With the country?s rich pool of livestock resources facing threat from extinction due to loss of habitat and shortage of green fodder, a unique initiative to retain and register genetic characteristics through documentation has helped in reviving many breed.
Karnal-based National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAG) has till now registered unique genetic and physical characteristic of as many as 135 breeds of buffalo, goat, sheep, camel etc, which is the first step towards conserving country?s rich bio-diversity.
The conservation of these breeds would help the country identify those livestock which could survive extreme weather condition due to climate change and help farmers increase their income. Many of the identified varieties have unique ability to fight Foot Mouth Disease (FMD) that hit the livestock population often. ?If we lose the genetic pool, it may adversely impact milk and meat production in the country,? BK Joshi, director, NBAG, told FE.
One of cattle breed identified in Kerala is Vechhur, which has unique ability to fight FMD. Similarly, in Punjab, a goat variety named Beetal has the in-built characteristic to fight various diseases.
The Toda buffalo from Nilgiri hills in southern India has been identified unique for its ability to survive under harsh conditions.
?Through preservation of genetic characteristics, we have been conducting systematic surveys to characterise, evaluate and catalogue farm livestock and poultry genetic resources and to establish their National data base,? Joshi said.
With the realisation of unique significance of tropical animal and poultry genetic resources and their potential utilisation at global level, a need was felt in the country for setting up an institute which could undertake the responsibility of evaluating, certifying and conserving the rich and varied germ plasm resources available in the country and whose genetic base is shrinking fast.
Consequently, the NBAG was set up in 1984 as a culmination of sustained efforts made by leading geneticists in the country over the years.