India's developmental livestock insurance — protecting the 2–3 year rearing investment in future dairy cows before they produce a single litre of milk. Neonatal calf scours, Theileriosis (tick fever), Brucellosis. Progressive SI from ₹3,000 (4-week calf) to ₹70,000 (near-calving heifer). Policy terminates automatically at first calving — linked to Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Rural Insurance· Developmental Livestock Insurance
The the insurer Calf / Heifer Rearing Insurance Scheme is a specialised developmental livestock insurance protecting farmers' multi-year investment in rearing young female bovines to first calving. Unlike standard Cattle Insurance (which covers productive adult cows), this scheme covers animals that are NOT YET earning — protecting the rearing cost investment over 2–3 years. Probitas Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. (IRDAI Lic. No. 528) is your licensed broker.
Standard Cattle Insurance covers a productive adult dairy cow already earning milk income. SI = current market value of the adult animal.
Calf / Heifer Rearing Insurance covers an INVESTMENT — a young female animal being reared at significant cost over 2–3 years before she produces a single litre of milk. If she dies at 18 months (just before first calving), the farmer loses not just her current market value but the entire 18-month rearing investment in feed, vaccinations, veterinary care, and management. This scheme protects that compounded investment.
SI = current market value of the calf / heifer at inception — certified by a govt.-licensed vet. Same as adult cattle insurance methodology. Simplest approach.
Standard • Most CommonSI = original calf value at inception PLUS accumulated rearing costs (feed, vaccination, vet bills). Requires a rearing cost register / diary. Best for near-calving heifers with high accumulated investment.
Advanced • Rearing Record NeededSI increases each policy year to reflect the growing heifer's rising market value. Year 1 (calf stage) → Year 2 → Year 3 (near first calving). Requires annual vet revaluation at renewal.
Best for Young Calves • Multi-YearRashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is the Government of India's flagship cattle breed improvement programme — distributing superior crossbred and elite indigenous breed calves to dairy farmers. RGM distribution certificates serve as breed verification at inception, enabling higher SI eligibility. RGM-linked calves may qualify for premium subsidy under state government dairy development schemes. When an RGM calf dies before first calving, it represents a loss not just to the farmer but to India's entire national breed improvement investment.
Who Can Apply
Individual dairy farmers, tribal communities, SHGs, dairy cooperatives, and FPOs can apply. All calves and heifers must be ear-tagged and health-certified. Vaccination records are mandatory at inception.
Every insured animal must be individually identified by an ear tag at inception. The ear tag number must match the vet health certificate and the policy schedule. No ear tag at the time of claim = claim not payable.
Theileriosis (Theileria annulata) kills 20–30% of affected calves and heifers in India — transmitted by Hyalomma ticks; common in UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, MP. Theileriosis deaths ARE COVERED — but the farmer must maintain a regular tick treatment / acaricide programme (pour-on, dip, injectable). Deaths where NO tick treatment was in place may be contested as a negligence claim.
Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) causes abortion in heifers at 5–8 months of pregnancy — a heifer-specific peril absent from all other livestock insurance products in this series. In states running the mandatory Brucellosis Control Programme (Strain 19 / RB51 vaccination for heifers 4–8 months old), failure to vaccinate may affect claim admissibility. Brucellosis-related heifer deaths ARE covered — subject to vaccination records.
This policy AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATES when the insured heifer gives birth to her first calf (first calving). From that moment, she is a productive dairy cow and this Calf / Heifer Rearing Insurance ceases. The farmer must IMMEDIATELY transition to standard Cattle Insurance for the now-productive cow. Do not allow a gap in coverage between first calving and adult cattle insurance commencement. This is the only product in the the insurer rural series with an event-based (not date-based) policy termination trigger.
| Age / Stage | Typical SI |
|---|---|
| Neonatal calf (4–8 weeks) | ₹3,000–₹10,000 |
| 3-month calf | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
| 6-month heifer (weaned) | ₹8,000–₹20,000 |
| 12-month heifer | ₹12,000–₹30,000 |
| 18-month heifer | ₹18,000–₹45,000 |
| 24-month heifer (near first calving) | ₹25,000–₹70,000 |
SI = market value certified by govt.-licensed vet. Murrah buffalo heifers at higher end. CIRR / RGM certified stock may command higher SI. Progressive SI requires annual vet revaluation at renewal.
Plan Comparison
| Points of Difference | Calf Stage (4wk–6mo) | Young Heifer (6–18mo) | Near-Calving Heifer (18–36mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neonatal Calf Scours (E. coli / Rotavirus) | ✔ Major peril | Rare at this age | Not applicable |
| BRD / Calf Pneumonia | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | Less common |
| Theileriosis / Tick Fever | ✔ Yes (tick endemic areas) | ✔ Major peril | ✔ Yes |
| Brucellosis / Abortion | Not applicable | Becoming relevant (5–8mo preg.) | ✔ Major peril for in-calf heifers |
| FMD, HS, Navel Ill, Septicaemia | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Road Accident | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (highest value loss) |
| Flood / Cyclone / Calamity | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| SI Range | ₹3,000–₹18,000 | ₹8,000–₹45,000 | ₹18,000–₹70,000 |
| Best SI Option | Option 1 (Market Value) or Option 3 (Progressive) | Option 3 (Progressive Annual SI) | Option 2 (Rearing Cost) — highest accumulated investment |
| Vaccination Mandatory | FMD + HS + BQ + deworming | FMD + HS + BQ + Brucella (eligible heifers) + tick treatment | FMD + HS + BQ + Brucella + tick treatment |
| RGM / Gokul Mission Linkage | ✔ Yes — calf distribution | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Policy Termination | ⚠️ Automatically terminates at FIRST CALVING — regardless of age or policy date remaining | ||
Coverage Under the Scheme
The scheme covers disease death (neonatal scours, theileriosis, brucellosis, BRD, and more), accidental death, and natural calamity. Three disease-specific conditions — tick treatment, brucellosis vaccination, and vaccination schedule — are claim admissibility conditions. Notify within 24 hours.
Neonatal Calf Scours (enteritis / diarrhoea) kills calves from 3 days to 8 weeks of age — causing 30–40% of all calf deaths in India. Caused by E. coli (days 0–5), Rotavirus (days 5–14), Coronavirus (days 7–21), and Cryptosporidium. Dehydration from calf scours can kill a calf within 12–24 hours. Deaths from neonatal calf scours ARE COVERED under this policy — certified by a registered vet.
Death of any insured calf or heifer must be notified to Probitas on 022 4302 0000 within 24 HOURS. Do NOT dispose of the carcass before the vet examines and certifies cause of death. Photograph the animal and its ear tag clearly immediately.
Theileriosis is the most important tick-borne disease of cattle in India — killing 20–30% of affected calves and heifers, particularly in UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and MP. Transmitted by Hyalomma ticks. Theileriosis deaths ARE COVERED — but a regular tick treatment / acaricide programme (pour-on, dip, injectable) is expected as standard husbandry. Deaths where NO tick treatment programme was in place may be contested as a negligence claim. Submit acaricide treatment records at inception.
Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) causes abortion in heifers at 5–8 months of pregnancy — a peril specific to heifers that does not exist in younger calves or adult cows in the same way. In states running the mandatory Brucellosis Control Programme (Strain 19 / RB51 vaccination for heifers 4–8 months old), failure to vaccinate may affect claim admissibility for brucellosis-related heifer losses. Brucellosis-related heifer deaths ARE covered — subject to vaccination records in mandatory programme states.
How Claims Are Calculated
Under Option 2, SI = original calf value at inception + all accumulated rearing costs incurred up to the date of death. Example: A calf insured at ₹8,000 (6-week value) dies at 20 months. By that time, the farmer has spent ₹22,000 on feed, ₹4,000 on vaccination, ₹3,000 on vet bills = ₹29,000 rearing cost. Option 2 SI = ₹8,000 + ₹29,000 = ₹37,000 — far better than Option 1 market value alone. Requires maintained rearing cost register submitted with claim.
Under Option 3, SI is set at three increasing levels corresponding to the heifer's growing market value. A calf insured from 6 weeks through to near-calving will have:
Requires annual vet revaluation certificate at each renewal. Best protection for long-term rearing investment.
| Parameter | Neonatal Scours — Punjab Calf | Theileriosis — Rajasthan Heifer | Road Accident — Bihar Murrah Heifer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal | HF × Sahiwal crossbred calf, female, 6 weeks, Ludhiana, Punjab — distributed under RGM | Rathi × HF crossbred heifer, 18 months, Nagaur, Rajasthan | Murrah buffalo heifer, 24 months, in-calf (3 months pregnant), Muzaffarpur, Bihar |
| SI | ₹10,000 (market value at 6 weeks — Option 1) | ₹28,000 (progressive annual SI — Year 2 valuation) | ₹55,000 (near first-calving value — Option 1 high) |
| Event | Neonatal diarrhoea (calf scours — Rotavirus enteritis) — calf dies at 6 weeks despite electrolyte therapy; vet certifies enteritis / dehydration as cause of death; RGM certificate submitted | Theileriosis (Theileria annulata tick fever) — heifer develops severe anaemia and pyrexia; dies despite buparvaquone treatment; vet certifies theileriosis; acaricide treatment records submitted | Road accident near village — heifer struck by tractor on village road; Police FIR filed; vet certifies accidental death from road trauma; ear tag verified |
| SI Basis | Option 1 — Current Market Value | Option 3 — Progressive Annual SI (Year 2) | Option 1 — Current Market Value (near-calving premium) |
| Gross Claim | ₹10,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹55,000 |
| Compulsory Excess | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Claim Payable | ₹9,500 | ₹27,000 | ₹53,000 |
| Key Documents | Vet enteritis certificate + RGM distribution certificate + ear tag photo + dehydration treatment records | Vet theileriosis certificate + acaricide treatment records + FMD/HS/BQ vaccination records + ear tag photo | Police FIR + vet accidental death certificate + ear tag photo + bank details (NEFT) |
| Special Note | RGM certificate confirms superior breed — supports higher SI claim. Calf scours records (electrolyte treatment) show due care taken. | Acaricide treatment records CRITICAL — without these, theileriosis claim may be contested as negligence. | Near-calving Murrah heifer = highest-value animal in scheme. Farmer immediately needs to insure the surviving animals under standard Cattle Insurance. |
* Illustrative only. Actual claims depend on vet certification, ear tag verification, vaccination records, tick treatment records, and policy-specific excess. Theileriosis claims without acaricide records may be contested. Brucellosis-related claims require Brucella vaccination proof in mandatory programme states.
Policy Conditions
Conditions 1 (Ear Tag), 4 (Tick Treatment / Theileria), 5 (Brucellosis Vaccination), and 7 (Policy Termination at First Calving) are the most critical and unique conditions in this scheme.
Ear Tag Mandatory: Every insured calf/heifer must be individually identified by an ear tag at inception. Tag number must match vet certificate and policy schedule. No ear tag at time of claim = claim not payable. Re-tagging after loss requires insurer approval.
Veterinary Health Certificate Mandatory: A govt.-licensed vet certificate confirming the animal's breed, age, health condition, and market value is mandatory at inception. For progressive SI (Option 3), a fresh vet valuation is required at each annual renewal.
Vaccination Schedule Mandatory: FMD, HS, and BQ vaccination records must be submitted at inception. Deworming programme documentation required. In states running the Brucellosis Control Programme, Brucella vaccination certificate for eligible heifers (4–8 months) is mandatory.
Tick / Theileria Treatment Condition: A regular acaricide programme (pour-on, dip, injectable) is expected in tick-endemic areas as standard husbandry. Deaths from Theileriosis where NO tick treatment programme was in place may be treated as negligence claims and contested. Submit acaricide treatment records at inception.
Brucellosis Vaccination Condition: In states running the mandatory Brucellosis Control Programme (Strain 19 / RB51 vaccination for heifers 4–8 months), failure to vaccinate eligible heifers may affect claim admissibility for brucellosis-related heifer death. Vaccination certificate must be submitted at inception.
Progressive SI — Annual Revaluation: For policies using Progressive Annual SI (Option 3), the farmer must submit a fresh vet valuation certificate at each annual renewal. Failure to revise SI may result in under-insurance at the time of a later-stage claim when the heifer's value has grown significantly.
Policy Terminates at First Calving: The policy AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATES when the insured heifer gives birth to her first calf. The farmer must immediately purchase standard Cattle Insurance for the now-productive dairy cow. Do not allow a gap in coverage. This is a unique event-based (not date-based) termination condition.
RGM / Government Programme Certificate: For calves distributed under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) or state government breed improvement programmes, the RGM distribution certificate serves as breed verification at inception. RGM-distributed calves may be eligible for premium subsidy. Submit RGM certificate at inception.
Notify Within 24 Hours — Do NOT Dispose of Carcass: Death must be notified to Probitas (022 4302 0000) within 24 HOURS. Do NOT dispose of the carcass before the vet examination and cause-of-death certification. Photograph the animal and ear tag clearly before any disposal.
Rearing Cost Register (Option 2 Only): For policies using the Rearing Cost basis for SI (Option 2), the farmer must maintain a rearing cost register recording feed purchase bills, vaccination receipts, and vet bills from inception. This register is submitted with the claim to justify the SI claimed above the original calf value.
Male Calf Condition: Only male calves from superior genetic stock (elite semen bull calves, progeny-tested bull calves from certified breeding programmes) are insurable under this scheme. Ordinary male (bull) calves with no breeding value are excluded. RGM / CCBF certification required for bull calf insurance.
Cancellation: Either party may cancel on 7 days' written notice. Premium refunded on short-period scale for unexpired term. No refund if a claim has been paid during the policy period.
How to File a Claim
All calf/heifer death claims require vet cause-of-death certification. For theileriosis: acaricide treatment records essential. For brucellosis: Brucella vaccination certificate required. For road accidents: Police FIR mandatory. Notify within 24 hours — call 022 4302 0000.
Call Probitas on 022 4302 0000 within 24 HOURS of the calf/heifer's death. Do NOT dispose of carcass before vet inspection. Photograph the animal with ear tag clearly visible. For road accidents: lodge Police FIR immediately. For neonatal scours: photograph the calf's condition and treatment records.
A govt. / registered vet examines the carcass and certifies breed, ear tag number, age, and cause of death. For Theileriosis: state AH Dept. involvement may be required. For Brucellosis / abortion: vet certification of heifer condition + aborted foetus record. Insurer may appoint a vet surveyor for farm inspection.
Mandatory: Claim Form, Policy document, Ear tag number, Vet Health Certificate (inception), Vet Cause of Death Certificate, FMD/HS/BQ Vaccination Records, Photographs (ear tag visible), Bank details (NEFT).
Additional as relevant: Acaricide treatment records (Theileriosis), Brucella vaccination cert., RGM certificate, Rearing cost register (Option 2), Police FIR (accidents), Revenue Dept. calamity certificate (flood/cyclone).
Claim = SI (market value, rearing cost basis, or progressive SI — as per policy option) − Compulsory Excess. Each claim verified by ear tag number match. Payment by NEFT within 30 days of complete documents per IRDAI TAT norms. Theileriosis and Brucellosis claims reviewed against treatment / vaccination records before settlement.
Common Questions
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