Leads Genetics, a subsidiary of BL Agro, has carried out a large-scale indigenous cow embryo transfer programme at the Centre of Excellence of Cattle Breeding and Dairying Technology, which is equipped with IVF, pathology and genomics labs.

The first phase of the programme, held in December 2025, involved in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 116 cows, with a reported 70% success rate. The scale of the programme marks a development in India’s livestock sector.

Building on this, Leads Genetics conducted a second round of embryo transfer through IVF in 160 Gir, Sahiwal and HF cross cows. The Gir breed is known for its milk yield, adaptability and disease resistance and is considered important for improving indigenous cattle.

Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro, said the programme reflects the use of reproductive technologies such as IVF and embryo transfer in the dairy sector.

The embryo transfer programme is aimed at increasing the number of high genetic merit cattle. The technology is expected to support higher milk production and may benefit dairy farmers, the rural economy and the livestock sector.

The initiative is being carried out under a tripartite agreement between Brazil’s Embrapa, Fazenda Floresta and Leads Genetics. This also marks a collaboration between Indian and Brazilian institutions in cattle genetics and livestock research.

Experts and scientists from Brazil and India participated in the second phase of the programme.