Artificial Vagina for enhanced semen collection, the portable Spermoscope for field…