It is my proud privilege to bring it to the notice of all the concerned and engaged in the field of livestock production in general and Mithun husbandry in particular that lots of significant achievements were made by National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR) in the year of 2009-2010, in different aspects on this magnificent animal species of the North Eastern Hill Region of India.

The information generated by the Institutes during the reported period lead to the development different new technologies for overall development of Mithun husbandry practices, which will definitely help the farmer in their endeavour to preserve, conserve and propagate this valuable animal.

The identification and characterisation of rumen microbes lead us to identify twelve major bacteria and were found to be genetically unique and probably belonging to new strain and not reported earlier. This study will definitely help us to understand the rumen environment in right perspective for our future course of action and research related to rumen ecology.

The standardization of cytogenetic screening through first ever C-banding technique in Mithun has definitely helped us in cytogenetic analysis of this species of animal. The studies of Leptin gene are important aspects because of the utility of this animal for meat purpose.

The comparative study of Mithun and Tho-Tho cattle maintained on the tree leaves based ration showed higher growth rate in Mithun than cattle and dressing percentage were also found to be higher in Mithun. Organoleptic test showed Mithun meat to be with better acceptability and the meat quality was also found to be better than Tho-Tho. It shows that this animal has got better prospect as meat animal which can be well maintained with available resources of the farmers. This is very important for the farming community who are interested to start Mithun farming in forest ranges. Better leather quality of this animal is assured in comparison to that of Tho-Tho cattle gives us the way to convince the farmers so that they can earn extra profit from the hide, which otherwise are consumed by them along with meat.

An attempt has been made by the Scientists to extend the AI technique in the farmers filed by using Standardized Oestrous Synchronization protocol and cryopreserved semen. It is the right approach and will definitely help to upgrade the genetic quality of the animals maintained by poor farmers.

These all achievements could be made due to sincere and untiring efforts of a team of young Scientists. The quality of work can be judged from various publications in reputed journals. I must congratulate the team of Scientists for their commitment and dedication.

This website has been designed in consultation with all the scientific community to make it a resourceful site. However, I would like to request the visitors to put forward their suggestion, if any, so that we can refine and improve the website in future.

Director

National Reserch Centre on Mithun (ICAR)