Six more carabao calves (caracalves) were born during the past two months (April and May) as a result of the transfer of vitrified in vitro produced buffalo embryos.

The in vitro (outside the animal body) embryo production (IVEP) technology involves in vitro oocyte (egg) maturation and fertilization (IVM/IVF) in laboratory, hence, the resulting offspring are fondly called "test tube" caracalves.

The caracalves are products of the ongoing collaborative R&D efforts between the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and Frigorifico Allana Limited (FAL), an Indian processing company based in Aurangabad, India.  DOST-PCARRD and PCC-DA provide financial support to the project.

Dr. Elaine L. F. Lanting, assistant director of PCARRD's Livestock Research Division, reported:

"The birth of the caracalves is the first in the country; the earlier 'test tube' caracalves being from the transfer of fresh embryos.  The caracalves' birthweights ranged from 38.5 to 44 kilograms as compared to that of the Philippine carabao of only 30 kg."

The project aims to produce high quality riverine buffaloes through the use of reproductive biotechniques.

The project's success is attributed to the refined techniques on IVEP and vitrification (conversion into a glassy substance by heat and fusion) done by PCC scientists/researchers Drs. L.C. Cruz, P.B. Pedro, R.D. Hufana, and R. de Vera, and Danilda Duran; and the establishment of a satellite embryo biotechnology laboratory at FAL in India.

The techniques made possible the introduction of superior genetic quality animals into the country minus the costly and hassling animal importation.