“Indian Pure Breed Livestock”

This episode refers purebred animals recognised by India. Animal species carry different chromosome numbers and identity, but breeds same chromosome number but specific phynotypic and inherent productive capabilities. Breeds are more specific to region, environment, culture and preference for livelihood.

Since domestication, animals have been reared for different utility purposes like food, transport, agriculture. Different states traditionally developed local breeds for source of income and support to agriculture was prime consideration. Scientific rearing practices of domestic animals were emphasized in last 100 years through conclusive evidences of research and thus, awareness regarding breeding is evident in last 50 years.

Number of recognised purebreds amongst cattle were nearly 30 at the time of independence. Each breed was limited to home track with very huge population of livestock of only one single purebred and less number of genetically inferior animals. However, with development progress and communication facilities, purebreds were not restricted for rearing in the home track. Thus, craze to rear superior productive breed of other state was progressively increased.

The Bos Indicus species are known for its prominent character is predominantly reared in India. Only four out of 30 Indian purebreds are known for productivity with maximum number useful for draft purposes. Therefore, a crossbreeding strategy incorporating foreign genetic traits was initiated. Lust for higher milk productivity, negligence in implementation of cross breeding program, illiteracy of breeders, experiments of scientists spoiling purebred of livestock are responsible for this. Non-descript, low productive, neglected husbandry practice sufferers are burdens on available feed, fodder, water resources.

Scientific breeding policy and it’s rigid implementation increases purebred population of every species. Indian purebreds of all species carry inherent properties of heat tolerance, survival on available scares resources, disease resistance, repellance to parasites, strong hooves for sturdy agriculture practices, suitable digestibility for alternate sources and optimum productive potential even under stress.

There is strong drive to maintain, develop and conserve Indian pure breeds. Non script animals can be bred scientifically to convert them into discript purebreds, if same breed is crossed with the progeny up to 7 generations. Artificial insemination, sex sorted semen and embryo transfer are the technologies to develop maximum purebreds.

Available and proposed purebred populations can only be maintained, if breeders have strong desire and cooperative efforts with long term policies. Breeder’s Association is dire need for every purebred category. Importance of purebred livestock breeding must be known to the society and operational part needs to be implemented by the government agency.

Indian pure breeds are well known in the world and Gir, Ongole, Murrah breeds are further developed to highest productivity potential by foreign countries. Effective strategies are necessary to propagate and genetically improve Indian breeds, considering global challenges. In recent times, laws regulating cattle breeding have been enacted in various states to curb the population of unclassified livestock (or those lacking specific pedigrees) and to promote purebred breeding practices.

ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resource, Karnal, Haryana is the apex body to recognise domestic breeds of different species from the country. At present, 55 cattle, 03 synthetic cattle, 22 buffalo, 43 goat, 46 sheep, 15 swine, 9 camel, 5 dog , 8 horse/pony breeds have been registered and few more new proposals are under consideration. It is deemed that breed registration create a sense of ownership among local communities responsible for conservation and development of the breed.

Each breed is further divided into sub- types or strains. Many elite Indian breeds are not getting proper development prosperity due to increment in sub- types. Unanimous decision by breeders to cut short sub -types and unitedly support breed development is need of hour.