SHAMHO CATTLE BREAD FARMERS PRODUCER COMPANY LIMITED
Department of Rural Management
Ganga Global Institute of Management Studies
Ramzanpur, Begusarai, Bihar- 851129
PROJECT PROPOSAL
for
Promoting Sex-Sorted Semen Technology for
SHG Women Farmers engaged in Dairy farming of Begusarai District
INTRODUCTION:
Dairy farming is a vital component of the rural economy of Bihar providing livelihoods,
nutrition, and income to millions of smallholder and marginal farmers especially women.
Woman especially from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are highly involved in feeding, milking,
and caring for animals for daily income. But they are suffering from various challenges in
dairy farming like low productivity due to poor genetics, poor feed, and limited access to AI.
The Government of India as well as NGOs also supporting the cattle farmers to face
the challenges and there is opportunities for growth the productivity using sex-sorted
semen to increase female calf birth and improve herd quality. Using shorted sexed semen
they produce more female calves, which become future milk-producing cows. This creates
a sustainable source of income, helping women become more financially independent.
This project aims to explore the use of shorted (short-duration preserved or shelf-
life) sexed semen under farm conditions, focusing on optimizing its fertility potential and
evaluating its economic viability.
ABOUT BEGUSARAI DISTRICT:
Begusarai is one of the thirty-eight districts in the state of Bihar. The district lies on the
northern bank of the Ganga River. The district occupies approx an area of 1918 square
kilometer and having 05 divisions, 18 blocks having 257 Panchyat with 1229 revenue
villages. The main stream of the economy of Begusarai is agriculture and major part of the
population in this district does farming related activities including dairy farming. In
Begusarai, there are approx 24,983 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the total
331,631households mobilized into these SHGs. SHGs in Begusarai are engaged in a variety
of activities, potentially including cattle rearing as part of their livelihood initiatives.
ABOUT CATTLE FARMING IN BEGUSARAI DISTRICT:
Cattle farming, particularly dairy farming is a significant part of the economy in Begusarai
district. Mixed farming, where livestock rearing is combined with crop cultivation, is
common. Begusarai has a substantial livestock population, including cows, buffaloes, and
goats, which are used for both milk production and other purposes. The district also has a
variety of cattle farms, including dairy farms and suppliers who provide animals for
breeding, milk production, and dairy farming services.
SEX-SORTED SEMEN TECHNOLOGY FOR FEMALE CALVES (HEIFERS)
Sex-sorted semen technology uses flow cytometry, a laser-based method, to separate X
(female-bearing) and Y (male-bearing) sperm, aiming for a higher proportion of female
calves. This technology helps increase the number of female calves (heifers) for dairy
production, reducing the number of unwanted male calves. While it offers benefits like
potentially improving milk production and reducing the burden of male calves, it's
important to consider the increased cost and slightly lower conception rate compared to
conventional semen. Through this technology the dairy farmers will increase income for
their better livelihood.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES OF PROJECT
The women farmers of the Begusarai district especially SHG members who have organized
and motivated to improve livelihoods and already engaged in dairy-related activities to
increased milk production and income through more female calves will be considered
under this project.
STEPS WILL BE TAKEN UNDER THIS PROJECT TO PRODUCE FEMALE CALVES:
Step-1: Selection of villages where dairy farming is already a key livelihood activity.
Priority to villages where most households keep cows, even if on a small scale.
Focus on villages with SHGs, especially women-led or women-dominated groups.
Also include some marginalized villages to ensure inclusive development.
Step-2: Selection of SHG Women Farmers Engaged in Dairy Farming
Develop a Selection Criteria Checklist
Coordinate with Local Stakeholders
Identify SHG Members Engaged in Dairy
Conduct Field Verification
Conduct Orientation and Consent
Documentation to maintain their data.
Step-3: Selection & Hire a Technical Person for Sex-Sorted Semen Technology.
Recruit a competent, qualified, and responsible technician for implementing sex-
sorted semen technology for female calves.
Step-4: Selection of 3500 Superior Female Calves under this project
Identify eligible age group of female calves.
Assess genetic background (%)
Conduct Physical Health Check-Up
Check Body Weight and Growth Rate
Evaluate Udder and Teat Development
Review Farm Management Practices
Step-5: Selection of Quality Sex-Sorted Semen for Calves
Consider a Reputed Semen Producing Agency like NDDB, BAIF, Gokul, ABS,
Genus, Semex etc.
Consider the Sex-Sorted Semen contains greater genome.
We can consider the ABS Company who has available in the list of supplier of
Govt. of India.
Check Semen Quality Certifications
Ensure Cold Chain Integrity
Match Breed and Bull Traits to Calf
Confirm Disease-Free Certification
Record and Monitor AI Outcomes
Step-6: Storage of Sex-Sorted Semen
Use automated freezing equipment for consistency (optional but ideal).
Maintain sterile, contamination-free environment.
Manage safe handling of liquid nitrogen.
Step-7: Artificial Insemination (AI)
Identify Cow in Heat (Estrus Detection)
Confirm Health and Reproductive Readiness
Prepare and Handle Semen Properly
Sanitize and Restrain the Cow
Post-AI Care
Recordkeeping and Pregnancy Check
Step-8: Pregnancy and Calving after Sex-Sorted Semen Technology
Conception and Pregnancy Monitoring
Care during Pregnancy
Monitor Calving Signs
Step-9: Post-Calving Care
Immediate attention after delivery
Veterinary Check-Up
Nutrition and Hydration
Disease Prevention
Recordkeeping
Step-10: Risk and their Management Strategy
Develop risk management tools like checklists, protocols, or training manuals.
POSSIBILITY OF INSEMINATION WITH SEX-SORTED SEMEN
Generally the conception rate for sexed semen is typically lower than
conventional semen, around 35%-40%.
We can implement with one insemination per estrus cycle. If the cow doesn’t
conceive, a second insemination may be performed after the next estrus cycle.
Up to 2-3 inseminations are generally performed within a single estrus cycle or
across multiple cycles.
The optimal number of inseminations is generally 2-3 attempts within a single
estrus cycle, but the total number of attempts may extend beyond this if needed,
based on the fertility of the cow and the management practices in place.
SEX-SORTED SEMEN CAN BE USED for COW BRREDS
HF Crossbreed: widely used in India for better productivity
Jersey: Moderate yield, good for smallholders
Holstein Friesian (HF): Highest milk yield but requires good management
Gir: High milk yield among indigenous breeds
Sahiwal: Excellent adaptability and good lactation
PRACTICES FOR CHARGING COST FOR MAINTENANCE OF DATA AND RECORD
Maintaining data and records after using sex-sorted semen is essential for tracking cow
productivity, conception success, calf gender, and the overall impact of the intervention.
The cost that can be reasonably charged to farmers especially SHG women for activities like
Recordkeeping form/register, Pregnancy monitoring & updates, Final report/data
consolidation etc.
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE PROJECT
