Nagaland's Mithun Breed Achieves Global Recognition

Historic Registration of Nagami Mithun

Dimapur, Dec 23: The mithun, a significant livestock species in Nagaland, has made its mark in global livestock history with the official recognition of Nagami as the first mithun breed worldwide.

This landmark registration was accomplished by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun and officially sanctioned by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, marking the first breed-level documentation of Mithun (Bos frontalis) globally.

The initiative for breed registration was spearheaded by Dr. Girish Patil S., the director of the centre, with detailed breed characterization conducted by scientist Dr. Harshit Kumar.

This recognition comes after extensive research aimed at addressing the lack of formal classification of Mithun populations in the Northeast region.

ICAR–NRC on Mithun described this achievement as a 'Christmas gift' for the people of Nagaland, emphasizing that it will pave the way for targeted conservation efforts, organized scientific breeding, and enhanced livelihood prospects for mithun farmers.

The mithun, recognized as Nagaland's state animal, holds immense cultural, social, and economic value for the Naga tribal communities.

Despite its significance, the species had previously been excluded from formal breed documentation, which hindered conservation strategies, genetic enhancement initiatives, and policy interventions.

To address this issue, ICAR–NRC Mithun conducted thorough phenotypic, morphometric, and genetic studies to scientifically define the identity of the mithun populations indigenous to Nagaland.

The newly acknowledged Nagami Mithun has been classified as a unique breed based on its physical traits, ecological adaptability, and genetic markers.

This breed is characterized by a predominantly black coat with white markings on its lower legs, a robust body structure, and a strong ability to thrive in forested hill environments.

Genetic assessments have confirmed that it is distinctly different from other mithun populations in the Northeast.

The breed is traditionally raised across various districts in Nagaland under free-range systems, where the animals graze in community-managed forests.

Researchers highlighted that this indigenous rearing method showcases the breed's resilience and its deep-rooted connection with local customs, governance, and ecological conditions.

The registration is a result of ongoing collaboration with mithun rearers, village councils, and state departments, along with comprehensive scientific documentation.

This development builds on previous achievements, including the recognition of mithun as a food animal by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in 2023 and its inclusion in the domestic animal diversity information system of the Food and Agriculture Organisation the same year.