Assam has achieved a major breakthrough in indigenous cattle breeding through in-vitro fertilisation technology.

• Scientists from the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, under Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, have produced the world’s first female calf of the Lakhimi cattle breed through in-vitro fertilisation. 
• The achievement is significant for the conservation, propagation, disease control and genetic improvement of Assam’s indigenous cattle resources.
• This landmark achievement opens new doors for Assam’s livestock and dairy sector by enhancing milk productivity and, ultimately, raising farmers’ incomes.

About Lakhimi Cattle Breed

• The Lakhimi cattle breed is native to Assam and forms part of the state’s indigenous livestock resources.
• It was officially recognised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in 2017.
• The breed is small-sized, hardy and well adapted to hot and humid conditions, making it suitable for Assam’s agro-climatic environment.
• Lakhimi is a dual-purpose breed, valued for both milk production and draught power. Its bullocks are particularly useful for ploughing and carting in muddy paddy fields. 
• Its milk is relatively rich in fat, while the breed is traditionally maintained under low-input systems.

Why Is the IVF Achievement Important?

• In-vitro fertilisation can accelerate the multiplication of genetically superior animals by producing embryos outside the animal’s body and subsequently transferring them to a suitable recipient.
• It can help preserve valuable indigenous genetic resources, improve breeding efficiency and potentially enhance milk productivity and disease resilience.
• The technology can also contribute to higher livestock productivity and, consequently, better incomes for farmers.

Link with Government Initiatives

The achievement is closely aligned with the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

• The mission aims to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds and increase their productivity.
• It promotes modern breeding technologies such as in-vitro fertilisation, sex-sorted semen and genomics for genetic improvement. 
• Its Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme specifically supports the use of in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer for improving bovine genetics.

Recent Milestone in Assam

Earlier, Assam’s veterinary scientists produced the state’s first in-vitro fertilisation-born Gir calf ‘Navami’ through advanced embryo transfer technology. The calf was born at a dairy farm in Sonapur, Kamrup Metropolitan district.

Exam Hook: 

Know about Lakhimi cattle, indigenous breed conservation, in-vitro fertilisation and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Prelims Question: 

Consider the following statements:

1. Lakhimi is an indigenous cattle breed associated with Assam.
2. Lakhimi cattle are used for both milk production and draught purposes.
3. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission promotes modern breeding technologies including in-vitro fertilisation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3.