First Embryo Transfer Mithun Calf (Bharat)

World’s first-ever Mithun calf through embryo transfer technology was born at the National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland on March 27, 2012. Embryo transfer technology (ETT) being one of the best tools for faster multiplication of quality germplasm, the scientists were working to standardize the techniques for mithun for the last five years.  Mithun (Bos frontalis), a rare bovine of Southeast Asia is mainly confined in four different States viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram of North-eastern Hill region of India.  Presently,  the free-range system of mithun rearing in its natural habitat (forest) results in inbreeding as well as crossbreeding with the local cattle thereby loss of quality mithun germplasm. To address the issue of inbreeding and crossbreeding, the scientists of the Animal Physiology section of the institute have successfully applied the Artificial Insemination (AI) technique both at the farm and the field (Khonoma village of Nagaland)  and produced AI-borne calves.