GUWAHATI, Aug 23: Assam has marked a significant achievement in livestock biotechnology with the successful birth of the world’s first IVF-born female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed.
The breakthrough, achieved at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University in Khanapara, is being seen as an important step forward for indigenous cattle conservation and the use of advanced reproductive technology in the state’s livestock sector.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the achievement on Saturday and congratulated the veterinary scientists and professionals involved in the project.
The female calf was born through IVF technology at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science under the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University. The facility was established with support from the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
The successful birth is expected to strengthen efforts to conserve and expand the population of the Lakhimi breed, which is native to Assam. Advanced reproductive technologies such as IVF can help accelerate the multiplication of genetically superior animals while protecting valuable indigenous genetic resources.
The development could also have wider benefits for the livestock and dairy sectors, including improved breeding practices, better productivity and increased opportunities for livestock farmers.
The achievement comes months after scientists at the veterinary college successfully produced Assam’s first IVF-born calf, a female Gir calf born in Sonapur. The latest success, however, marks a new milestone by applying the technology to Assam’s own indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed.
With the birth of the female Lakhimi calf, Assam has added another significant achievement to its growing biotechnology and livestock research sector, combining modern scientific techniques with efforts to preserve the state’s native cattle resources.
