Mithun: A Promising Milch Animal of the Northeastern Hill Region of India

Abstract

Mithun (Bos frontalis), a rare bovine of Southeast Asia, is the descendent of wild Indian gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus). This unique animal is found mainly in four different states of the North-Eastern Hills region of India viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, and also in some locations of Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. Though the mithun is mainly reared for meat, it has the potential for milk production. Mithun produces milk of high quality containing double the quantity of energy than cattle cow milk. In addition, mithun milk contains high quantity of lactoferrin; an antimicrobial element combats for pathogenic infection. Unfortunately, mithun has not yet been explored fully as a milch animal. Milk production potential of mithun can be enhanced significantly through using suitable scientific packages of practices and appropriate technological interventions. Keywords: Mithun, milk, lactation, milk yield, milk products Cite this Article Mondal M, Singh RK, Baruah KK et al. Mithun: a promising milch animal of the northeastern hill region of India. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology . 2015; 4(3): 17–21p.