12th May, 2012, Jharnapani, Nagaland
"MOHAN", the first mithun calf was born through embryo transfer technology (ETT) from a cryopreserved embryo at the National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Nagaland, India on May 12, 2012. The embryo was preserved in liquid nitrogen (-1960C) for 100 days. This is the third successive birth of mithun calf through embryo transfer. The first calf named as "BHARAT" was born on March 27, 2012 and the second calf "PRITHVI" on May 11, 2012 survived only for two days due to premature delivery.
T
he ETT programme was initiated at the Institute around five years ago and this is the third success in mithun. The scientists of college of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati and NRC on Yak, Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh) have also made significant contribution in this endeavour.
The ETT will help to multiply and propagate quality germplasm of this magnificent species. Additionally, the standardized protocol for cryopreservation of mithun embryos and its successful application in ETT will help in conservation and propagation of mithun in the field. This technology is the conglomeration of use of the best quality of sperm and oocyte (unlike AI where only the best quality sperms are used) and can produce 10-12 calves at a time from a single cow.
(Source: Animal Science Diviison, ICAR)
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