Frontier Technologies in Bovine Reproduction

This book details the frontier technologies in the area of bovine reproduction. It describes the importance and significance of different technologies for improving reproduction efficiency in bovines. The book delineates the advancements in the technologies that are currently in use for faster multiplication of elite germ plasm including multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, ovum-pick-up, in vitro fertilization and embryo production, and semen sexing. Other emerging technologies, having potential for improving reproductive efficiency in bovines, including stem cells are also discussed with special reference to spermatogonial stem cells. Simple but effective tools having a great scope for day-to-day application in bovine farms for effective reproductive management like ultrasonography and thermal imaging are also covered in this book. The chapters on sperm transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics provide current developments in these areas and use of integrated approach for identification of fertility biomarkers. The chapters also describe technological advancements for early pregnancy diagnosis and offspring sex pre-selection in bovines. Additionally, this book discusses different sperm selection procedures including application of nanotechnology to obtain superior spermatozoa for assisted reproduction. Futuristic technologies including genomic selection and transgenesis are also discussed in detail. Finally, the book also elucidates a comprehensive description of challenges perceived with bovine reproduction and how effectively these technologies can help in improving fertility in bovines.  ​

Dr. A. Kumaresan is as a Principal scientist at Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru. His specialization is Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics. He is a post-Doc from Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala, Sweden. His major area of research has been semen biology, sperm-oviduct interaction and male fertility. He, along with his team, developed integrated livestock production models for hilly areas, area specific mineral mixture for dairy cattle, and indigenous cryopreservation method for boar semen and produced the country’s first litter of piglets through artificial insemination with frozen semen in 2009. His lab developed methods for in vitro culture of bovine spermatogenic and Sertoli cells, identified sperm fertility associated proteins and identified suitable combinations of sperm function tests for fertility prediction in cattle and buffalo bulls. In recognition to his significant contribution in research, Dr. A. Kumaresan has been awarded by ICAR with prestigious awards like Lal Bahadur Shastri Young Scientist Award (two times; one in 2007 and the other in 2015), Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award in 2010 and Hari Om Ashram Trust Award in 2019. In recognition of his teaching skills, NDRI awarded him with the “Best Teacher Award” for post-graduate teaching in 2014 and ICAR awarded him with “Bharat Ratna Dr C. Subramaniam Award for Outstanding Teachers” in 2017. He is also a recipient of several society awards. He is fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Academy of Dairy Sciences and Indian Society for Study of Animal Reproduction, and member of many scientific societies and organizations. Dr. A. Kumaresan has handled 16 externally funded and 16 Institute funded research projects. He has published 230 research papers in peer reviewed journals, 30 technical articles, 14 books and 9 bulletins besides several training manuals and book chapters. He has guided 17 Master’s students and 18 Doctorate students as major advisor. Dr. A. K. Srivastava is currently a Member of Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board. Before that he was Director and Vice Chancellor at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and Director Resident Instructions & Dean PGs at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technologies, Jammu and Head of the Department & Controller of Examinations at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Prof. Srivastava is Vice President of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), President National Academy of Dairy Science (India), and Patron of Indian Dairy Association. He is President, Association of Mastitis and President of Probiotic Association of India. Earlier, Prof. Srivastava was Secretary, NAAS, and also the President, Indian Society of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology. He was also Chairman Indian Dairy Association (NZ); Chairman, FAD 19, Bureau of Indian Standard Committee, Go