Ludhiana, 23 August 2025-Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Progressive Dairy Farmers’ Association (PDFA) which would give a major boost to genetic improvement and milk production in Punjab.

Under this MoU, elite Holstein Friesian (HF) & Jersey male calves from elite HF & Jersey cows owned by PDFA members will be screened and selected for breeding purpose. The University will produce high-quality frozen semen doses from these calves and supply them back to dairy farmers through PDFA, ensuring wider access to superior germplasm and promoting sustainable genetic advancement. This will lead to progeny testing of bulls with accurate data generation.

On the occasion, Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor, emphasized that this collaboration will enhance cattle genetics, improve milk productivity, and provide farmers with cost-effective, high-quality germplasm. He added that the initiative will establish a sustainable livestock growth model wherein farmers contribute to the genetic pool and reap benefits from improved progeny.

S. Daljit Singh Gill, President, PDFA, highlighted that Punjab’s dairy farmers prefer high milk-yielding HF and Jersey cows, creating a growing demand for a steady supply of frozen semen from elite bulls. At present, farmers are facing challenges in procuring superior quality semen. High cost and irregular supply of imported semen hinder genetic improvement at the farm level. Moreover once progeny testing is done, then the germplasm will fetch a high price.

Dr. P.S. Brar, Director of Research stated that HF and Jersey are among the world’s best milk-producing breeds. In Punjab, HF and crossbred cattle constitute about 80% of the total cattle population and contribute nearly 40% of the state’s total milk production.

Dr. R.S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education shared that Punjab has emerged as a leading breeder state for high genetic merit HF and Jersey cows in India, with PDFA playing a key role in this achievement. Farmers from across the country visit Punjab to purchase superior dairy cattle, underlining the state’s importance in advancing dairy development at the State and National level.

The progressive dairy farmers of Punjab have been consistently using HF and Jersey semen to improve their herds. Over the years, many farmers have developed elite germplasm, which can now serve as seed stock for propagation and dissemination of superior genetics at the field level. This MoU will ensure easy, reliable, and affordable access to high-quality semen for farmers.