Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Nagami Mithun becomes world's first recognized breed
The Nagami Mithun, a special kind of cattle called Mithun, has become the first officially recognized breed of its kind in the world.
This recognition was given by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.
The Mithun is very important to the people of Nagaland, both culturally and economically.
Scientists have been studying these animals for a long time to understand their unique traits.
The Nagami Mithun has a black coat with white markings, a strong body, and can live well in the forests.
This recognition will help in protecting and improving the Mithun population, which is raised in a traditional way in the forests.
It's like a special gift to the people of Nagaland, especially during the holiday season.
Nagami Mithun is the world's first officially recognized mithun breed, registered by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.
The recognition was led by Dr. Girish Patil S. and Dr. Harshit Kumar from the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun.
Nagami Mithun is characterized by a black coat with white markings, a compact body, and strong adaptability to forested hill ecosystems.
The breed is widely reared in Nagaland under traditional free-range systems in community-managed forests.
This recognition aims to open new avenues for conservation, scientific breeding, and improved livelihood opportunities for Mithun farmers.
- Who
- ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun and ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
- What
- Registration of Nagami as the world's first officially recognized mithun breed
- When
- December 23
- Where
- Nagaland, India
- Why
- To address the absence of formal classification of Mithun populations and to open new avenues for conservation and breeding programs
- Breed Name
- Nagami
- Species
- Mithun (Bos frontalis)
- Registration Authority
- ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
- Significance
- Cultural, social, and economic importance to Naga tribal communities
- Physical Characteristics
- Predominantly black coat with white markings, compact body, strong adaptability
- Rearing System
- Traditional free-range systems in community-managed forests
- Research Leaders
- Dr. Girish Patil S. and Dr. Harshit Kumar