Harnessing mithun

A key genetic resource for enhancing sustainable livelihood of tribal communities in Northeast India

Abstract

The mithun (Bos frontalis), a unique bovine species of the Eastern Himalayas, remains underutilized and poorly characterized in terms of genetic and phenotypic attributes. This review consolidates current knowledge on the phenotypic diversity of mithun populations both within India across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam and internationally. Distinct morphological traits, management systems, and cultural practices were documented across regional populations, underscoring their evolutionary adaptations and the need for population-specific conservation strategies. Genomic and cytogenetic studies revealed mithun’s close phylogenetic relationship with wild gaur (Bos gaurus), confirmed through mitochondrial DNA analyses and chromosomal configurations, including species-specific Robertsonian translocations. Molecular diversity assessments using microsatellite and highdensity SNP markers highlight moderate genetic variability with minimal substructure but also indicated signs of inbreeding and genetic erosion in isolated populations. The availability of a high-quality de novo genome assembly offered valuable insights into gene content, repetitive elements, and evolutionary divergence from other bovine species. This review emphasized the urgent need for targeted genetic improvement, sustainable breeding practices, and conservation programs. Strategic recommendations include phenotypic and genotypic characterization of distinct populations, formation of mithun federations, development of semi-intensive rearing systems, and international collaboration through a proposed mithun genome consortium. Investing in mithun conservation and improvement offers a viable pathway for enhancing tribal livelihoods, ensuring food and nutritional security, and preserving agro biodiversity in fragile highland ecosystems. As a neglected but invaluable genetic resource, the mithun holds substantial promise for climate-resilient livestock production and sustainable rural development in the Eastern Himalayan region.