Chennai, Nov 3: Alamadhi Semen Station of NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) said that it would cater over 10 million semen doses, for the dairy farmers in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka during the current financial year to help enhance milk production of dairy animals from 25 breeds of high genetic merit indigenous, exotic and cross breed bulls stationed at its premises in the city.
Rated “A” category station by the Central Monitoring Unit of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Alamadhi station houses 280 bulls at its premises in a hygienic bio secured environment for production of disease-free semen under its brand Superior Animal Genetics (SAG) since the setting up of the Mega Semen Station in May 2015.
“We are encouraged by the response in these states and in just eight full years of operations we have achieved a market share of over 25 per cent.” Dr Harisankar, Regional Head (South) told journalists detailing the practices at the Alamadhi Semen Station, one among the four productivity enhancement centres owned by NDS, a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Elaborating, Head of Alamadhi Station Dr M Gunasekaran said with the high genetic merit semen the daily milk potential of indigenous breeds is about 15 litres and that of exotic breeds ranges between 25-50 litres.
“As of now the coverage of the artificial insemination in the country is about 40 per cent and is targeted to reach 80 per cent in the time to come. This shows the vast potential for our frozen semen doses. We are quite optimistic about our growth potential,” he said adding that the Station is fully equipped to cater to any increase in the demand”, he said.
Dr Harisankar said the station supplies frozen semen of 14 indigenous cattle breeds including Kangeyam of Tamil Nadu; Punganur and Ongole from Andhra Pradesh; Vechur from Kerala and Hallikar, Amritmahal, Malnadu, Gidda and Khillar of Karnataka. Punganur and Vechur being the smallest cattle breed in the world, he added.
“We are among the four mega semen stations owned/managed by NDDB Dairy Services supplying frozen semen doses under the brand ‘Superior Animal Genetics (SAG). Produced using advanced genetics and strict adherence to Minimum Standard Protocols as enshrined by Govt. of India, SAG has evolved as the top-selling Bovine semen brand in the country”, he said.
During 2022-23, the semen station achieved sales of 95.61 Lakh Frozen Semen doses (FSDs) and this year it is expected to achieve a sale of 100 Lakhs FSD’s.
The highest dam’s yield among the HGM bull is with 19,548 litres equivalent to daily production of over 60 kgs of milk.
The female progenies born from the HGM bulls maintained at Alamadhi Semen Station has proven its potential of substantial milk production in the country,” Dr Gunasekaran said.
Dr Harisankar also spoke about other activities being conducted by NDS in the southern region which include establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Genetic Improvement of Indigenous cattle at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh for 500 Milking Indigenous cattle is in process and will be completed by the end of 2024. Artificial Insemination projects are also being implemented in Rayalaseema district of Andhra Pradesh and Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Scaling up activities under SAG Live, which involve providing disease free high genetic merit milch animals to farmers.
Establishment of liquid nitrogen supply grid in the country which is the backbone for success of Artificial Insemination services. This project will ensure the availability of Liquid Nitrogen throughout the country. We produce Biogas, Vermicomposting and Practice Ethno Veterinary Medicine for bulls which is our commitment to Climate and Clean Air Solution, Dr Harisankar added.
