Cross-bred wild bison and domesticated cows debuted

This is the only farm in Vietnam that has raised the first generation of naturally crossbred wild bison and domestic cows. The farm’s purpose is to preserve and develop this rare genetic resource of wild animals in danger of extinction, while creating a new breed of superior quality livestock.

5 years ago in Ta In Forest, some of the first bison began joining the cow herds, producing the first generation of crossbred bison in the area. The  Phuoc Binh National Park and the Center for Application of Science and Technology of Lam Dong province then joined together to implement a project to research the development ability of crossbred bison. Soon realising the great potential of this breed, a farm has been built to raise them at the forest. So far, 10 crossbred bison have been bought by the farm to be tamed.

To better raise the crossbred bison, besides 2 hectares of pasture, all the remaining mountainous area have been left naturally for the bison to freely wander.

The local authorities are researching to determine the formula for the future generation F2 crossbred bison so that they fully reflect the original characteristics of their parents.

The inclusion of genes from wild animals such as bison in cattle such as domestic cows has been rare, but is claimed to be essential to improve cattle’s productivity, quality, and ability to cope with diseases and less favourable farming conditions.