Gandhinagar: Gujarat is set to introduce new regulations for bovine breeding activities to enhance the quality of bovines and other animals in the state. The Gujarat Bovine Breeding (Regulation) Bill, 2025, aims to regulate various aspects of bovine breeding, including the use of breeding bulls, semen production, processing, storage, sale, distribution, artificial insemination, and assisted reproductive technologies.

The bill focuses on improving bovine breeding practices and covers a range of activities related to cattle and buffalo breeding. It includes provisions for the use of disease-free bovine semen for artificial insemination and the use of assisted reproductive technologies to address infertility in bovines.

Key Definitions and Regulatory Focus

The legislation provides definitions for key terms related to bovine breeding, such as:

• Artificial insemination, defined as the process of artificially introducing disease-free bovine semen into the uterus of a mature female bovine for conception.

• Assisted reproductive technology, which includes techniques like artificial insemination, oocyte pick-up, in-vitro maturation, fertilization of mature bovine oocytes, embryo manipulation, embryo freezing, embryo storage, embryo cloning, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, and synchronization of female animal estrous cycles.    

• Bovine, which includes cows, bulls, heifers, buffaloes, male buffaloes, and she-buffaloes.    

• Bovine breeding activities, encompassing the use of breeding bulls, semen production, storage, transportation, sale, and the use of semen, embryos, oocytes, and reproductive organs.  

The bill also outlines the need for registration to carry out bovine breeding activities and establishes the Gujarat Bovine Breeding Regulatory Authority (GBBRA) to oversee the regulation and development of this sector.    

Establishment of the Gujarat Bovine Breeding Regulatory Authority (GBBRA)

The Gujarat Bovine Breeding Regulatory Authority (GBBRA) will be established to regulate bovine breeding activities in the state. The authority will have the power to control bovine breeding activities, utilize powers granted under the act, and perform assigned functions. The GBBRA will be a body corporate with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued. The authority may also establish committees or sub-committees and appoint experts to inspect and investigate activities related to bovine breeding.    

Regulation and Registration

The bill emphasizes the need for individuals and entities involved in bovine breeding activities to obtain registration certificates. It specifies that no person can engage in bovine breeding activities, including the production, storage, transportation, sale, or use of bovine semen, embryos, or oocytes, without a valid registration certificate. Existing entities involved in activities such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization laboratories, assisted reproductive technology specialists, and providers of assisted reproductive technology services will be required to apply for registration within six months from the commencement of the act. Similarly, existing semen stations, artificial insemination training institutes, semen banks, and artificial insemination service providers will also need to register under this act. The manner of registration, renewal, and revocation of registration will be prescribed, and the state government may impose conditions for registration.    

Offenses and Penalties

The legislation also includes provisions for offenses and penalties. It grants the authority the power to conduct inspections, searches, and seizures, and to issue orders to enforce the act. The bill also outlines the court’s power to restrain bovine breeding activities and specifies procedures for taking cognizance of offenses. It also addresses offenses committed by companies.  DeshGujarat