A Gujarat-based agri-startup is developing technology aimed at helping dairy farmers detect pregnancy in livestock at an earlier stage. Big Nano Ventures, founded by entrepreneur Komal Kalantry, has developed an early pregnancy detection kit designed for cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats.
The technology is intended to provide farmers with faster information about the reproductive status of their animals, potentially supporting herd management, animal care and dairy productivity.
According to the startup, the kit can detect pregnancy at around 28 to 35 days and the test takes less than 10 minutes. The company says the technology has already been used on more than 27,000 animals.
Focus on easier livestock diagnostics
Pregnancy detection is an important part of dairy herd management because timely information can help farmers plan feeding, veterinary care and breeding activities.
Komal Kalantry said the kit is designed to make pregnancy detection more convenient for farmers while supporting animal welfare and care.
The startup describes the test as pain-free for animals and says early detection can help farmers make timely decisions regarding livestock management. Early identification may also assist farmers in planning care for pregnant animals and preparing for the health requirements of calves.
The technology is applicable across multiple livestock categories, including cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats, giving it potential applications beyond conventional dairy herds.
Recognition for animal-health innovation
Big Nano Ventures has also received national recognition for its work in livestock diagnostics. President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the startup for its contribution to animal health.
Nikunj Soni, CEO of AIC Anand Foundation, said the startup was invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the national honour. He highlighted the company’s focus on developing an early pregnancy detection solution for dairy farmers.
The recognition comes as startups and agricultural institutions increasingly focus on technologies that can address practical challenges in livestock management.
Support from Anand Agricultural University
The development of the technology has been supported by the incubation ecosystem at Anand Agricultural University.
Kalantry said the university provided mentorship and financial assistance during the research and validation stages. The university also helped the startup connect with government agricultural centres, which supported the validation of its technology.
AIC Anand Foundation, the university’s agri-food incubation hub, supports innovation across agriculture, dairy and allied sectors. The foundation has incubated more than 80 agri-startups, providing an ecosystem for entrepreneurs working on agricultural and livestock-related technologies.
The support illustrates the role of agricultural universities and incubation centres in helping startups move technologies from research and development toward practical field applications.
Women entrepreneurs in agricultural innovation
The startup’s development also highlights the participation of women entrepreneurs in India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Anand Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Dr MP Patel said women have been actively involved in the university’s entrepreneurship initiatives. According to Patel, women have accounted for 52% of innovators selected through the university’s entrepreneurship programme since its establishment.
The university’s entrepreneurship initiatives are intended to encourage innovation and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs working across agricultural sectors.
Potential applications for dairy farmers
For dairy farmers, early pregnancy information can form part of broader herd-management decisions. Knowing an animal’s reproductive status earlier can help farmers plan nutrition, veterinary monitoring, breeding schedules and expected calving periods.
The technology could also contribute to more systematic herd management as dairy farms become increasingly focused on productivity and animal health.
Big Nano Ventures is now working toward developing a wider range of diagnostic solutions for livestock. Its experience with pregnancy detection could provide a foundation for further technologies addressing animal health and farm-management requirements.
As India’s dairy sector continues to adopt technology, livestock diagnostics could become an increasingly important area for agri-startups. Solutions that provide farmers with timely and practical information may support more informed herd-management decisions while strengthening animal-care practices.