A tiny calf, a major breakthrough: Assam records world-first IVF success with Lakhimi breed

Assam has welcomed the world’s first IVF-born female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed, marking a major livestock biotechnology milestone

PGurus Newsdesk

August 23, 2026

Assam has achieved a landmark in livestock science with the birth of an IVF-born Lakhimi calf, combining modern reproductive technology with indigenous breed conservation

Breakthrough could boost indigenous cattle conservation and dairy productivity

Assam has recorded a major milestone in livestock biotechnology with the birth of the world’s first IVF-born female calf of the indigenous Lakhimi cattle breed, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The calf was born at the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University in Khanapara, Guwahati.

Sarma described the development as a significant step for Assam’s livestock and dairy sector, saying the technology could help conserve indigenous cattle breeds, improve disease control and potentially increase milk productivity and farmers’ incomes.

IVF technology could aid breed conservation

The achievement was made at the IVF Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Science under Assam Veterinary and Fishery University. The facility was established with support from the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous cattle breeds.

Today Assam has achieved something historic – a beautiful convergence of Sabhyata, Sanskriti & Srijan.
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… pic.twitter.com/9KaVytPO11
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 22, 2026

Scientists see assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and embryo transfer as tools to multiply cattle with desirable genetic traits more efficiently. For indigenous breeds such as Lakhimi, the technology could potentially support both conservation and genetic improvement.

The development also follows an earlier IVF milestone in Assam this year, when a female Gir calf was born through IVF and embryo-transfer technology at a dairy farm in Sonapur.

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