Embryo Production in Livestock, a Revolution in Pakistan – An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Qaisar Shahzad

Pakistan’s livestock breeding industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation. With more than five functional IVF laboratories now operating across the country, embryo production in livestock and embryo transfer technology have moved from research-based experimentation to commercial-scale success. Producing 15 to 20 calves from a single elite cow in one year is no longer a dream; it’s a reality in Pakistan now. These views were expressed by Dr. Qaisar Shahzad, a renowned livestock embryologist and Livestock IVF expert.

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad is the Director at Royal Cell Biotechnology Pakistan and a Consultant for various Embryo Production Centres.

Rapid Growth and Foreign Investment in Embryo Production in Livestock

In his exclusive interview, Dr. Qaisar Shahzad explained that foreign investment has completely reshaped Pakistan’s livestock breeding landscape. Five years ago, commercial embryo production in livestock began formally. Before that, the work was limited to research projects. Now, this has evolved into a full-fledged industry.

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad shared that his efforts helped attract a major Chinese company to invest in this sector. Under his supervision, more than five IVF labs became operational within three years. These labs are staffed by dozens of trained professionals who are now delivering world-class reproductive services in livestock breeding.

Interview with Chairman GCLI

How Embryo Production and IVF Work?

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad explained the embryo production process in simple terms. We start by selecting a high-quality cow or buffalo. From this animal, eggs are collected and fertilized in the laboratory using semen from genetically superior bulls. These fertilized embryos are then stored, much like semen. Later, the embryos can be transferred into other cows, known as surrogate mothers.

This technology allows one elite animal to produce many offspring at once. “With In Vitro Fertilization (IVF in Livestock) and Embryo Transfer technology, we can rapidly multiply high-producing animals and also conserve rare breeds,” he added.

وائیٹا جین فارمز کی ایمبریو پروڈکشن لیب تکمیل کے آخری مراحل میں

Benefits for Dairy Farmers and the Beef Industry

Dr. Qaisar emphasized that commercial and corporate dairy farmers in Pakistan can gain huge advantages from this technology. Farmers spend millions of rupees importing high-yielding animals from abroad. Through IVF and embryo transfer technology, farms can use their own best cows to expand their herds. These embryos can even be sold to other farms. This would reduce the country’s dependence on animal imports, saving valuable foreign exchange while improving the national livestock gene pool.

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad highlighted that Embryo Transfer technology is very popular in the beef and fattening sector, especially with the growing demand for Brahman embryos. However, he believes that government support is crucial for expanding its adoption. The government should offer subsidies and ensure the availability of trained persons for embryo transfer technology in the field, he suggested. Training of veterinarians, both in the public and private sectors, is essential for the safe and efficient application of this technology.

Global Genetics Now Accessible in Pakistan

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad said that Pakistan has already imported several famous cattle breeds, including Friesian, Holstein, Jersey, Brahman, Wagyu, Guzera, Girolando, Gir, and others. These are world-renowned bloodlines from top breeders. Their semen and embryos are now available locally.

He further added that earlier, only a few large farms could access such genetics. My goal is to make these technologies accessible to the ordinary farmer, ensuring better milk yields and improved reproductive efficiency nationwide.”

GCLI’s Sexed Semen Project

During the interview, Dr. Qaisar Shahzad praised the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI) for introducing its Sexed Semen Project, calling it a “game changer” for Pakistan’s livestock industry.

“Through Sexed Semen Technology, farmers can control the gender ratio of calves—producing more heifers or bulls as needed. Every dairy farmer dreams of having more female calves for milk production. This project will make sexed semen available at affordable prices, and in the future, we can even provide sexed embryos,” he noted.

GCLI Sexed Semen Project

Embryo Production in Livestock – Expanding to Small Ruminants

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad revealed that Pakistan is now also experimenting with advanced reproductive technologies in small ruminants. Recently, Dr. Ejaz successfully performed Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) in sheep and goats. This breakthrough can open new investment avenues for small animal breeding. He emphasized that these innovations are especially important for conserving valuable and rare breeds of goats and sheep in Pakistan.

بھیڑ بکریوں میں ایمبریو ٹرانسفر کی جانب بڑی پیش رفت، پاکستان میں لیپروسکوپک اووم پک اپ کا کامیاب تجربہ

Pakistan Enters the Buffalo Embryo Export Market

Highlighting one of his biggest achievements, Dr. Qaisar Shahzad said, “We successfully convinced a leading Chinese company to invest in Pakistan. Today, buffalo embryo exports from Pakistan are going on.”

He added, “Pakistan is now among the few countries contributing to the genetic improvement of buffaloes globally. This export not only earns foreign exchange but also enhances the international reputation of Pakistan’s buffalo breeds.”

In the future, he envisions Pakistan exporting embryos of other livestock breeds as well, opening a new economic chapter for the country’s livestock export market.

چائنہ میں چار سو سے زائد کٹڑے کٹڑیاں پاکستانی بھینسوں کے ایمبریوز سے پیدا

Vision for the Future of Embryo Production in Livestock

“If government bodies, private sectors, universities, and research institutions collaborate, Pakistan can become a leading embryo-exporting nation within a few years,” Dr. Qaisar  predicted confidently.

He also advised young veterinarians to specialize in embryology, IVF, and genetic improvement. “These are fascinating scientific fields with massive financial potential. Skilled professionals in these areas will find opportunities both within Pakistan and abroad,” he encouraged.

A Mission to Make Embryo Technology Accessible

Dr. Qaisar Shahzad concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the development of this sector. “Our ongoing projects aim to make embryo transfer technology accessible and affordable across Pakistan. My team and I are fully dedicated to this mission. Our goal is simple—to make advanced breeding technologies available to every farmer in Pakistan.”

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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