A three-day awareness-cum-training programme on ‘Conservation and Management of Indigenous Livestock Resources’ was conducted by ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills from April 9 to 11.
The event was held under the Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources (AGR) and funded by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). The programme was conducted to create awareness among farmers to conserve the indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry available in Garo Hills.
Conservation of indigenous resources is important to the long term survival of any species, particularly in the light of changing environmental conditions, a press release said today. The different indigenous breeds of farm animals are adaptable to the harsh climatic conditions and suitable for low input management systems in terms of feeds, fodder and healthcare. They are capable of converting low quality feeds and fodder into animal products and have better disease resistance power than exotic breeds.
Despite their importance, these breeds are subject to fast genetic degradation and dilution because of unplanned breeding and introduction of exotic germplasm through cross breeding.
As a result, some indigenous breeds are becoming endangered and there is depletion of good native germplasm which has a unique quality of disease resistance and heat tolerance. So, indigenous genetic resources need to be conserved for future animal breeding and economic importance.
There are 220 indigenous breeds registered with ICAR-NBAGR, including 53 cattle, 20 buffaloes, 39 goats, 45 sheep, 8 horses and ponies, 9 camels, 14 pigs, 3 donkeys, 3 dogs, 1 yak, 20 chickens, 3 ducks, 1 goose and 1 “synthetic cattle”. An indigenous pig variety called Wak Chambil in Garo hills was registered in 2022.
On the final day, feed for pigs and poultry, vitamins, mineral mixture and medicines were distributed among the participants in the presence of Monica Singh, Head of the West Garo Hills KVK.
