In News:

• In a major breakthrough for India’s dairy and livestock sector, scientists at the ICAR–National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru, have developed CRYODIL, the country’s first egg yolk-free, ready-to-use semen preservation solution for buffalo breeding.
• Designed to revolutionise artificial insemination practices, CRYODIL enables long-term storage and improved semen quality during cryopreservation, offering significant benefits to dairy productivity and livestock management.

What is CRYODIL?

CRYODIL is an innovative semen extender developed specifically for buffaloes. Unlike conventional extenders that rely on egg yolk for preservation, CRYODIL employs a purified whey-protein–based formulation to maintain semen motility and fertility. This eliminates the variability and contamination risk associated with egg-yolk-based solutions.

Key Features and Advantages

• Egg Yolk-Free Composition: Eliminates microbial contamination risks often linked to raw biological materials like egg yolk.
• Extended Shelf Life: Can preserve buffalo semen for up to 18 months, making long-distance transport and storage more efficient.
• Stable and Consistent Quality: Whey proteins ensure chemical uniformity, improving post-thaw sperm survival and movement.
• Field-Tested Innovation: Demonstrated successful results in trials conducted on 24 buffalo bulls, showing superior post-thaw semen motility and higher fertility potential.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: Indigenous development reduces reliance on imported commercial extenders, making it affordable for rural breeding programmes.
• Ready-to-Use Formulation: Simplifies the insemination process and enhances field applicability without requiring complex lab preparations.

Significance for India’s Dairy and Livestock Sector

• Boosts Buffalo Breeding Efficiency: India is home to the world’s largest population of buffaloes and relies heavily on them for dairy output. CRYODIL strengthens artificial insemination efforts by enhancing semen viability and improving conception rates.
• Advances Atmanirbhar Bharat: The indigenous formulation supports self-reliance, reducing dependence on imported extenders and promoting innovation under ICAR research initiatives.
• Improves Dairy Sector Economics: Higher fertility rates and improved breeding efficiency translate to increased milk yield, benefiting farmers and strengthening India’s dairy economy.
• Enhances Biosecurity and Hygiene: Removal of egg yolk minimises microbial load and contamination risks, making the solution safer for large-scale use in breeding centres.