Assam Welcomes First IVF-Born Calf, Marks New Chapter For Indigenous Cattle Conservation

Assam has reported the birth of a female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), marking what has been described as the first such achievement involving the breed. The calf was born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, marking a new development in the use of assisted reproductive technology for indigenous cattle in Assam.

The development was shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a post on X. 

He described the achievement as a "beautiful convergence of Sabhyata, Sanskriti & Srijan" and congratulated the scientists and veterinary professionals involved.

He wrote, "The world's first IVF female calf of the Lakhimi breed - native to Assam - has been born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University. This landmark achievement opens new doors for our livestock and dairy sector -from conserving indigenous breeds and improving disease control to enhancing milk productivity and, ultimately, raising farmers' incomes."

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The Lakhimi cattle breed is native to Assam and forms part of the state's indigenous livestock resources. Scientists have increasingly looked at reproductive technologies such as IVF as a way of multiplying animals with desirable characteristics and supporting the conservation of native breeds.

The Assam Chief Minister congratulated the scientist on this achievement. 

"She may be a tiny calf, but she carries a huge milestone for biotechnology in our State," Sarma said.

The birth is being seen as a step towards bringing advanced reproductive technology into the conservation and propagation of Assam's indigenous cattle breeds.