A simple reliable PCR-RFLP assay to identify male mediated introgression based on mutation in SRY gene was developed for identification of paternal origin of yak hybrids.

An association between defensin genotypes with somatic cell count in yaks and cattle was observed.

The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay using ten random decamer oligonucleotide primers studied which indicated that all the types of Indian yaks are genetically similar.

Studies on DNA polymorphism of leptin gene revealed a rare polymorphism at an additional Sau3AI restriction site in yaks.

PCR-RFLP studies of TSPY/RSA1 in yak and buffalo produced fragments of 36,112, and 870bp; cattle produced fragments of 36,112,271 and 599bpfragments while cattle and yak hybrids produced cattle type patterns. SRY/Btr studies showed monomorphism in all the three species studied.

PCR-RFLP studies indicated a polymorphism in exon 2 at Nucleotide position 641 from cattle to yak (GA), which results in amino acid change (AsnSer). The polymorphism was confirmed by direct sequencing.

Studies were conducted to investigate the polymorphisms in the candidate genes viz Growth Hormone (GH) gene, Growth Hormone Receptor gene and Insulin Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) gene. The studies indicated that the polymorphism in IGF-1 is associated with birth weight.

Yaks were phenotypically categorized into five categories namely Common, Bisonian, Bare-back, Hairy-forehead and White types. Nine different coat color variations and nine horn patterns have been recorded. However, characterization at genetic level and differentiation into breeds are in progress.

Detailed cytogenetic studies on pure yak and yak X hill cattle hybrids have been carried out and karyotypes and idiograms have been prepared

Complete feed blocks are being prepared with nonconventional feed stuff (maize stover), concentrate feed and binding materials (molasses) in the ratio of 60:37:3.

Nutritional intervention in terms of mineral supplementation resulted in decreased age at puberty (from 3.5 to 4.5 years to 1.5 to 2.5 years), increased adult body weight (female: from 150-200 kg to 250-350 kg and male: from 250-300 to 450-550 kg), and better reproductive efficiency.

Samples of soil, feeds, fodders, tree leaves, hair, and blood had been collected from some parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim and processed. The analysis for different nutrients viz. CP, EE, CF, NFE, ADF, NDF, Total ash etc. had been done. Samples collected were utilized for analysis of mineral profile to know the mineral deficiency which reportedly reflects in low productive and reproductive performance of livestock in this region.

In an effort to test feasibility of introducing exotic fodder in the farm, seeds of 51 varieties were obtained. Out of these, only five varieties of Dactylis glomerata (var, Amba, Sparta and Porto) and Phleum pratense (Barliza and Goliath) became successful. Extensive programme had been launched to propagate all these varieties at Nyukmadung farm complex.

Nine varieties of Salyx were obtained from the RRL (CSIR), Jammu in an effort to afforest the farm areas (2750 m above msl) at Nyukmadung and the office premises at Dirang campus (1500 m a msl). Out of the nine, only three varieties viz., Salyx babylonica, Salyx humboltiana and Salyx purpurea are doing well at 1500 m above msl.

Utilization of coarse roughages viz., local dry grass, paddy straw and maize silage was studied in yaks during peak winter. The nutrient utilization in paddy straw was recorded to be higher. The DCP and TDN contents in the three roughages were 0.78 and 48.7; 0.77 and 61.9 and 4.99 and 67.5 kg per 100 kg DM respectively for local dry grass, paddy straw and maize silage.

The chemical composition and nutritive value of locally available finger millet straw and maize kadbi have also been studied. The DCP and TDN contents of finger millet straw were 1.3 and 50.5 kg per 100 kg DM respectively whereas; the DCP and TDN contents of maize kadbi were 0.52 and 63.5 kg/100 kg DM.

Effect of urea supplementation at different levels, over a basal diet of finger millet straw, in yaks on DM intake and nutrient utilization was studied. There was no significant effect on DM intake and DM digestibility co-efficients. However, TDN and DCP contents significantly increased with the increase in level of urea supplementation.

The nutritive value of salyx tree fodder had been studied in yaks. The chemical composition of salyx tree leaves in terms of DM, EE, CP, NDF, ADF, TA and TCAO were 90.1, 2.3, 13.2, 51.2, 31.4, 9.9 and 74.6 percent respectively. The DCP and TDN contents were 7.06 and 58.9 kg/100 kg DM.

Samples of locally available tree fodder have been collected, identified and analyzed for different nutritional parameters. All these tree fodder often fed to the yaks at Nyukmadung farm and found to be palatable to yaks. Samples of sometime other locally available feed stuff such as maize grain, paddy straw, millet straw, green oat, local dry grass etc have also been analyzed for different nutritional parameters.

Mineral composition of twelve different tree leaves in terms of Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn and Zn has also been studied. Most of the tree fodder were found to be rich source of Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Mn. However, cobalt and copper contents were comparatively lower in most of the tree fodder.

Soil, pasture and hair samples were collected from Nyukmadung Farm and some other yak pockets. The mineral profile in yak blood and milk has been studied. From the data available so far, the deficiency of copper and Mn in yak blood were obvious. Mn was also not detectable in yak milk.

The chemical composition of yak milk was studied. The average fat, protein, total solid and total ash content were 7.87±0.84, 4.25±0.28, 18.77±0.77 and 0.87±0.09 percent respectively.

Nine varieties of indigenous tree fodders have been identified and their proximate analysis has been done. Tannin and phenolic component as well as mineral composition in these fodder have also been estimated. All these fodder have been found palatable to yaks.

The preliminary findings showed that concentrate supplementation in feed have a significant effect on average daily weight gain than that of control group in yaks.

Study on elemental concentration through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer has detected Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Manganese and Iron in yak hair, and Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Copper & Manganese in raw yak meat. However, Cobalt was undetectable in yak meat.

First yak calf and hybrid calf born through AI: Yak cow (bree) no. 171, inseminated by using yak frozen semen delivered a healthy female calf (no. 251, body weight at birth 11.5 kg) at Nyukmadung Yak Farm on August 17th, 2006. One Jersey cow, inseminated by using frozen yak semen delivered a healthy female hybrid calf (body weight at birth 18.5 kg) on March 26th, 2007.

Artificial insemination in yak with yak frozen semen: the training of yak males for semen collection has been standardized.

Studies on effect of age on semen characteristics revealed that age has got significant effect on semen characteristics in yak bulls and they produce better quality semen from 3.5 years of age.

Studies on growth pattern of yaks under semi-range system of rearing revealed that yaks reared in such system had higher growth rate, attained mature body weight earlier (4 years vs. 5-6 years), relatively minimized age at first calving, better productive and reproductive performances compared to yaks reared in field conditions.

Seasonal variation in the body weight changes of adult yaks have been analyzed and it was found that when there is rise in environmental temperature above 150C , animals suffered from heat stress along with loss of body weight.

Studies on the estrus activity pattern in yaks reared in semi range system of management revealed that maximum number of yaks came to heat during the months of October to January.

The growth performance of castrated and non castrated male yaks have been studied for one year and the results obtained indicated that the castration has no adverse effect on the body weight gain, dry matter intake or nutrient digestibility of growing male yaks.

The effect of some non-genetic factors like sex and season of calving on the birth weight of the yak calves were studied which revealed that the birth weight of the yak calves was significantly affected by the month of calving, with maximum birth weight noticed in the month of June and declining thereafter.

A fast and reliable PCR assay was developed for molecular diagnosis of B. bigemina in yak and its hybrids using primers specific for small subunit ribosomal RNA sequence.

The study was conducted to explore the immuno-response in yaks following standard dose of strain 19 vaccine which revealed that protective antibody level persists up to 210 days.

Amblyomma genus of tick have been identified. Some of the ticks have been identified up to species level including Boophilus microplus .

Warble infection in yak due to Hypoderma lineatum has been recorded.

The Ixodid tick Ixodes cookei from yak has been recorded for the first time from yak and its hybrids in Indian sub-continent .

Warble infection due to Hypoderma bovis has been recorded.

PCR for diagnosis of Babesia bigemina has been standardized.

Studies on exploring the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by Senecio (Pyrrolizidine) alkaloids in yak revealed that oxidative damage induced by Senecio may be attributed to its toxicity.

Senecio induced pro-inflammatory, oxidative and pro-apoptotic signaling was explored in murine macrophage cell line.

A new record of Parafilaria bovicola has been identified from the two adult yaks at Nyukmadung Farm.

The prevalence of Neoascariosis in newly born calves at farm was recorded to be an emerging problem.

Babesia bovis has been recorded first time in this centre from yak and its crossbreds and treated with berenil, at yak rearing pocket of Sange Jamba near Barsi village in Mandala phudung area during off-campus health programme.

Eight (8) major flies have been identified from yak habitats namely, Musca, Stomoxys, Tabanus, Sarcophaga, Lucilia, Calliphora, Chrysomyia and Simulium. Damalinia is the only lice identified from yak. Four genera of ticks namely Boophilus, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus have been identified in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam from yak and other animals. Multi-parasitic infections by strongyles, ascarids, hookworms, trichuris, hydatid cysts were recorded.

Pneumonia, cystic infection in lungs, loss of appetite, ascariosis, calf scour, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, congenital hoof defect, still birth, various parasitic and bacterial infections, retention of placenta, poisoning from plant alkaloid (Scenecio sp.) and nonspecific GI disorders are some of the major diseases recorded in yaks in Arunachal Pradesh. It was observed that Neoascaris vitulorum is an emerging problem especially in young calves.

Bacterial isolates like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Clostridium were identified from yak calves. The percentage of different bacterial genera has been recorded.

Survey in various yak tracts revealed presence of Neoascaris vitullorum, Trichuris ovis, Fasciola sp., Strongyles, Moneizia sp. and coccidial oocysts in faeces of yaks as well as during Post Mortem examination. Survey also recorded prevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, Black Quarter, Tuberculosis, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Brucellosis in yaks.

Dose specificity for therapeutic purposes on enrofloxacin in yak has been determined by Pharmacokinetic studies. The study also generated some other pharmacokinetic data such as elimination half-life (t½), AUC, MRT, K, ClB, Vd of the drug in yaks.

HPLC method for estimation of vitamin-E (α-tocopherol) in yak meat and milk Standardized.

Vitamin A concentration in various vital organs of yak has been estimated. The level of Vitamin A content in the liver of yak was found to be 45,016±910 I.U./100g (41,107 to 47,846) which is almost similar to that of ox liver but lower than that of cattle raised on pasture. In spleen, heart and lung, Vitamin A was non-detectable while in kidney, Vit. A was found in traces.

Experimental trial has been conducted to prepare yak milk powder from yak milk by using Eyela Spray Drier (SD-1000).

A small milk-processing unit was established and utilized to develop process technologies for making yak milk Paneer, Dahi, Lassi, Flavoured milk, Whey drink, Gulabjamun, Burfi and Kalakand.

To extend the medicinal effect of Red Rhododendron (RDR) flower through food chain, LPT section developed product having different ratio of RDR juice and milk solids. RDR juice based lassi, whey drink and Dahi was standardized and consumer preference studies conducted.

The process technology for the utilization of Whey-a by-product of churpi making has been developed.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E estimations in yak meat through HPLC technique using UV detector have been completed, whereas the others (Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin K etc.) are in progress.

Proximate composition in terms of moisture, protein, fat and ash in raw yak meat from different age groups was assessed and found to be 74.82-78.15, 19.10-22.50, 1.20-1.97 and 0.90-1.16 percent respectively. Total microbial load in raw yak meat was found to be 2.4x105 cfu per gram.

Sausage, a value added product was prepared from yak meat by incorporating pork meat and fat (yak meat 60%, pork 20% and pork fat 20%). The product had an overall acceptability of 8 of 9-point hedonic scale in terms of flavour, texture, juiciness and tenderness as judged by a trained panelist. The product showed good market potential in the local areas.

Study on elemental concentration through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer has detected Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium Iron, Zinc, Copper & Manganese in raw yak meat and in some vital organs. Cobalt was undetectable in both the cases.

Certain physico-chemical properties of yak meat viz. pH, Water Holding Capacity, Muscle Fibre Diameter and Myoglobin content were evaluated.

Yields of various wholesale cuts, carcass weight and dressing percentage of yak carcass were evaluated. The dressing percentage of yaks of below 5 years of age group (55.4%) was found to be nearly 14% higher than that of over 10 years age group (46.8%). The suitable age for slaughter thus was fitted to 3.5- 4.5 years.

Dressing percentage of yak meat was found to be in the range of 48.6 to 55.4% depending upon age of the yak.

Certain physico-chemical properties of yak meat viz. pH, Water Holding Capacity, MFD and myoglobin content have been studied.

Various products viz. Gulabjamun, Paneer, Dahi, Flavoured drinks and Burfi were prepared using yak milk standardized with Skim Milk Powder.

Mineral content in different yak milk products had been estimated.

Under National Agriculture Technology Project entitled “Backyard Poultry Production”, the hatchery and nursery set up have been already established. The Vanaraja (a dual purpose Bird developed at PDP Poultry, Hyderabad) day old chicks were being procured from Hyderabad. The chicks were reared up to 6 weeks of age and then distributed to the tribal beneficiaries. The performance of the birds at village level was being regularly monitored. The beneficiaries are taught about the rearing of the birds, and huge interest was created among the local beneficiaries. As there is a heavy demand for this bird in the locality, the farmers are now able to produce eggs and poultry meat out of these birds for their household consumption as well as subsidiary income.

A Krishi Vigyan Kendra earmarked for Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh under the administration of NRCY was inaugurated on March 26th, 2007 at Arunachal Pali Vidyapith, Chongkham.

Prepared a documentary on “NRC Yak at a Glance”, and got released at North East Agri. Expo 2006 held at Dimapur, Nagaland w.e.f. 27th to 31st March'2006.

This Centre is providing expert advice for proper managemental practices of yak rearing and also for other animals in the adjoining villages, as per the need of the villagers/farmers since its establishment.

Therapeutic as well as preventive measures in yak and other animals are being provided. Under this programme, regular vaccination with Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine is being done.

This institute has established a small yak milk processing unit for production and marketing of yak milk products (dahi, paneer, lassi and pineapple flavoured whey beverage). The unit is also used for training of yak herdsmen and women.

Under NATP on Household Food and Nutritional Security for Tribal, Backward and Hilly areas, six-week-old Vanaraja birds have been distributed among tribal beneficiaries from different villages. Monitoring of performances of the Vanaraja birds distributed among the beneficiaries is being done regularly.

Four leaflets in Hindi were prepared on various aspects of yak health and management, and distributed to the Gaon buddas of yak inhabited villages.

A brief introduction about the activities of the centre was also publicized through leaflets made in Hindi and Monpa dialects.

Preliminary survey in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir revealed conditions of yak husbandry akin to that of Arunachal Pradesh.

On- and Off-Campus Farmers' Training Programmes have been conducted in yak inhabited states of India such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and J & K (Ladakh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils).