GUWHATI: Assam has achieved a major milestone in livestock biotechnology with the birth of the world’s first IVF-born female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi breed, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.Taking to social media platform X, Sarma described the development as a historic convergence of Assam’s “Sabhyata, Sanskriti and Srijan”, saying the achievement could open new avenues for the state’s livestock and dairy sector.“The world’s first IVF female calf of the Lakhimi breed — native to Assam — has been born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University,” the chief minister said.The breakthrough has been achieved at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science under the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University at Khanapara in Guwahati.The laboratory has been established with support under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.The development is considered particularly significant for the conservation of Lakhimi cattle, Assam’s indigenous breed, as advanced assisted reproductive technologies can help multiply genetically superior animals while preserving valuable native genetic resources.Sarma said the achievement could contribute to several areas, including indigenous breed conservation, improved disease control and higher milk productivity.In the long run, these interventions are expected to strengthen Assam’s dairy economy and improve the incomes of livestock farmers.“My heartiest congratulations to all the veterinary scientists and professionals behind this historic achievement,” the chief minister said, adding that their work had the potential to usher in a new era for Assam’s dairy sector.He described the newborn calf as small in size but significant in terms of the scientific milestone it represents for Assam’s biotechnology ecosystem.The latest achievement builds on Assam’s ongoing efforts to introduce assisted reproductive technologies into livestock development.Earlier this year, scientists at the veterinary college produced Assam’s first IVF-born calf, a female Gir calf born in Sonapur, demonstrating the viability of embryo-transfer technology under field conditions.
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Scientists have said such technologies can enable faster multiplication of superior genetic stock, potentially improving milk productivity and supporting dairy farmers’ incomes.The successful Lakhimi birth therefore combines modern reproductive biotechnology with the conservation of an indigenous cattle breed, giving Assam a new tool to strengthen its livestock sector.Sarma concluded his message by invoking “Gau Mata” and described the achievement as a milestone carrying significance far beyond the birth of a single calf.
