‘Bharat’ world’s first ETT ‘Naga mithun’ calf

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 30

The National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR) has achieved a scientific breakthrough, which could help increase the population of mithuns (Bos frontalis), a bovine,  and possibly aid rural economy – the world’s first Embryo Transfer ‘Naga mithun’ calf was given birth by a surrogate mother on March 27, 4:50 pm, at the centre’s mithun farm in Jharnapani, Medziphema. The calf has been named “Bharat”. 

The scientists are hopeful to get three more Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) claves soon. This programme was a part of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India funded project.

The Director of NCRM (IACR) Chandan Rajkhowa said that the ETT is one of the best scientific processes for faster multiplication of quality germplasm but it was never tried on a mithun. The scientists were working to standardise the process for mithun for the last five years. 

The director also suggested that it would benefit the farming community if the State Government could maintain healthy bulls (mithun) because bulls are very costly and since half of the genes come from male, it is very important to use genetically superior bulls for ETT procedure and cross-breeding.

He also said that some mithuns cannot reproduce so ETT procedure could help solve the problem and produce healthy offspring. Adding that embryos can be stored in cryopreserved containers for future use. However, the director said there are two obstacles for the technology to progress – insufficient officials to extent the technology and common people may take time to accept the procedure since it is a very new concept to the region.

Earlier, the scientists have successfully applied Artificial Insemination (AI) to mithuns in the centre’s farm and in Khonoma village.

The programme was initiated by Dr. Kishore Kumar Baruah, principal scientist and Dr. Mohan Mondal, senior scientist under the leadership of Dr. Chandan Rajkhowa. Also, Dr. BC Sarmah, Dr BC Deka and Dr. DJ Dutta from College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Dr. P Chakravorty from NRC on Yak and Dr. Bhaskar Bora, Research Associate of NRC on Mithun were also the members of the ETT team. According to the Director of NCRM, the project expenditure was not more than Rs 10 lakhs.