Economic impact of systematic sire selection on livelihoods of Murrah buffalo farmers

The Murrah buffalo, a highly productive dairy breed, significantly contributes to India’s milk production. This study assesses the genetic gain and economic impact of transmission of superior genetics to daughters through selected sires in the Network Project on Buffalo Improvement (NPBI) that implements a progeny testing program for genetic improvement of milk yield in Murrah buffalo herds. Data from 4300 daughters of 214 sires recorded under the NPBI since its inception, collected from 1992 to 2018, were analysed for breeding value estimation and genetic trend assessment. The economic gain from the genetic gain in the herd was estimated by calculating cumulative gain through progenies over the years. The study finds an annual genetic gain of 1.29 kg/animal/year, resulting in a significant increase in milk production and economic benefits for smallholder farmers. The economic gain from the genetic improvement in the herd is estimated at 449.92 billion INR, demonstrating the program’s success in improving buffalo productivity and contributing to India’s agrarian economy. The present study highlights the success of national-level coordinated progeny testing program. The realized genetic gain is substantial and presents an opportunity for a wider expansion and implementation of similar programs for other livestock species as well.