Scientists from the National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) in West Kameng district have successfully demonstrated estrous synchronisation and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) technology in yaks under field conditions in Sikkim. This breakthrough has led to the birth of 10 healthy yak calves conceived through artificial insemination. The field programme was implemented in Gnathang village in east Sikkim, a remote high-altitude settlement near the India-China border.
Conducted under natural field conditions in collaboration with local yak farmers, the programme enrolled 25 female yaks, of which 14 successfully conceived following estrous synchronisation and fixed-time artificial insemination, recording a conception rate of 56 per cent. Ten healthy yak calves were born on 29 and 30 June, while the remaining calvings are expected in the coming days. The successful outcome follows sustained efforts by scientists to optimise and validate the FTAI protocol under field conditions.
The results demonstrate that advanced reproductive technologies can be effectively implemented under field-level conditions in remote, high-altitude yak production systems, paving the way for their wider adoption in the region. Fixed-time artificial insemination combines estrous synchronisation with timed insemination, eliminating the need for continuous heat detection. The technology enables efficient use of genetically superior breeding bulls, improves reproductive efficiency, accelerates genetic improvement, and enhances the productivity and sustainability of yak farming.
The successful field demonstration is expected to encourage wider adoption of assisted reproductive technologies among yak-rearing communities in Sikkim and other yak rearing states, thereby strengthening scientific breeding programmes and improving the livelihoods of mountain farmers. NRCY Director Dr Mihir Sarkar congratulated the research team, stating that the achievement reflects the institute’s commitment to translating research into farmer-centric technologies. He noted that the successful implementation of FTAI under field conditions at high altitude is a significant step towards improving reproductive efficiency, accelerating genetic improvement, and promoting sustainable yak production in the Indian Himalayan region.
The programme was led by Dr Mokhtar Hussain (senior scientist) with Dr Vijay Paul (principal scientist), Dr Dinamani Medhi (principal scientist), and Dr Martina Pukhrambam (scientist) as team members. The scientists acknowledged the support extended by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Government of Sikkim, local veterinary officials, and the yak farmers of Gnathang village, whose active cooperation was instrumental in the successful execution of the programme.
