Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Brazil

• The Union Cabinet recently approved the memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Brazil for cooperation in the fields of Zebu Cattle Genomics and Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
• The MoU aims to strengthen the existing friendly relations between India and Brazil and promote development of Genomics and Assistant Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Cattle through joint activities to be implemented through mutually agreed procedures.
• An implementation committee shall be created with an equal number of representatives of each party for the purpose of regularly determining the activities and developing work plans and subsequently their evaluation.
• It will be done through joint projects in the fields of Productivity Improvement of cattle and buffaloes, for the purpose of broadening the existing knowledge base on sustainable dairy development and institutional strengthening.

About Zebu cattle:

• Zebu is one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the world. There are 75 different species of zebu that differ from one another by size, color and type of habitat which they inhabit.
• Zebus are the only type of cattle that lives in tropical rainforests. They can be also found in open plains.
• Zebus originate from South Asia, but due to their ability to survive in hot and humid environment, they have been easily introduced to the tropical parts of Africa and South America.
• Besides wild zebus, millions of domesticated zebus can be found on the farms throughout the world. Wild zebus are endangered by habitat loss as a result of deforestation, but they still are not listed as endangered species.
• Zebus are grazers. Their diet mainly consists of grass. Other than that, zebus can consume seeds, leaves and flowers.
• Unlike other types of cattle, zebus are highly resistant to viruses and different types of parasites. This is one of the reasons why people often keep them as domestic animals.

By: Vishal