India has imported 40,000 doses of bull semen from Brazil for the first time to boost milk output via artificial insemination of Gir and Kankrej cattle breeds.
About Kankrej:
- It is also called as Wadad or Waged, Wadhiar.
- It is originated from Southeast Rann of Kutch of Gujarat and adjoining Rajasthan (Barmer and Jodhpur district).
- Colour of the animal varies from silver-grey to iron-grey or steel black.
- It is valued for fast, powerful, draught cattle and also useful in ploughing and carting.
- Kankrej, famously known as Guzerat in Brazil, is being maintained in large numbers as a pure breed in that country.
Key facts about Gir breed
- It is a famous Indian-born dairy cattle breed.
- It is also known as “Bhodali”, “Desan”, “Gujarati”, “Kathiawari”, “Sorthi”, and “Surati”.
- Its native tract is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar in Gujarat.
- It is a world-renowned breed known for its tolerance to stress conditions and resistant to various tropical diseases.
Why from Brazil?
- Brazil has preserved the original breed of Gir cows that was gifted by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar to Brazil in the 18th century.
- Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported centuries back, have been suitably modified to yield large quantities of milk in Brazil.
- Both countries are working on training and capacity building, including technology transfer.