Division of Animal Genetics

ANIMAL GENETICS Division, established in the year 1996 was formally approved in 2014 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research with the objective ‘Molecular, immunological, biochemical, cytogenetic characterization and candidate gene analysis of livestock species’. Scientists of the Division are working in the fields of cytogenetics, immunogenetics, and molecular genetics. One of the important activities of the division is to provide consultancies/services for testing the breeding bulls for any inheritable abnormality and thus, generate revenue for the institute. The research findings have been published in reputed journals of high impact factor.

The thrust areas of the division include:

  • Molecular characterization and population diversity analysis of native breeds of livestock and poultry using genome-wide molecular markers
  • Developing molecular signature for native breeds
  • Creation of genome assemblies for breeds of high importance
  • Assessing the risk status of native breeds
  • Ancestry analysis of native AnGR
  • Optimisation of genomic selection in livestock species using genetic algorithms
  • Identification of QTLs for traits of economic importance
  • Development of DNA based tests for lethal genetic diseases in bovines
  • Creation of databases and other ICT on AnGR for policy support in the country
  • Development of Information System on Animal Genetic Resources of India
  • DNA Testing for genetic defects in bovines such as BLAD, Citrullinemia, FXID, and DUMPS

 

Division of Animal Genetic Resources

AGR Division has been engaged in developing formats for breed characteristics, survey strategies, and breed description methodologies. The Division of Livestock Information and Management catered to the installation of the then state-of-the-art computers, their functions, and their use in livestock data management. As noted subsequently, the functioning of these two divisions was complimentary, and at places overlapping. Hence, during 1987 the two divisions functioned as a single unit due to inadequate staff during the year. Metamorphosis continued as, during 1987, the two divisions viz. Animal Genetic Resources and Animal Conservation were merged into Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section. It continued for two more years. In 1991 a new section was framed as a section of Animal Gene Bank. During 1991-92, the section of Animal Gene Bank was reframed as Animal Physiology and Reproduction section. Reorganization continued as during 1992-93 the then ICAR-NBAGR had one section and two units as:

(i)Livestock Information and Management Section
(ii) Animal Genetics Resources Unit
(iii)Animal Conservation and Gene Bank Unit.
During 1994-95 sections and units were again reframed as:
(i)Livestock Information and Management Unit/Computer Unit
(ii)Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section
(iii)Animal Physiology and Reproduction Section.

During 1996, the Animal Physiology and Reproduction Section were merged into Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section. In 1997, the naming was again changed to Animal Genetic Resources Division. National GeneBank was made functional in 2002 and ex situ conservation of livestock biodiversity was initiated. Livestock Information and Management Unit was recreated in 2021 and very recently Breed Registration Cell has been created within the division in September 2021 for the fast address of the breed registration process. At present Animal Genetic Resources Division is engaged in

  • Phenotypic characterization
  • Sustainable utilization
  • Conservation of indigenous livestock and poultry breeds.

The phenotypic characterization is accomplished through systematic/pilot field surveys to assess the socio-economic status of the farmers, flocks/herd structure, population status, feeding, breeding and management practices, phenotypic characteristics, body biometry, and production performance, and marketing of live animals and products. The production performance of local breeds is evaluated and recorded under agroclimatic conditions of their habitat. The surveyed breeds/populations have been documented in the form of breed monographs, breed descriptors, and charts in addition to research publications. Based on the information, new strategies have been formulated for the improvement and conservation of the breeds under the field conditions. The in situ conservation for breeds of various livestock species has been implemented.

In addition, the Division is also working in the frontier areas of long-term ex-situ conservation of germplasm, value addition to the indigenous animal and poultry resources, registration of new indigenous breeds, sensitization of stakeholders, encouragement for utilization and conservation through Breed conservation Award.

Division of Animal Biotechnology

ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY Division was established in 2014, after re-organization of the erstwhile DNA Fingerprinting Unit. The division has the mandate of ‘Evaluation of functional genes/biomolecules for enhancing AnGR utilization’. In the era of IPR, underpinning the molecular architecture of native livestock and identification of unique biomolecules/genes has assumed great importance. The Division is dedicated to conduct research on identification and evaluation of genes, transcripts, and metabolites involved in adaptation, disease resistance and various production related traits of livestock species. Various institute and externally funded projects on genetic characterization of livestock/poultry species are running as per the mandate of the Division.

Salient achievements of the Division include:

  • Delineation of genetic superiority of native breeds for climatic resilience
  • Exploration of health implications of A1/A2 milk
  • Identification of genes contributing to unique attributes of meat of Bandur sheep
  • Identification of gene networks relevant to pashmina production in Changthangi goats
  • Generation of comprehensive metabolome spectra in colostrum samples of high altitude adapted AnGR
  • Unraveling of the molecular basis of seasonal variation on seminal attributes in buffalo bulls
  • Understanding of host-pathogen interactions for various diseases of livestock (mastitis and haemoprotozoan diseases)
  • Characterization of genetic diversity and population structure of native AnGR based on microsatellite, mitochondrial, genotyping by sequencing and whole genome sequencing based markers.
  • Designing and development of high density SNP arrays for genetic diversity analysis and association studies

In addition to the mandate of the Division, scientists are proactively contributing in the “Mission towards zero non-descript AnGR of India” and are involved in phenotypic and genetic characterization of native livestock and poultry genetic resources of different states. Scientists of the division are also involved in teaching and student guiding activities. Research publications in high impact national and international journals are reflective of the activities of the Division. Many scientists of the Division have been bestowed with coveted awards for their research accomplishments and are invited to share their work at different platforms. The Cattle Genomics lab is providing services for testing the status of A1/A2 allele of beta casein in milk samples from indigenous, exotic and crossbred cows.