R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 2
The National Dairy Development Board Dairy Services (NDS) was working towards conserving and promoting unique breeds of milch cows and bulls, particularly from South India at the Alamadhi Semen Station. It has achieved the landmark production of 10 mn doses of frozen Superior Animal Genetics (SAG), said Dr Harishankar, Regional Head, NDS, on Thursday.
- NDDB’s Alamadhi Semen Station achieves production of 10 mn SAG semen doses within 9 years of its inception: Dr Harishankar
- Frozen Semen doses under the brand Superior Animal Genetics (SAG) produced here is catering to the needs of farmers in TN, AP, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka: Dr M Gunasekaran
- The station supplies frozen semen of 14 indigenous cattle breeds, including Kangayam of Tamil Nadu; Punganur & Ongole from Andhra Pradesh; Vechur from Kerala and Hallikar, Amritmahal, Malnadu, Gidda & Khillar of Karnataka
The hygienic bio-secured disease free under the brand Superior Animal Genetics (SAG) is fulfilling the needs of the farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, AP, Telangana, Odisha and Kerala, said Dr M Gunasekaran, Head of Operations, Alamadhi Semen Station.
Addressing the media on the achievements and future vision of Alamadhi Semen Station jointly, the officials said this could be achieved from 280 bulls from 25 breeds of high genetic merit indigenous, exotic and cross breed bulls being maintained at it high-sterile zone.
Rated “A” category station by the Central Monitoring Unit of the Department of Animal Husbandry & 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).
Detailing the practices at the Alamadhi Semen Station, one among the four productivity enhancement centres owned by NDS, Head of Alamadhi Station Dr M Gunasekaran said, “With the high genetic merit semen the daily milk potential of indigenous breeds is about fifteen 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.
Dr Harisankar said the station supplies frozen semen of fourteen indigenous cattle breeds, including Kangayam of Tamil Nadu; Punganur & Ongole from Andhra Pradesh; Vechur from Kerala and Hallikar, Amritmahal, Malnadu, Gidda & Khillar of Karnataka. Punganur & 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 prescribed by the union government, SAG has evolved as the top-selling Bovine semen brand in the country.
Apart from selling frozen semen to farmers through state governments, Alamadadhi Semen Station also selling through its authorized dealers at a prescribed rate to the farmers, the officials added.
During 2022-23, the semen station achieved a Frozen Semen doses Sales of 95.61 Lakh Frozen Semen doses (FSDs) and this year 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 explained about the activities of NDS in the southern region which includes establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Genetic Improvement of Indigenous cattle at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Tirupati, Andra Pradesh for 500 Milking Indigenous cattle is in process and will be completed by the end of 2024. Artificial Insemination projects 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.
Biogas generated power used for street lighting inside the station
We produce Biogas, Vermicomposting and Practice Ethno Veterinary Medicine for bulls, which is our commitment to Climate and Clean Air Solution, Dr Harisankar added.
