An indigenous breed of pig “Tenyi Vo” from Nagaland has been registered by the Indian Council Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). The breed was approved by Breed Registration Committee (BRC) at its meeting on June 21, 2016 at New Delhi. “Tenyi Vo” was among the nine new breeds of livestock and poultry that was approved registration by the BRC.
During a press briefing at the directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) on Friday, the AHVS director, Dr. I.P Khala, said with this recognition, the department was gearing up for developing the breed realizing the potential for harnessing the piggery sector and improving economic conditions of rural farmers. He said this breed of pig was named “Tenyi Vo” as it was found mostly in Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Phek and Senapati. Dr. Khala said ‘Tenyi Vo’ was identified and registered as part of an exercise to conserve the breed and also in view of their area-specific suitability and disease resistance capabilities. He said the department would strive to develop the breed so the size of the pig would improve to bigger size.
Project operator unit NEPED member, Dr. Rutsa, said there was a need to develop piggery and Nagas needed to propagate pig rearing. He said ‘Tenyi Vo’ rearing was to encourage sustainability and not for production unless it could be well conserved. He also suggested the need to explore and identify more breeds of pig.
Dr. Rutsa said more than 2 lakhs population in Nagaland depend on piggery and therefore indigenous pig breeding has to be encouraged. He said ‘Tenyi Vo’ has early sexual maturity (within three months).
NU SASRD assistant professor, Dr. M. Catherine Rutsa, said though ‘Tenyi Vo’ was reared mainly for pork production it has more advantage in the rearing system.
Dr. Catherine Rutsa, an applicant of ‘Tenyi Vo’ breed registration, was awarded certificate by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG, ICAR on June 21, 2016 at New Delhi. She said ‘Tenyi Vo’ has strong and long tapering snout, small erect ear and bright alert eyes, predominantly black in colour, with white markings on the forehead, flaks and legs. Dr. Catherine said adult ‘Tenyi Vo’ weighs between 35-50 kg and estimated number was 60,000 to 70,000.
Dr. Catherine informed that the department of VAHS conducted and submitted a breed survey during 2013 where ‘Tenyi Vo’ was recorded as a local breed with code No. 99. National Bureau Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) principal scientist, Dr. R.K Pundir said since 2008, six pig breeds have been registered by NBAGR. He said the next attempt would be gestation of cattle, adding that there were more breeds yet to be explored.
The officials informed that if ‘Tenyi Vo’ was well preserved, it would have higher potential for economic growth since rearing cost was low. They said rearing system of ‘Tenyi Vo’ was much better in natural condition. ‘Tenyi Vo’ breed is a hearty breed, able to survive without much care. Its meat is quite tender and has less fat than other breeds.