Growth of four strains of Mithun (Bos frontalis) calves up to twelve months of age

Abstract

In India, mithun is found in different states of North east hill region. According to breeding tract, the mithun population was divided into 4 strains, Le. Nagamese, Mizoram, Arunachalee and Manipuri. Body weights of mithun calves were recorded at birth, 3, 6 and 12 months of age. Birth weight of mithun was highest in Manipuri strain whereas birth weights of Nagamese, Mizoram and Arunachalee mithun were very close. Weight at 3 months of age was highest in Manipuri strain followed by Nagamese, Mizoram and Arunachalee strain. Body weight of 6 months ofage was highest in Nagamese strain followed by Manipuri, Mizoram and Arunachalee strain. Weight of 12 months of age was highest in Mizoram strain followed by Anmachalee, Nagamese and Manipuri strain. Correlations ofbirth weight with weight at 3 months of age and with weight at 6 months of age were to be 0.378 and 0.262 respectively. Correlations between body weight at different age groups were positive but in very low in magnitude.