Body conformation traits in mithun (Bos frontalis)

Abstract

The present study reports on the body conformation traits in 41 adult mithuns of either sex. The average measurements of different parts were 41. 79±0. 71 cm (head length), 26.39±0.84 cm (head breadth). 21.69±0.66 cm (eye to eye space). 44. 14±0.90 cm (muzzle circumference), 22.77±1.50 cm (horn length), 26.09± 1.19 cm (horn circumference) and 21.15±0.35 cm (ear length). The mean neck length and cireumferece were measured as 40. 75± 1.27 cm and 75.61± 1.85 cm respectively. The average barrel parameters were body length (129.27±2.64 cm), height at withers (124.48±2.03 cm). heart girth (66.06±4. 72 cm), abdominal girth (l87.15±5.62 cm) and pouch girth (160.87±3.62 cm). The mean measurements or limbs were 25.83±0.76 cm. 20.65±0.52 cm. 34.52± 1.04 cm, 31.26±0. 98 cm, 22.54±0.41 cm and 40.91±1.40 cm for fore-shank length, fore-shank circumference, length of forearm, hind-shank length, hind-shank circumference and thigh length respectively. The average tail length was measured as 79.68± 1.22 cm in mithuns. The ovcrall body weight of adult mithun was estimated to be 296.13±16.17 kg. A highly signiticant correlation Was found between adult body weight and type traits. The prediction equations were also formulated with the R2 values ranging from 20.55 to 77.60%.