Four northeast livestock breeds get national recognition: Here's what it means

Guwahati: Four indigenous livestock breeds from the Northeast — Nagami Mithun (Nagaland), Rajdigheli geese and Nagi duck (Assam), and the Manipuri duck (Manipur) — have been officially registered by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, giving the region a major boost in national livestock recognition and conservation planning.

The move places the breeds on India’s official livestock genetic register, strengthening research support, conservation prioritisation and market visibility for farming communities across the region.

Nagami Mithun: Global first for Nagaland

Nagami Mithun has made history as the world’s first officially recognised Mithun breed, following detailed genetic and phenotypic studies conducted by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema.

Found across 13 districts of Nagaland, the animal is known for its muscular build, black coat and distinctive white stockings. Adult males weigh between 470 and 500 kg, while females produce up to 193 litres of milk over a 300-day lactation cycle. With an estimated population of around 23,000, the animal plays a central role in Naga culture, economy and ceremonial traditions.

Researchers said the breed shows clear genetic separation from other Mithun populations, a finding that helped secure its registration. NRCM scientists described the recognition as a landmark achievement that opens new avenues for scientific management, selective breeding and livelihood enhancement.

The centre noted that the registration honours Mithun-rearing communities and strengthens prospects for future research funding. It also follows recent milestones, including the breed’s listing in the FAO’s global livestock database and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) classifying Mithun as a food animal.

Manipuri duck: Wetland specialist recognised

The Manipuri duck, widely reared in the Imphal Valley and surrounding hill districts, has gained official recognition for its adaptability to wetland ecosystems and strong egg-laying performance.

The breed features light to dark brown speckled plumage, with drakes marked by glossy green heads and grey wings. Average annual egg production stands at around 130, while adult males weigh up to 2.4 kg. With an estimated population of about 17.8 lakh, researchers expect the registration to improve breeding systems and expand rural poultry-based livelihood opportunities.

Nagi duck: Assam’s dual-purpose black bird

Native to southern Assam, the Nagi duck has been recognised as a medium-sized dual-purpose breed valued for both meat and eggs. The bird is noted for its black plumage, white breast patch and cylindrical body shape, producing 150–180 eggs annually with a greenish-blue shell.

Adult males weigh between 1.5 and 1.7 kg, and the current population is estimated at around 68,000. Scientists said the registration will support conservation efforts and selective genetic improvement for a breed long sustained through traditional backyard rearing systems.

Rajdigheli geese: Heavy-bodied Assam variety enters registry

Also registered is the Rajdigheli geese, locally known as Rajhanh, found across Assam. The birds feature white and cinnamon plumage, orange-yellow bills and strong, heavy frames, weighing roughly 3.9 kg in males and 3.6 kg in females.

Reared for meat, eggs, ornamental use and ritual purposes, the breed lays about 19 eggs annually and has an estimated population of around three lakh.

Big win for Northeast livestock diversity

The addition of four registered breeds marks a significant milestone for the Northeast as a centre of livestock biodiversity. Officials said the recognition will help farmers and tribal communities secure better market value, access conservation funding and scientific support, while safeguarding genetic resources shaped by generations of traditional rearing systems.

An NRCM official confirmed that more Mithun populations from Arunachal Pradesh are currently under scientific characterisation.

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