Phenotypic characterisation and performance evaluation of indigenous cattle of Tripura: An unique germplasm

Introduction

Tripura, a small hilly state, with an area of 10491.63 sq. Km and about 4.06 million population, lies in 22°56′-24°32′ N latitude and 91°00′-92°20′ E longitude in the humid subtropical Eastern Himalayan agro-climatic zone of India. Availability of cultivable land of 27% and 65% being hills, tilla and hillocks. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry employ nearly 53% of the state's workforce, making livestock rearing a crucial venture of sustainable farming systems in the state. Particularly, cattle play a key role in supporting rural livelihoods through milk, manure, fuel, and draught power. Traditional cattle rearing has been practised for generations since the princely state period. As per the Livestock Census, 2019, the total cattle accounted for nearly 57% of the total livestock (about 13.18 lakh). Out of the 7.39 lakhs total cattle, indigenous cattle account for 83.3% (6.16 lakh). These cattle are typically reared on a small-scale farming system with minimal investment for milk, draught work, manure and household livelihood support etc. The indigenous cattle of Tripura represent a unique and valuable germplasm with strong adaptability, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive under harsh climatic and low-input management conditions, in the region's specific eco-geographical conditions.

Results and Discussion

Physical and Morphometric Characteristics (Body Size and Conformation)

Indigenous cattle of Tripura are, small-sized compact, with sturdy cylindrical body. The average body weight of adult animals is 154.49±1.86 kg, which closely aligns with Pundir et al. (2014) [9] , 110 kg for cows and 142 kg for bullocks and Majumder et al. (2025). The average body length of Tripura cattle was 99.42±0.50 cm, which is comparable to Manipur local cattle (Meetei San) at 97.67±0.96 cm (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] and slightly higher than earlier reports on Tripura cattle at 98.09±0.54 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2014) [9] , comparable with Thuto cattle with 103.14±1.03 cm (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] and also similar to the Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh with bulls and cow averaging 101.06±0.38 cm and 97.67±0.96 cm (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] respectively. However, the indigenous cattle body length is considerably larger than that of Assam local cattle, with an average body length of 83.668±0.590 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] , suggesting regional and eco-geographical variation in body size even within the North-Eastern zone. This data denotes that Tripura cattle represent an intermediate size category among indigenous breeds of the region.

Height at Withers

The height at withers for Tripura cattle is recorded as 99.44±0.50 cm, which is similar to Manipur local cattle at 99.73±0.32 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] and 87.86±1.71cm by Majumder et al., (2022). Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh have an average height of 104.01±0.46 cm for bulls and 99.73±0.32 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] . Assam local cattle have an average height of 91.942±0.55 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] . These variations in height at the withers may be attributed to nutrition and management practices over time, or to variation in sampling populations. The Thutho cattle of Nagaland were recorded with greater height at 106.23±0.680 cm for cows and 107.59±1.02 cm for bullocks (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] .

Heart Girth and Punch Girth

The heart girth of Indigenous cattle of Tripura cattle measures 128.84±0.57 cm, which is substantially higher than the earlier report of 122.05±1.09 cm for cows by Pundir et al., (2014) [9] and 112.80±2.86 cm by Majumder et al., (2025) but consistent with Manipur local cattle at 128.64±0.68 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] . Relatively, Assam local cattle showed lower heart girth at 113.146±0.738 cm (Kayastha et 2011) [7] , while Thutho cattle of Nagaland were recorded with higher values at 142.45±1.40 cm for cows and 148.02±2.28 cm for bullocks (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] . Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh recorded heart girth of 135.29±0.44 cm for bulls and 128.64±0.68 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] . The punch girth of Indigenous Cattle of Tripura is 135.14±0.63 cm, compared to 125.14±1.08 cm as reported earlier by Pundir et al., (2014) [9] and 112.02±2.91 cm by Majumder et al., (2025). However, Thutho cattle were measured 144.01±1.42 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] , Balang cattle at 142.12±0.98 cm for bulls (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , which are almost in alignment with the Indigenous cattle of Tripura with slight difference with Assam cattle with 121.181±0.761 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] .

Head and Facial Characteristics

The forehead of indigenous cattle of Tripura is mostly straight (90.28%) with a few concave (9.7%) with an average length of 35.54±0.28 cm and width of 15.74±0.14 cm, which is consistent with the earlier report of 35.30±0.20 cm for cows by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . These measurements are also comparable to Balang cattle with 38.34±0.17 cm for bulls and 37.99±0.15 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , and Assam cattle at 35.035±0.195 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] . Manipur local cattle showed slightly higher face length at 38.00±0.70 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] , while Thutho cattle of Nagaland with 38.31±0.31 cm (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] , indicating quite uniform facial proportions in indigenous cattle in the North-Eastern region.

Ear Dimensions

Ear length in Indigenous Cattle of Tripura is measured 19.00±0.21 cm, which closely matches the earlier reports of 19.47±0.24 cm for cows reported by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . However, in Balang cattle lower values of 18.90±0.11 cm for bulls and 18.46±0.17 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] were noted, which is comparable to Assam local cattle at 18.131±0.111 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] . Both Manipur local cattle (20.32±0.37 cm) (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] , Thutho cattle of Nagaland (20.15±0.25 cm) (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] recorded higher values for ear length. The ears are mostly elongated (83.45%), of indigenous cattle and oriented laterally (74.10%), & Erect outward (25.89%). The ear measurements show that Indigenous Cattle Tripura possess small to medium-sized ears, being a characteristic of indigenous cattle breeds adapted to tropical climates.

Horn Characteristics

All indigenous cattle of Tripura are horned, with an average length of 12.82±0.28 cm, which is slightly lower than the earlier estimate of 14.37±1.48 cm (Pundir et al., 2014) [9] . The horns are predominantly black (87.76%) in color, oriented upward (47.12%), pointed (32.37%), downward (14.74%), and forward/backwards (5.75%), and with different patterns, viz. Curved (50.35%), Straight (45.68%) and Lyre-shaped (3.95%). This horn length is comparable to Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh at 12.11±0.20 cm for bulls and 9.96±0.17 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , and slightly higher than that of Assam cattle at 11.85±0.38 cm for bullocks and 11.71±1.01 cm for cows (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] . Thutho cattle of Nagaland showed lower horn length at 9.90±0.46 cm for cows and 11.00±0.98 cm for bullocks (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] , while Manipur cattle exhibited a horn length of 15.55±0.55 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] . The horn orientation pattern in Tripura cattle differs from that of other indigenous populations. While Tripura cattle show predominantly upward orientation (47.1%), Thutho cattle horns are described as stumpy or outward, forward and then upward (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] . Pundir et al. (2014) [9] described Tripura cattle horns as small, black or gray in color, with outward and upward orientation.

Tail Dimensions

The tail length of Tripura cattle is 65.00±0.68 cm with switch length of 26.6±0.57 cm, compared to the earlier report of 47.33±1.34 and switch length of 17.16±1.00 cm for cows by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . These measurements are almost comparable to Balang cattle at 90.39±0.32 cm for bulls and 86.69±0.18 cm for cows (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , and higher than Assam cattle at 54.196±0.527 cm (Kayastha et al., 2011) [7] . Thutho cattle of Nagaland showed tail length of 73.86±1.11 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] , while Manipur cattle recorded 74.60±1.28 cm for cows (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] , higher than Tripura cattle, indicating intermediate tail length compared to other indigenous breeds in the region.

Hump and Dewlap Characteristics

Indigenous cattle of Tripura were with short (18.3%) to medium-sized (73.02%) humps with mostly having little plain hairs (84.5%) and medium (58.9%) to small-sized (37.4%) dewlaps. This is in consistent with the observations recorded by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . Tuft of hair on hump forehead and ears were also reported in Balang cattle by Kadirvel et al., (2022) [4] , while Mizoram cattle and Thutho cattle also showed small dewlap and hump (Pundir et al., 2015a; Pundir et al., 2018) [11,12] .

Naval Flap

Naval flaps in indigenous cattle of Tripura are mostly small (73.02%) to Medium-25.89%, however, cattle with large (1.07%), naval flaps were also not uncommon. Penis sheaths are mostly of a small size in male (56.52%).

Coat colour patterns

The coat color distribution in Indigenous cattle of Tripura shows appreciable variation, with predominantly light red (50.7%), followed by dark red (14.02%), black (17.6%), fawn (2.5%), grey (7.19%), and white (7.91%). This coat color distribution pattern differs moderately from the earlier report by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] , who reported brown (46.15%), red (21.16%), black (16.76%), and grey/white (15.93%). This color variation is markedly differ from other indigenous cattle populations in the region. Mizoram cattle show brown as the predominant color (85%), followed by black (11%) and grey (4%) (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] . Thutho cattle of Nagaland are predominantly black (82%), with brown (16%) and grey (2%) (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] , showing an even more uniform color pattern. Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh show black (62%), brown (23.8%), and light brown (14.2%) coat colors (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , while Manipur local cattle have varied coat colors (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] . The greater color diversity in Tripura cattle suggests a more heterogeneous genetic background which might be evolved through continuous natural selection within the population.

Muzzle and Hoof Colors

The muzzle color in Indigenous cattle of Tripura is mostly black (92.8%), with non-pigmented (3.59%) and grey (3.59%) variations; however earlier reports stated black (79%) and brown muzzle by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . Hoof color is predominantly black (90.28%), with non-pigmented (3.23%) and grey (6.47%) variations, compared to the earlier report of black (87%) and brown (13%) hoofs (Pundir et al., 2014) [9] . Mizoram cattle showed black (87%) and brown (13%) hooves, and black (79%) and brown muzzles (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] , while Thutho cattle exhibited black (88%) and brown muzzles (Pundir et al., 2018) [10] . The predominance of black color of muzzles and hooves appears to be a common characteristic across indigenous cattle populations of the North-Eastern region.

Udder Characteristics

Medium (40.78%), large (11.76%), and small (47.45%) sized udders with bowl-shaped (72.1%), round (24.3%), and trough (3.52%) configurations udders were noted in Indigenous cattle of Tripura. Milk veins are prominent in 39.60% and not prominent in 60.4% of cows, with teats are either cylindrical (74.5%) or funnel (25.4%) shaped, with pointed-51.76% and tip-48.23% type teat. This description are well comparable to earlier report in Tripura cattle (Pundir et al., 2014) [9] , Balang cattle (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , and Manipur cattle having small udders (Pundir et al., 2015b) [11,12] .

Productive Performance (Milk Production)

The average daily milk yield of Indigenous Cattle of Tripura is 1.32±0.03 kg with a peak yield of 2.02±0.04 kg and lactation milk yield 216.01±5.83 kg, which is consistent with the earlier report of 1.36±0.06 kg daily milk yield by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . The average lactation length is 153.24±1.54 days, which is slightly higher than the earlier estimate of 145 days reported by Pundir et al., (2014) [9] . Mizoram cattle showed an average daily milk yield of 1.54±0.11 kg with lactation length of 178 days (150-210 days) (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] , while Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh demonstrated 1.10±0.67 kg average daily yield, peak yield of 1.31±0.51 kg, and lactation length of 170.24±9.32 days (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] . However, Manipur local cattle (Meetei San) exhibited a higher average daily milk yield of 2.86±0.03 kg, total milk production of 363.34±5.86 kg, and lactation length of 407.23±1.83 days (Singh et al., 2025) [13] . This considerable difference may be due to intensive selection or a better plane of nutrition and management. Kakki et al., 2021 [5] reported a wide variation in daily milk yield (2.65±0.18 kg) in indigenous cattle of Arunachal, which is considerably higher than that of the indigenous cattle of Tripura.

Milk Quality

Despite lower milk production, a significant strength of the Indigenous cattle of Tripura lies in their superior milk quality. The milk fat percentage is estimated 4.98±0.04% with SNF of 8.57±0.02%, indicating nutritious milk that fetches premium values in local markets. The milk fat and SNF values are higher than those in Balang cattle at 4.52±0.48% fat and 8.27±0.54% SNF (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] . Indigenous cattle of Arunachal Pradesh demonstrated even higher milk fat and SNF of 5.895±0.032% and SNF of 8.582±0.027% (Kakki et al., 2021) [5] . Kayastha et al., (2008) [6] reported fat (5.34±0.06%) and SNF (8.54±0.03%) in Assam native cattle, indicating that high milk quality is a characteristic feature of indigenous cattle across the North-Eastern region. The superior milk quality with high-fat milk is preferred for traditional dairy products and fetches better prices.

Birth Weight

Birth weight is an important indicator of calf vigour and survivability. Indigenous cattle of Tripura show birth weight of 10.08±0.24 kg for female calves and 12.33±0.23 kg for male calves, which is lower than the earlier estimate of 10-15 kg range reported by Pundir et al., (2014) [9] . The Balang cattle of Arunachal Pradesh reported an average birth weight of 14.28±0.52 kg (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , while Assam local cattle showed a mean birth weight of 14.667±0.150 kg (Kayastha et al., 2008) [6] . The lower birth weight in the Indigenous Cattle of Tripura may reflect adaptation to the extensive management system and limited nutritional inputs during pregnancy. 555.23±3.97 days with a dry period of 160.51±9.22 days (Singh et al., 2025) [13] . Mizoram cattle demonstrated a calving interval of 638 days (12-24 months range) with a dry period of 132 days (120-150 days range) (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] .

Herd Life and Lifetime Productivity

Indigenous cattle of Tripura demonstrate remarkable longevity with a lifespan of 15-18 years and 5-9 calvings during their lifetime, which is consistent with the earlier estimate of 12-15 years with 8-10 calvings by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] . The average life span is comparable to Balang cattle with a herd life of 16.24±1.55 years and 10.64±1.42 calvings (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] , and Mizoram cattle with a herd life of 15-20 years and 8-10 calvings (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] . The lengthy life span represents a significant economic advantage of indigenous breeds adapted to lowinput systems in the state of Tripura. [9] , in Balang cattle (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] in Manipur local cattle (Singh et al., 2025) [13] and in Thutho cattle of Nagaland by Pundir et al., (2018).

Management Practices Housing Systems

Indigenous cattle of Tripura are typically housed in low-cost traditional cow sheds made of bamboo, thatch, and wood, occasionally with tin sheet roofs and kutcha floors, part of the owner's residence. According to Chakrabarti et al.

(2022) [3] , 84% of farmers maintained separate cattle sheds from their residences, which contrasts with the earlier report by Pundir et al. (2014) [9] indicating that 96% of animal houses were part of the owner's residence. Similar systems exist in Balang cattle (90.2% sheds) (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] and Mizoram cattle (88% kachha houses) (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] Feeding Practices Indigenous Tripura cattle are managed under extensive/semi-intensive systems, with grazing from 6:00 am-5:00 pm, with about 20 kg green grass/day and very limited concentrate (2-3 kg/day) as also reported by Chakrabarti et al., 2022 [3] . Fodder cultivation is not popularly practiced; straw is used during lean periods. Similar grazing systems exist in Balang cattle (7:00 am-3:00 pm) (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] and Mizoram cattle (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] , with forest grazing widely practiced. In the lean season, forest grazing, fallen tree leaves, bamboo shoots, banana leaves, jackfruit leaves, subabul, and various locally sourced trees leaves are used.

Health Management

Healthcare practices for Indigenous cattle of Tripura mostly involve vaccination for HS, BQ, and deworming. Some common disease occurrence are FMD, HS, BQ, mastitis, and parasitic infections etc as also reported by Chakraborty et al., 2022 Vaccination for HS, FMD, and BQ is practiced but not universal (Pundir et al., 2014) [9] . Similar issues were also reported in Balang cattle with FMD (56%), parasitic infestation (22%), diarrhea (15%), leech infestation (7%) (Kadirvel et al., 2022) [4] and in Mizoram cattle (Pundir et al., 2015a) [11,12] .

Conclusion

Due to inbreeding and replacement by crossbred/exotic cattle, low input farming system the indigenous cattle populations are declining with time, highlighting the need for conservation and genetic improvement programs (Behl et al., 2020; Kadirvel et al., 2022) [2,4] . The indigenous cattle in North-Eastern India show some common traits and regional adaptations. The indigenous cattle of Tripura evolved in this agroclimatic region display some unique features like coat colour, horn pattern, hairy hump, udder shape, forehead, birth weight and adult body weight, milk production, milk fat %, different body measurements, age at first estrus, age at first calving, calving interval, etc., with neighbouring populations. This resilient, unique cattle germplasm requires urgent intervention to conserve with breed recognition and genetic improvement programs.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsThe author would like to extend cordial thanks to the Director of ARDD, the CEO of Tripura Livestock Development Agency, and the Managing Director of TLDA for extending every possible funding for this study. The author would also like to thank the Principal of the College for providing all possible support for the successful completion of the research, and to all the heads of the departments, faculties, and staff of the College.

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