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Somatic Cell Bank

The majority of precious indigenous livestock genetic resources remain exposed to the vagaries of genetic erosion due to limitations of in situ conservation programs; thus somatic cell bank for indigenous AnGR was initiated at ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal in 2015. It offers a practical approach to preserve and provide the diploid genome in the future, which can be used to recreate the animals through the SCNT (Somatic cell nuclear transfer) technique, and also provides an invaluable resource for genomic, post-genomic, and somatic cell cloning research. So far, 125 indigenous populations of 10 livestock species have been cryo-conserved.

Breeds/populations cryo-preserved as somatic cells (Status as on 31st March 2025)

SN

Species

No

Name

1

Cattle

33

Tharparkar, Purnea, Mewati, Hariana, Shweta Kapila, Ladakhi, Siri, Himachali Pahari, Gir, Sahiwal, Belahi, Kankrej, Sanchori, Nari, Kasargod, Malvi, Nimari, Gangatiri, Poda Thurpu, Binjharpuri, Malnad Gidda, Deoni, Bachaur, Punganur, Ongole, Red Sindhi, Hallikar, Kenkatha, Krishna Valley, Khillar, Vechur, Kosali, Pulikulum.

2

Sheep

24

Changthangi, Bhakarwal, Gurez, Karnah, Bonpala, Gaddi, Kajali, Jaisalmeri, Shahbadi, Poonchi, Nellore, Seemanchali, Macherla, Rampur Bushair, Jalauni, Patanwadi, Malpura, Kendrapada, Garole, Katchaikatty Black, Marwari, Magra, Chokla, Nilgiri.

3

Goat

24

Sirohi, Rohilkhandi, Konkan Kanyal Changthangi, Bhakarwali,  Gaddi, Teressa, Black Bengal, Gujari, Karauli, Sojat, Anjori, Chegu, Barbari, Jamunapari, Osmanabadi, Bundelkhandi, Jakhrana, Beetal, Berari, Malabari, Attapady Black, Sumi-Ne, Andamani goat.

4

Buffalo

12

Gojri, Chilika, Murrah, Bhadawari, Nili Ravi, Surti, Luit, Dharwadi, Banni, Mehsana, Toda, Bargur.

5

Camel

10

Double hump, Kutchi, Kharai, Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Jalori, Mewari Marwari, Mewati, Malvi.

6

Horse

6

Marwari, Manipuri, Zanskari, Kathiawari, Kachchhi- Sindhi, Spiti.

7

Pig

10

Ghurrah, Ghoongroo, Doom, Purnea, Agonda Goan, Wak Chambil, Niang Megha, Mali, Banda, Nicobari.

8

Donkey

4

Halari, Kachchhi, Ladakhi, Spiti.

9

Yak

1

Ladakhi.

10

Mithun

1

Nagaland.

Total

125

Figure: a) Cells emerging from ear tissue explant b) Near confluence cells on day 6 of culture (x40 magnification) c) Somatic cell bank.