First Mithun calf (Mohan) born from Cryopreserved Embryo

"MOHAN", the first mithun calf was born through embryo transfer technology (ETT) from a cryopreserved embryo at the National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Nagaland, India on May 12, 2012. The embryo was preserved in liquid nitrogen (-1960C) for 100 days. This is the third successive birth of a mithun calf through embryo transfer. The first calf named "BHARAT" was born on March 27, 2012, and the second calf "PRITHVI" on May 11, 2012, survived only for two days due to premature delivery.

The ETT programme was initiated at the Institute around five years ago and this is the third success in mithun. The scientists of the College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati and  NRC on Yak, Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh) have also made significant contributions to this endeavour.

The ETT will help to multiply and propagate the quality germplasm of this magnificent species. Additionally, the standardized protocol for cryopreservation of mithun embryos and its successful application in ETT will help in the conservation and propagation of mithun in the field. This technology is the conglomeration of the use of the best quality of sperm and oocyte (unlike AI where only the best quality sperms are used) and can produce 10-12 calves at a time from a single cow.