Cattle Genomics Scheme

 

The Cattle Genomics Scheme, launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Science, aims to empower farmers and bolster the rural economy.

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Cattle Genomics Scheme”. The topic “Cattle Genomics Scheme” has relevance in the “Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam. Yojna IAS is known for its top faculty. We are honored to have Jithin Lal our famous faculty member who teaches Economics Optional for UPSC exam.

 

Establishing Farmer-Scientist Synergy:

The core aim of the Cattle Genomics Initiative is to foster direct collaborations between farmers and scientists, elevating agricultural productivity through scientific knowledge sharing and education.

Distinguished research institutions will play a pivotal role in advancing cattle genomics and its applications.

 

Promoting Selective Breeding for Resilient, High-Yield Cattle:

At the heart of this scheme lies the mission to champion selective breeding of indigenous livestock, ensuring the emergence of robust, high-yield, and disease-resistant cattle breeds.

 

Significance of the Cattle Genomics Initiative:

Alleviating Poverty and Boosting Rural Economies:

The pivotal role of livestock in poverty alleviation and the sustenance of rural communities cannot be overstated.

 

Meeting the Surging Demand for Animal Products:

The escalating demand for animal-derived food products underscores the urgency of enhancing livestock productivity.

 

Surpassing Traditional Selection Constraints:

Conventional genetic improvement methods present inherent limitations. Genomic selection offers a more precise, sustainable, and efficient alternative.

Reducing Costs and Time with Advanced DNA Chips:

The development of high-density DNA chips signifies a significant reduction in the expenses and time required for breeding programs.

Advantages of Cattle Genomics:

 

Enhanced Cattle Well-being:

Genomic tools significantly contribute to elevating cattle health, particularly in the battle against infectious diseases.

 

Economically Tackling Infectious Diseases:

Genomic selection serves as an economic bulwark against infectious diseases, diminishing the reliance on vaccines and antibiotics.

 

Creating Disease-Resistant Livestock:

Genomic tools facilitate the establishment of breeding programs aimed at producing livestock less susceptible to diseases.

 

Future Prospects of the Cattle Genomics Initiative:

 

Elevating Production Efficiency and Disease Resilience:

Ongoing research into cattle germplasm enhancement plays a pivotal role in bolstering production efficiency and disease resistance.

 

Global Adoption of Genomic Selection:

Genomic selection has witnessed successful implementation in various nations, enabling the prediction of economically significant traits and susceptibility to diseases.

 

Expediting Genetic Advancements in Developing Nations:

Developing countries, such as India, are adopting genomic selection to expedite genetic improvements in large animal populations.

 

Additional Insights:

 

Understanding Genomics:

 

Genomics encompasses the comprehensive study of an organism's complete DNA, including all its genes and their intricate interactions.

 

It involves intricate processes like DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic analysis, all aimed at comprehending the structure and function of genomes.

Genomics plays a pivotal role in predicting an organism's genetic potential and optimizing breeding programs in the livestock sector.

 

Wide-Ranging Applications of Genomics:

Genomics finds application in various domains, such as:

Human Health: It aids in the development of cutting-edge diagnostic tests and treatments for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Agriculture: Genomics enhances crop yields and fortifies resistance to pests and diseases in agriculture, contributing to food security.

Environmental Science: It contributes to the study of pollution and the impacts of climate change on organisms in environmental science.

Evolutionary Research: Genomics plays a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary relationships among diverse organisms.

 

IndiGau - India's Cattle Genomic Chip:

IndiGau, India's pioneering Cattle Genomic Chip, was unveiled by the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.

This groundbreaking chip seeks to conserve the pure strains of indigenous cattle breeds, including Gir, Kankrej, Sahiwal, Ongole, and more.

IndiGau stands as the world's largest purely indigenous cattle chip.

Its primary mission is to safeguard indigenous cattle breeds possessing desirable traits, contributing to the overarching goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022.

The development of IndiGau aligns seamlessly with the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and symbolizes India's self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Furthermore, this chip underscores the practical application of scientific knowledge and innovations to enhance the quality of life across all segments of society.

 

If you want to get full information about this topic, then you can read about it on our website by click here – CATTLE GENOMICS SCHEME

 

 These current affairs are written by Gaurav Nikumbh and such daily current affairs updates makes Yojna IAS the Best IAS Coaching In Delhi, moreover you will get best study material for UPSC exam at Yojna IAS. 

 

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