Advances, Challenges, Prospect, and Future Strategies in Livestock Reproductive Biotechnology in Bangladesh-A Review

Reproductive biotechnology in Bangladesh, especially artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo production, has significantly advanced in cattle, goats, and buffaloes. AI, introduced in 1958, plays a crucial role in livestock breeding, particularly dairy cattle, with 70% AI coverage. Programs by organizations like Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), Milk Vita, and government initiatives have helped to improve genetic quality and address the shortage of breeding males. Conception rates vary by species: cattle (45.33-83%), goats (40.0-88.89%), sheep (26.7-56.37%), and buffaloes (25 to 56.7%), depending on factors such as semen quality, heat detection, timing, thawing, and technician skills. Hormonal treatments (GnRH, PGF2α) and synchronization methods (cloprostenol, FGA, double AI) have improved reproductive outcomes. IVF technologies promise to goat embryo production, especially with bovine serum albumin (BSA). IVF also holds potential for genetic improvement and the preservation of animal genetic resources. Optimized IVF techniques, oocyte vitrification, and hormonal treatments have improved fertility in cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Buffaloes have benefited from supplements like BSA, Stem Cell Factor, and Theophylline, while goats have seen optimized embryo production using goat follicular fluid and ovaries without a corpus luteum. Despite progress, challenges remain, including a shortage of skilled technicians, high costs, and limited infrastructure. Smallholder farmers struggle to access modern reproductive technologies and quality semen. The future of reproductive biotechnology in Bangladesh depends on expanding AI, IVF, estrous synchronization, and semen sexing. Investment in training, infrastructure, supportive policies, public-private partnerships and financial incentives, is crucial to enhance productivity, genetic diversity, and sustainability in the livestock sector. Addressing these areas will ensure a transformative impact on livestock productivity, rural livelihoods, and national economic growth.