Karan Fries and Vrindavani cattle breeds
Why in news?
Karan Fries and Vrindavani cattle breeds received official registration from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in January 2026, marking a boost to India's dairy sector with their high milk yields and climate resilience.
Importance of this registration
- Boost to Dairy Sector: Registration means these breeds are now formally acknowledged, encouraging wider adoption by farmers.
- High Milk Yields:
- Karan Fries averages ~3,550 kg per lactation, combining Holstein Friesian productivity with Tharparkar resilience.
- Vrindavani offers moderate but sustainable yields, balancing exotic genetics (HF, Jersey, Brown Swiss) with indigenous adaptability.
- Climate Resilience: Both breeds are tailored to withstand heat, humidity, and tropical stressors, making them more reliable for Indian conditions.
- Policy Impact: Official recognition helps in breeding programs, subsidies, and farmer outreach, ensuring these cattle are promoted as part of India’s dairy development strategy.
Karan Fries Details
Developed by ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana, Karan Fries results from crossing Holstein Friesian bulls with Tharparkar cows. It averages 3,550 kg milk per 10-month lactation (11.6 kg/day), with peaks up to 46.5 kg/day, and shows genetic stability after generations of breeding.รขโฌโน
Vrindavani Details
Created by ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavani blends Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey with Hariana cattle. It yields over 3,000 kg per lactation, supporting artificial insemination with over 192,910 sperm doses supplied since 2009.รขโฌโน
Significance
These breeds serve as foundation stock for crossbreeding programs, enhancing dairy output while conserving indigenous traits amid climate challenges. Adoption is expanding in Haryana districts like Karnal and Kurukshetra.รขโฌโน
Download Pdf