In a move set to enhance Goa’s dairy production and breed resilience, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) is strengthening its partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to expand the breeding and statewide distribution of Frieswal cattle.
Currently, approximately 90 Frieswal animals are maintained at the Copardem cattle breeding farm in Sattari, and the state aims to scale up the initiative through the structured dissemination of high-quality Frieswal germplasm.
Frieswal cattle are a strategic crossbreed with 5/8 Holstein Friesian and 3/8 Sahiwal genetics—designed to combine the high milk-yield traits of European breeds with the climate resilience of Indian natives.
🐄 Frieswal Cattle: Science Meets Sustainability
Initially developed in 1987 by ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC), Meerut, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Frieswal breed was envisioned as a long-term solution to India’s dairy productivity challenges.
Key Features:
- Average milk yield: 4,000 kg per lactation (300 days)
- Average fat content: 4%
- Better heat tolerance, disease resistance, and feed efficiency than purebred exotic breeds
- Suited for tropical climates and semi-intensive dairy farming models
This makes them an ideal choice for Goa’s small and medium dairy farmers, who often face challenges related to climate adaptability, input costs, and access to quality genetics.
🧬 Institutional Collaboration to Scale Impact
A recent ICAR Goa interface meeting convened senior scientists, state officials, and dairy development experts to map out the roadmap for field-level adoption. Both AHVS Director Veena Kumar and ICAR Goa Director Parveen Kumar emphasised the need for robust coordination between government bodies, breeding farms, and grassroots-level veterinary services.
The expanded Frieswal program is expected to:
- Enhance Goa’s milk production per animal
- Strengthen the genetic base of the state’s dairy herds
- Support sustainable livestock development goals
- Provide farmers with resilient, high-yielding dairy animals
As dairy markets become increasingly competitive and climate variability increases, such initiatives can play a pivotal role in balancing productivity and conserving indigenous breeds.
related article: 📰 Frieswal: India’s Pioneering Dairy Breed Blending Yield and Resilience – Dairy Dimension