Now Reading: Assam gets world’s first IVF calf of indigenous Lakhimi breed
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Assam gets world’s first IVF calf of indigenous Lakhimi breed
Assam has achieved a major milestone in livestock biotechnology with the birth of the world's first IVF female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi breed, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday. The calf was born at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science under the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University in Guwahati, established with support from the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
CM Sarma described the development as a historic convergence of Assam's culture and science, saying it could open new avenues for the state's livestock and dairy sector. The breakthrough is seen as significant for conservation of the Lakhimi breed, as advanced reproductive technologies can multiply genetically superior animals while preserving native genetic resources.
Sarma said the achievement could contribute to indigenous breed conservation, improved disease control and higher milk productivity, potentially strengthening Assam's dairy economy and farmer incomes. Earlier this year, the same scientists produced Assam's first IVF-born calf, a Gir calf, demonstrating the viability of embryo-transfer technology under field conditions.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Lakhimi is a small, hardy cattle breed native to Assam's Brahmaputra valley, prized for its heat tolerance and disease resistance but with low milk yields averaging 1-2 litres per day. IVF allows multiplication of elite bulls and cows without importing exotic breeds, which often struggle in Assam's humid climate. Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the central government has been funding embryo-transfer labs to conserve indigenous breeds while improving productivity. The practical question is how quickly the technology scales from one calf to thousands of farmers. The next milestone will be the first Lakhimi IVF bull calf, needed to produce semen for artificial insemination across the state.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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