The development marks a major step in conserving and improving Assam’s indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed through reproductive technology
Guwahati: Assam has achieved a major breakthrough in livestock science with the birth of a female Lakhimi calf through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), described as the first of its kind globally.
The calf was born at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati. The facility was established with financial support under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for the conservation and development of indigenous cattle.
Lakhimi is Assam’s only registered indigenous cattle breed, making the achievement significant for the state’s livestock conservation efforts.
According to the institution, the calf was produced through an in-vitro embryo production process. Genetic material from a purebred Lakhimi cow was combined with semen from a pure Lakhimi bull to develop an embryo, which was subsequently transferred to a crossbred heifer.
The successful birth demonstrates the potential of assisted reproductive technology to multiply genetically desirable indigenous cattle while preserving breed characteristics.
The achievement could support future breeding programmes aimed at improving the population and genetic quality of Lakhimi cattle, while safeguarding Assam’s indigenous livestock heritage.
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