Morphometric characterization of Indian mithuns

SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE; ANUPAMA MUKHERJEE; I LONGKUMER; MOONMOON MECH; KOBU KHATE; PERUMAL P; C RAJKHOWA

doi:10.56093/ijans.v84.i6.41655

Authors

SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
ANUPAMA MUKHERJEE National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
I LONGKUMER National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
MOONMOON MECH National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
KOBU KHATE National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
PERUMAL P National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India
C RAJKHOWA National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland 797 106 India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v84.i6.41655

Keywords:

Coat, Characterization, Colour, Mithun, Morphometric

Abstract

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a rare domesticated bovine species available in North-Eastern Hills Region of our country. Morphometric data of 134 mithuns, viz. BW, SW, HW, BL, HG, FL, TL, NC, NL, EL, PS, HL and HC were analyzed. The physical coat colour was also analyzed. Nagaland and Mizoram mithuns are predominantly jet black. One of the most distinguishing features of mithun is white stocking of fore legs and hind legs irrespective of their sex. The present study will be helpful to generate mithun specific species descriptor to aid in genetic improvement and conservation programme of this unique animal.

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