Lahore, In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s livestock sector, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore announced the successful birth of the country’s first Holstein Friesian calf conceived through In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP). This significant milestone was reached at the Training and Research Demonstration Farm (TRDF) Ravi Campus Pattoki, heralding a new era in livestock breeding and genetic research.

According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the project was led by the Embryology Lab at the Department of Theriogenology, where a dedicated team conducted the ovum pickup from pure Holstein Friesian cows. The oocytes underwent maturation, fertilization, and culture at UVAS’s embryology lab before the embryos were transferred to a synchronized recipient cow, culminating in a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy calf. This achievement represents the culmination of extensive research and collaboration among faculty members, postgraduate students, researchers, technicians, and staff under the guidance of Prof Dr Amjad Riaz and the department’s chairman, Dr Irfan-ur-Rehman Khan.

Dr Khan expressed his gratitude towards the team and highlighted the support provided by the university, particularly noting the leadership of Emeritus Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad. Prof Dr Ahmad emphasized the significance of this achievement in demonstrating the potential of advanced reproductive technologies to enhance genetic progress and productivity in the cattle population. He stressed the importance of locally producing pure-bred Holstein Friesian animals via IVEP to reduce the cost of importing animals or embryos, contributing to national sustainability and maintaining genetic integrity and milk production levels. Prof Dr Ahmad also expressed hope for government support for such projects, aiming for Pakistan to become competitive with the world’s leading embryo producers and make a mark on the international market.

This breakthrough not only showcases UVAS’s commitment to scientific innovation in livestock breeding but also sets a precedent for future research and development in the field, promising to revolutionize the local livestock industry and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s agricultural sector.