Enlist the indigenous breeds of milch cattle and write in brief on their habitat and main characteristics.

India boasts a rich heritage of indigenous livestock, particularly milch cattle, which play a vital role in the country’s agrarian economy and rural livelihoods. These breeds, evolved over centuries through natural selection and adaptation, are uniquely suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions. The National Livestock Mission (NLM) recognizes the importance of conserving and promoting these indigenous breeds, acknowledging their resilience and contribution to food security. This response will enumerate some prominent indigenous milch cattle breeds, highlighting their habitat and key characteristics. Indigenous Milching Cattle Breeds of India The following table lists some prominent indigenous milch cattle breeds of India, categorized by their primary geographical distribution. Note that some breeds may be found in multiple regions. Breed Region Habitat Main Characteristics Gir Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan Hot, semi-arid grasslands Known for high milk yield (1200-2200 litres), heat tolerance, disease resistance. Distinctive hump and light-colored coat. Sahiwal Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan Hot, arid and semi-arid plains Excellent milk yield (1400-2000 litres), heat tolerance, docile temperament. Large size and drooping ears. Red Sindhi Sindh (Pakistan), Gujarat, Rajasthan Hot, arid and semi-arid plains Good milk yield (1500-2500 litres), heat tolerance, disease resistance. Reddish-brown coat. Deoni Maharashtra Hot, humid, and undulating terrain Moderate milk yield (1000-1500 litres), heat tolerance, good draught capacity. Known for its ability to thrive on poor-quality feed. Kundu Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh Hot, dry, and undulating terrain Moderate milk yield (800-1200 litres), hardy, disease resistance. Small size and black coat. Bhadawari Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Hot, humid, and undulating terrain Good milk yield (1200-1800 litres), adaptability to varied climate. Dual purpose breed (milk and draught). Anand Gujarat Hot, humid and semi-arid regions Known for its high milk production (1500-2500 litres), adaptability to different agro-climatic zones, and its ability to thrive on a variety of feedstuffs. Dongopur Odisha Hilly and undulating terrain Moderate milk yield (600-1000 litres), hardy, disease resistance, and good draught capacity. Conservation Efforts Recognizing the importance of these breeds, the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) is actively involved in their conservation and characterization. The Indigenous Breeds Conservation Scheme aims to maintain the genetic diversity and improve the productivity of these breeds. Cryopreservation of germplasm (semen and embryos) is also being undertaken to safeguard these valuable resources. Indigenous milch cattle breeds are a vital component of India's agricultural heritage, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and food security. Their adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and resilience to diseases make them invaluable assets. Continued conservation efforts, alongside improved breeding practices and veterinary care, are crucial to ensure their sustainability and enhance their contribution to the nation’s economy. Promoting these breeds also contributes to preserving India’s unique biodiversity.

Why are indigenous breeds important?

Indigenous breeds are adapted to local conditions, require less inputs, are often more disease-resistant, and contribute to the resilience of farming systems.

What is the role of NBAGR?

NBAGR is responsible for identifying, conserving, and characterizing indigenous livestock breeds, maintaining gene banks, and promoting their sustainable utilization.

Indigenous Milch Cattle Breeds of India | UPSC Mains ANI-HUSB-VETER-SCIENCE-PAPER-I 2022

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Introduction

India boasts a rich heritage of indigenous livestock, particularly milch cattle, which play a vital role in the country’s agrarian economy and rural livelihoods. These breeds, evolved over centuries through natural selection and adaptation, are uniquely suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions. The National Livestock Mission (NLM) recognizes the importance of conserving and promoting these indigenous breeds, acknowledging their resilience and contribution to food security. This response will enumerate some prominent indigenous milch cattle breeds, highlighting their habitat and key characteristics.

Indigenous Milching Cattle Breeds of India

The following table lists some prominent indigenous milch cattle breeds of India, categorized by their primary geographical distribution. Note that some breeds may be found in multiple regions.

Breed	Region	Habitat	Main Characteristics
Gir	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan	Hot, semi-arid grasslands	Known for high milk yield (1200-2200 litres), heat tolerance, disease resistance. Distinctive hump and light-colored coat.
Sahiwal	Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan	Hot, arid and semi-arid plains	Excellent milk yield (1400-2000 litres), heat tolerance, docile temperament. Large size and drooping ears.
Red Sindhi	Sindh (Pakistan), Gujarat, Rajasthan	Hot, arid and semi-arid plains	Good milk yield (1500-2500 litres), heat tolerance, disease resistance. Reddish-brown coat.
Deoni	Maharashtra	Hot, humid, and undulating terrain	Moderate milk yield (1000-1500 litres), heat tolerance, good draught capacity. Known for its ability to thrive on poor-quality feed.
Kundu	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh	Hot, dry, and undulating terrain	Moderate milk yield (800-1200 litres), hardy, disease resistance. Small size and black coat.
Bhadawari	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh	Hot, humid, and undulating terrain	Good milk yield (1200-1800 litres), adaptability to varied climate. Dual purpose breed (milk and draught).
Anand	Gujarat	Hot, humid and semi-arid regions	Known for its high milk production (1500-2500 litres), adaptability to different agro-climatic zones, and its ability to thrive on a variety of feedstuffs.
Dongopur	Odisha	Hilly and undulating terrain	Moderate milk yield (600-1000 litres), hardy, disease resistance, and good draught capacity.

Conservation Efforts

Recognizing the importance of these breeds, the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) is actively involved in their conservation and characterization. The Indigenous Breeds Conservation Scheme aims to maintain the genetic diversity and improve the productivity of these breeds. Cryopreservation of germplasm (semen and embryos) is also being undertaken to safeguard these valuable resources.

Conclusion

Indigenous milch cattle breeds are a vital component of India's agricultural heritage, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and food security. Their adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and resilience to diseases make them invaluable assets. Continued conservation efforts, alongside improved breeding practices and veterinary care, are crucial to ensure their sustainability and enhance their contribution to the nation’s economy. Promoting these breeds also contributes to preserving India’s unique biodiversity.

Answer Length

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Enlist the indigenous breeds of milch cattle and write in brief on their habitat and main characteristics.

Model Answer

Introduction

Indigenous Milching Cattle Breeds of India

Conservation Efforts

Conclusion

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Key Statistics

Examples

Gir Breed's Adaptation

Red Sindhi's Global Importance

Frequently Asked Questions

Topics Covered