Frieswal, a unique synthetic dairy cattle breed, represents a landmark in Indian dairy genetics by marrying the high milk yield of Holstein Friesians with the environmental adaptability of the indigenous Sahiwal. This scientific crossbreeding initiative, spearheaded by the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle (ICAR-CIRC), Meerut, in collaboration with the Military Farms Service, is redefining the future of dairy farming in India.
A Strategic Blend of Genetics for India’s Dairy Future
With an official accession number INDIA_CATTLESYNTHETIC_2024_FRIESWAL_04001, Frieswal cattle are genetically engineered to produce up to 4,000 kg of milk per lactation with 4% butterfat content—a benchmark in India’s dairy development goals. The breed is a combination of 62.5% Holstein Friesian and 37.5% Sahiwal lineage, specifically tailored to thrive across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
“The Frieswal breed is a turning point in achieving milk self-sufficiency through scientific crossbreeding,” says an expert at ICAR-CIRC. “It brings together productivity, resilience, and adaptability—key attributes for sustainable dairy growth in India.”
A National Initiative Rooted in Military Farms
Initiated during the late 1980s, the Frieswal Project began at the Military Farm School and Research Centre in Meerut and soon expanded to multiple farms across the country. As part of India’s long-term vision under its Five-Year Plans, the project emphasised inbreeding, progeny testing, and rigorous genetic selection—methods designed to produce a reliable, high-performing breed.
Military Farms have historically played a pivotal role in dairy development, supplying milk to defence forces and serving as innovation hubs for breeding practices. By integrating exotic European breeds and native Indian cattle since the 1920s, these farms laid the foundation for Frieswal’s evolution.
Proven Performance, National Impact
Through its network of data-recording centres in Meerut, Ambala, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Dehradun, the Frieswal program continually refines the breed’s traits by tracking:
- Milk yield and butterfat percentages
- Reproductive efficiency
- Growth performance
- Field adaptability
In 1991-92, Military Farms collectively produced nearly 2,833 million litres of milk, with Frieswal cattle contributing significantly. The cost-efficiency—₹5.95 per litre—demonstrated the breed’s potential for large-scale dairy economics.
Frieswal: The Future of India’s Dairy Sector
As India’s dairy sector faces rising consumer demand, climate challenges, and genetic limitations, Frieswal emerges as a strategic solution. It offers:
- A scalable, high-yield dairy breed
- Proven adaptability to Indian environments
- Cost-effective production suitable for both public and private sector adoption
This breed is poised to lead national dairy policy goals in genetic enhancement and dairy sustainability, particularly with renewed research, better resource allocation, and strategic breed expansion beyond Military Farms.