ICAR takes up buffalo genome sequencing project

New Delhi, Jul 4 (UNI) The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has taken up a project for sequencing the buffalo genome in an effort to increase the productivity of the Indian livestock, which accounts for 18 per cent of world's livestock population.

Around 100 scientists have been identified for training in advanced laboratories within and outside the country for this purpose and 38 of them have already completed it.

The project will be operational at the National Bureau of Animal Genotic Research (NEAGR), Karnal and Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes(CIRB), Hisar, ICAR Director General Dr Mangal Rai said here yesterday.

The genomic tools have come up as one of the very promising methods to increase breed productivity, Dr Rai said adding that the overall performance of livestock population had to be assessed from the point of view of food resources availability.

A specific programme on accessing fodder seeds, therefore, needs to be taken up.

Since genes do not have any specious specific barrier, application of its tools in animals needs not to be seen in isolation, he added.

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