According to the breed wise data released by Livestock, 23 breeds of the indigenous cattle population has declined in the last seven years, from 2012 to 2019. Out of the total population of 20 crores of the cattle breeds in India, almost 26.5% constitute the high yielding exotic and crossbred animals.
The rest 73.5% are included under indigenous and non-descript (undescribed breeds) category. The data was made official by government of India on Thursday.
Crossbred “Jersey” contributes to 55% of the total cattle population, followed by 43% of “Holstein Friesian” cattle breed. However, the well-known breeds namely, “Gir”, “Sahiwal” and “Lakhimi” contributes to the major population of cattle breed in the country.
Remaining 2% includes the other exotic crossbred category. Furthermore, there are 41 recognized cattle breeds according to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
This was the 20th census conducted by Livestock and for the first time the data was collected by computerized method and not by pen and paper mode. Even, breed wise data is collected for the first time for the period October, 2018 to September 2019.
Releasing the data, Parshottam Rupala, minister of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, expressed his contentment for the successful attempt of digital data collection.
Rupala said that data released by Livestock census makes it important for the policymakers and researchers to upgrade and correct the loopholes to achieve the genetically upgraded breeds for its products and also for other purposes.
The buffalo breed, “Murrah” nearly contributes up to 43% of the total 11 crore of buffalo population in the country. Buffaloes are the second largest contributor of the milk production and third largest contributor to the Livestock population.
As per the NBAGR reports, there are 13 known indigenous breeds of buffalo contributing to the 20% of total Livestock population.
Goats come up with around 28% of total Livestock population with 15 crores of population in India. Goats are the third most preferred animal for milk production after cattle and buffalo. There are 28 known indigenous breeds of goat present in India.
Published By: Sachin Sonawane
