Importance of Conserving of Indigenous Animal breed

   Lokesh kumar Gurjar¹, Monika karnani², Manju²

^{1 MVSc scholar, 2 Assistant professor}

^{Department of veterinary Medicine}

^{Post graduate institute of veterinary education and research, Jaipur}

                                                      Abstract

Indigenous livestock and poultry breeds are invaluable genetic resources that support sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food security in India. These breeds are well adapted to local climatic conditions, resistant to diseases, and suitable for low-input farming systems. Conservation of indigenous breeds ensures preservation of genetic diversity for future generations while supporting cultural traditions and scientific research. This article highlights the importance of conserving indigenous cattle and poultry breeds, their advantages, and strategies for their sustainable conservation.

Keywords: Indigenous cattle, Native poultry, Breed conservation, Livestock biodiversity, Genetic resources

Introduction

India is one of the world’s twelve mega-biodiversity countries, possessing rich livestock and poultry genetic resources. According to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR, 2023), India has about 307.4 million cattle, with 53 registered indigenous cattle breeds, and around 851.81 million poultry, including 22 registered indigenous chicken breeds. These native breeds have evolved over centuries, adapting to local agro-climatic conditions, feed resources, and disease challenges.

Indigenous cattle are characterized by features such as flat forehead, drooping ears, a well-developed hump, and a large dewlap. Similarly, indigenous poultry breeds play a vital role in rural economies by providing supplementary income, nutritious eggs, and meat to marginal and small farmers.

Importance of Indigenous Breeds

Indigenous breeds offer several advantages over exotic breeds:

• Disease resistance and better survival under tropical conditions.
• Ability to thrive under low-input management systems.
• Suitability for draught power in agriculture.
• Superior brooding ability in native poultry.
• Better quality products such as tastier meat and sweeter milk, often fetching premium prices.
• Cultural importance in local rituals and festivals.

Why Breed Conservation is Essential

Conservation of indigenous breeds is crucial for:

• Maintaining genetic diversity for future breeding and climate resilience.
• Preserving cultural heritage linked with native livestock.
• Supporting scientific research in genetics, physiology, and adaptation.
• Preventing extinction of valuable breeds adapted to harsh environments.

Conservation Strategies for Indigenous Poultry

1. Genetic Improvement Using Major Genes:

Incorporation of useful genes such as Naked Neck (Na), Dwarf (Dw), Frizzle (F), and Fibromelanosis (Fm) can enhance productivity and heat tolerance in indigenous poultry.

2. Improved Management:

Reducing mortality in scavenging systems through better housing, nutrition, and hygiene.

3. Health Care:

Vaccination (especially against Newcastle disease) and farmer awareness programs significantly reduce mortality.

Conservation Strategies for Indigenous Livestock

1. Population Monitoring:

Regular livestock census and breed-wise documentation at national and state levels.

2. Identification of At-Risk Breeds:

Studying threats such as indiscriminate crossbreeding and declining population size.

3. Conservation Approaches:

• In situ conservation: Maintaining breeds in their native tract.
• Ex situ in vivo: Conservation through live animal populations.
• Ex situ in vitro: Cryopreservation of semen, embryos, and DNA in gene banks.

Conclusion

Indigenous breed conservation must be prioritized through region-specific breeding policies that prevent indiscriminate crossbreeding. Advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, frozen semen, and embryo transfer should support conservation efforts. Breed shows, farmer incentives, awareness programs, and documentation of success stories can further motivate farmers to preserve native breeds. Collective efforts by policymakers, scientists, and farmers are essential to safeguard India’s rich livestock biodiversity for future generations.

References

1. NBAGR (2023). National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, India.
2. FAO (2015). The Second Report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources.
3. Niranjan et al. (2018). In situ conservation of indigenous livestock breeds.
4. Alemayehu, K. (2013). Conservation through sustainable utilization of animal genetic resources.

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