India’s First Conservation Centre for Gangatiri Cows

The Uttar Pradesh government has established India’s pioneering conservation center focused on preserving the unique Gangatiri cow breed near their namesake Ganga origins through advanced reproductive techniques and veterinary care.

Origin and Native Geography

Believed to be among the purest ‘Bos Indicus’ strains, these cows trace ancestry to original lineages reared in Brajregions along the Ganga basin watersheds across UP and parts of Uttarakhand.

• Native to the historical ‘Braj’ region encompassing Mathura, Agra and areas flanking Yamuna-Ganga interfluves
• Original breeding tracts were the riparian zones along Gangetic watershed covering:
  • Western UP districts (Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr etc)
  • Parts of Uttarakhand like Haridwar
  • Bordering Rajasthan, Delhi areas
• Derive name ‘Gangatiri’ from being reared in villages along Ganga basin – world’s most fertile alluvial soil
• Significance of today’s Braj belt for cattle highlighted since ancient eras:
  • Lord Krishna’s abode with iconic status
  • Major hub in Kamdhenu ‘Cow Belt’ of India

Significance of Gangatiri Cows

Gangatiri cows hold deep significance for indigenous dairy sustainability. Their milk is richer in protein and lacks complex beta-casomorphin proteins for easier digestion. Medicinal formulations like Panchgavya use their varied byproducts. However, with limited recognition, dwindling captive numbers estimated under 50,000 purebreds and gradual dilution of A2 traits from breeding with exotic varieties over past decade – the need for targeted safeguarding of Gangatiri cows has become pivotal to preserve this Ganga basin heritage asset and unlock its nutritional and commercial bovine potential aligning with the One Health vision.

• Their nondescript appearance hides robust disease resistance adaptable to harsher native climates
• Produce A2 milk richer in protein, medicinal byproducts like panchgavya formulations
• Dwindling numbers and breeding dilution highlights need for safeguarding

Facilities at the Varanasi Centre

The Varanasi centre is located at the Veterinary University campus in Mathura to leverage existing infrastructure strength. Adoption of precision dairy technologies like automated milk analysis, genomics-based herd profiling and byproduct processing capabilities coupled with training, extension and research enable this facility to set benchmarks in linking quantitative sciences with heritage bovine conservation priorities.

• Advanced IVF lab for cattle breeding
• Milk collection, analysis and byproduct processing
• Herd shelter shed, hydroponic green fodder cultivation
• Gobar gas plant, vermicomposting unit
• Training and community outreach capabilities

Key Interventions Planned

Genetic Conservation Approaches

• Already catalogued Village-specific genetic fingerprints from over 20 native populations to identify unique markers
• Individual bulls quality graded for A2 trait purity for selective breeding protocol formulations
• Target 1:1 gender ratios in calves using sorted semen – manage skews limiting herd sizes
• Breeding programs aim to raise annual Gangatiri births over 15% upto 2027

Veterinary Support Models

• Leverage radio frequency ear tags, rumen sensors etc for identifying, monitoring herds
• Strict disease surveillance with rapid diagnostics at IVF spectrum labs
• Subsidized price model for adoptable IVF calves: 30% Central, 30% State grants and 40% farmer share

Sustainability Pathways

• Develop integrated bioresource circular economy models at village level
• Set benchmaking standards on scientific rearing practices for municipal agencies
• Overall, a quantitative approach leveraging computational, reproductive and nutritional technologies aims to balance productivity goals with welfare safeguards while correcting market asymmetries limiting indigenous cattle patronage.

Roadmap for Expansion Across UP

• Additional regional conservation centers planned leveraging existing dairy infrastructure
• Calf adoption and breed patronage schemes to promote community participation

India holds over 30 uniquely adapted indigenous cattle breeds. Targeted conservation efforts aligned to One Health sustenance models can secure their living legacy bequeathed through centuries old pastoral traditions while unlocking nutritional and economic value for local communities.