Application of Biotechnology for Augmentation of Productivity in Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Mithun, also known as ‘Cattle of Mountain” is an important bovine species of north-eastern hill region of India and also of China, Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This magnificent massive bovine is presently reared under free-range condition in the hill forests at an altitude of 1000 to 3000 m above mean sea level. Mithun plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the local tribal population. Due to dwindling population of mithun over the years and gradual denudation of free range forest areas for mithun grazing along with the biotic and abiotic stress, there is urgent need of scientific intervention for proper management as well as conservation of this species. Application of various biotechnological tools like artificial insemination, estrus synchronization for timed-AI, multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, rumen microbial manipulation and modern breeding techniques may be of great use for faster multiplication and propagation of this species in near future.