Ludhiana: India is set to open its first national canine semen bank, a move designed to revolutionise the breeding of elite working dogs and preserve rare pedigrees across the subcontinent.The facility, located at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Gadvasu), has received formal backing and a funding grant from the Indian govt’s biotechnology department. Scientists expect the repository to be operational within three months, marking India’s entry into an elite group of nations with institutionalised canine germplasm facilities.A Repository for Elite BreedsThe project’s first phase successfully standardised cryopreservation techniques and artificial insemination protocols. With the technology now refined, the bank will act as a permanent storehouse for high-quality genetic material. Dr Mrigank Honparkhe, head of veterinary gynaecology and obstetrics at Gadvasu, said the facility would solve a major logistical hurdle for breeders and government agencies.“Breeders often struggle to obtain quality semen from genetically superior or rare breeds,” Dr Honparkhe said. “With a semen bank, frozen material can be stored and used as required, ensuring the preservation of pedigree and genetic diversity without the need to transport animals over long distances.”From Pugs to Police DogsInitial research focused on five popular breeds: Labrador, German Shepherd, Beagle, Pug, and Shih Tzu. However, the scope is rapidly expanding. The university has already begun work on the following:Working Breeds: Supporting the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with specialized service dog lineages. Rare Varieties: Preserving Irish Setters and various Mastiff breeds. Pedigree Protection: Maintaining “clean” genetic lines for elite show dogs.Rigorous ScreeningTo ensure the quality of the “germplasm,” the university will implement a strict vetting process for donor dogs. Each animal will be evaluated based on the following parameters:Pedigree: Verified lineage and breed characteristics. Health Status: Comprehensive clinical screening for hereditary diseases. Age and Vitality: Optimum biological windows for donor viability.Future AccessibilityFollowing the model of livestock semen repositories used in the dairy industry, Gadvasu plans to publish a digital catalogue of available samples. This will allow veterinarians and breeders to select specific genetic traits — such as tracking ability for working dogs or physical standards for rare breeds — with the click of a button.The initiative is further bolstered by a ₹45 lakh grant from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to enhance endoscopic artificial insemination capabilities, ensuring that the bank isn’t just a storage house, but a high-tech reproductive hub.
