Reproductive Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
This concept represents the application of science and technology for agricultural development, economic growth, and sustainable practices, which is highly relevant for the UPSC GS-3 syllabus. It highlights innovation in a crucial economic sector.
Reproductive biotechnology encompasses a range of advanced techniques used in animal husbandry to enhance genetic potential, improve productivity, and aid in the conservation of superior germplasm. These technologies, such as semen freezing and artificial insemination, play a critical role in selective breeding programs and disease management.
Facts & tables
- Key Technologies
- Includes advanced techniques like semen freezing facilities for germplasm preservation.
- Objective
- Aims at genetic improvement and conservation of superior livestock germplasm.
- Impact on Productivity
- Enhances productivity, particularly in small ruminants like goats.
- Socio-economic Benefit
- Contributes significantly to uplifting rural livelihoods through improved livestock.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Agriculture |
| Conceptual area | Animal Husbandry |
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) | Promotes |
| Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU) | Research |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Utilizes techniques like semen freezing.
- Focuses on genetic improvement of livestock.
- Aids in germplasm conservation.
- Boosts productivity of small ruminants.
- Directly impacts rural livelihoods.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2025 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Terminology-based question, Factual recall |
| 2017 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2017 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2013 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
-
Agriculture
Conceptual area
-
Animal Husbandry
Conceptual area
-
Science & Technology
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2015
Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2017
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2017
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Terminology-based question, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2025
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Union Secretary, DAHD, Govt. of India visited DUVASU, Mathura
Explores the use of advanced reproductive technologies like semen freezing to boost livestock genetics, productivity, and support rural incomes, emphasizing its role in genetic improvement and conservation.
See also
Past papers
2013–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Union Secretary, DAHD, Govt. of India visited DUVASU, Mathura
Explores the use of advanced reproductive technologies like semen freezing to boost livestock genetics, productivity, and support rural incomes, emphasizing its role in genetic improvement and conservation.
Try these PYQs
It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The production of algae-based biofuels is not limited to seas only. It can be done on land, saline water, or wastewater. Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production does require a high level of expertise/technology, which might be a limitation for developing countries. Statement 3 is also correct. Economically viable production of algae-based biofuels does necessitate the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
1. Across different species of plants.
2. From animals to plants.
3. From microorganisms to higher organisms.
Select the correct Solution using the codes given below.
Statement 1 is correct: Recombinant DNA technology allows genes to be transferred between different plant species to develop desired traits. Statement 2 is correct: Genes from animals can be inserted into plants (e.g., Bt toxin genes from bacteria into plants, or other examples in research), so cross-kingdom gene transfer is possible. Statement 3 is correct: Microbial genes are routinely transferred to higher organisms, such as insulin gene from bacteria to humans for production. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for:
Pronuclear transfer, in the context of human reproductive technology, is used for preventing mitochondrial diseases in offspring. Here's why - Mitochondria: These are cellular organelles with their own DNA (mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA) separate from nuclear DNA. Mutations in mtDNA can cause various inherited mitochondrial diseases that can affect organs like muscles, nerves, and the brain. - Pronuclear Transfer Technique: This technique involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm. Then, the pronuclei (nuclei before fusion) from both sperm and egg are removed. These pronuclei are then injected into a donor egg that has had its own pronuclei removed, but has healthy mtDNA.
Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The GenomeIndia Project is an independent, pan-India initiative launched in January 2020. It is not a part of the international Human Genome Project (which was a global effort that ran from 1990 to 2003). Instead, it was inspired by the Human Genome Project to address the historical underrepresentation of Indian genetics in global databases. Statement 2 is Correct: The project is officially funded and spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Statement 3 is Correct: Its core objective is to map and build a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population. The project successfully sequenced 10,000 whole genomes from 99 distinct ethnic, social, and linguistic groups across India to create a reference genome for the Indian population. Therefore, Option B is correct.
What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Technology?
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) technology is primarily used for the purpose of reproductive cloning of animals. SCNT can be used to create genetically identical copies of animals. This involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. The egg cell is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is then implanted into a surrogate mother to produce a cloned individual. This technique is called reproductive cloning.
Show 3 more PYQs
With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
I. They are man-made proteins.
II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that target specific antigens and can be used to treat viral infections like Nipah virus. * ✅ I. Man-made proteins – Created by cloning a single immune cell type. * ✅II. Bind to specific antigens – Help stimulate or guide immune response. * ✅III. Used in viral infections – Applied in treating infections like Nipah virus. All three statements are correct.
Consider the following statements:
1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
3. Human /induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 allow the editing of genes in sperm or egg cells (germline cells) before fertilization. This can potentially correct genetic diseases passed on to future generations. Statement 2 is correct. Genome editing in early embryos CRISPR and other techniques can be used to edit genes in embryos at a very early stage of development. This allows for correcting genetic defects before implantation in the womb, potentially preventing the child from inheriting the disease. Statement 3 is correct. Scientists can reprogram adult human cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that have the potential to develop into any cell type. These hiPSCs can be injected into animal embryos, like pigs, to create chimeric embryos containing both human and animal cells. This technology is used for research purposes to study human development and disease. All three statements are correct.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. - The GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.