Introduction
The Himalayan region of India is home to a diverse range of livestock species. Despite their large numbers, these animals generally have low productivity. Nevertheless, they are economically significant, supporting the livelihoods of nearly 80% of rural households, either partially or entirely, particularly among tribal and nomadic communities who rely exclusively on livestock.
Livestock production in the Himalayas is primarily undertaken by smallholders, including marginal, small, and landless farmers. These activities occur in millions of small and scattered holdings throughout the region. The predominant farming system is mixed crop-livestock farming, which is irrigated in the plains and rain-fed in the hills. Livestock farming provides year-round employment to a large portion of the population. The region’s livestock includes cattle (30-47%), buffaloes (8-12%), goats (16-36%), and sheep (10-22%). In the Western and Central Himalayas, cattle, goats, and sheep are significant, while in the Eastern Himalayas, pigs and poultry are more common. Alpine zones feature ovine species and yaks. Equines are essential for transportation, especially for resource-poor farmers with limited access to other transportation means.
Individual livestock holdings are typically small, consisting of two or three animals of mixed species, commonly including cattle or buffalo and goats. Cattle are primarily raised for milk production in the plains and as work animals and milk providers in the hills. Sheep are kept in larger flocks of 10-15 animals, occasionally alongside goats, except among tribal and nomadic groups, where flocks can range from 100 to 1,000 animals. These larger flocks are often migratory, grazing in alpine pastures during the summer. Goats are valued for additional income, as a safety net against disasters, and for ceremonial purposes and social obligations.
Despite livestock’s substantial contribution to the rural economy, many isolated livestock populations remain under-documented in terms of genetic diversity and production potential within their breeding areas. Animal husbandry holds significant potential in this region due to the large proportion of indigenous animals and birds, which, although often non-descript, are maintained in pure form. Meat-producing animals and birds are integral to the average family diet, as meat is an important food component, and small meaty animals and birds can be sold to meet emergency needs.
Over the past four decades, considerable efforts have been made in livestock research and development in the Himalayan regions of India. Policies have focused on issues related to animal breeding, feed, and health. However, innovations have primarily addressed technical and scientific problems, neglecting many interconnected socioeconomic and biophysical factors, particularly those unique to mountainous areas. Development efforts have aimed to improve animal breeds to boost incomes and living standards for mountain farmers.
Animal Genetic Resources in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand boasts a rich genetic diversity in livestock, encompassing numerous domesticated species and various breeds, including non-descript populations. The following outlines the primary breeds by species of livestock in Uttarakhand:
Cattle
Breeds such as Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Hariana are maintained by a few institutional herds and private owners, predominantly found in the Haridwar, U.S. Nagar, Dehradun, and Nainital districts. A potential population, Jwalapuri, is mainly seen in Haridwar. Additionally, crossbreeds like Jersey, Holstein Friesian, and Red Dane are widespread across the state, especially in U.S. Nagar, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Nainital. The hill cattle, non-descript and reared for milk, bullock power, and manure, are common in hilly areas and are distinguished by their black, red, or white colors. The red-colored small footed cattle are particularly known as the Badri breed in the Garhwal region, yielding 1.0-3.0 kg of milk per day.
Buffalo
Murrah and Murrah-grade buffaloes are prominent in the state, especially in the plains of U.S. Nagar, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The Tarai buffalo, native to Uttarakhand, is found in the Tarai and Bhabar areas of Nainital, U.S. Nagar, and Champawat districts. In the hilly regions, non-descript buffaloes are prevalent, with many being Murrah and Tarai graded.
Sheep
Most sheep in Uttarakhand are non-descript, but breeds like Gaddi and Rampur Bushair, originating from Himachal Pradesh, are found in high-altitude areas of Nainital, Tehri Garhwal, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts. Muzzafarnagari sheep are present in Haridwar, U.S. Nagar, and the plains of Dehradun. The black sheep of Garhwal are well-regarded, producing medium-quality dense fleece, while their legs, belly, and face remain wool-free.
Goats
Goats in Uttarakhand villages are mostly non-descript, with limited data on their specific breeds, breeding tracts, and distribution. However, some potential populations are:
- Chalagarkha: Found in Almora and neighboring areas, this small breed is reared for meat. They have a lean body and come in black, fawn, and white colors. They typically kid once a year, producing one or two kids, and their meat is coarse and low in fat.
- Udaipuri: Located in Pauri and surrounding areas, this tan-colored breed is small and reared for meat, also kidding once a year with one or two kids.
- Tarai: These goats are a mix of Black Bengal, Barbari, and Jamunapari types, adapted to the high rainfall and hot, humid climate of the Tarai region. They are small to medium in size and valued for both meat and milk, producing 1-1.5 kg of milk.
- Gaddi (White Himalaya): This medium-sized breed, found in Dehradun, Nainital, Tehri Garhwal, and Chamoli, primarily has a white coat, with some black and brown variations. Both sexes have large, sometimes twisted horns. They kid mostly single, with twinning in 15-20% of births, and produce 300-500 gm of milk and 300 gm of fleece per clip.
- Chegu (Pashmina): Found in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, these medium-sized goats usually have a white coat mixed with grayish red. Similar in conformation to Changthangi goats, they kid mostly single, with an annual pashmina production of 120 gm.
Despite the significant contribution of livestock to the rural economy, many livestock populations in isolated locations remain under-documented in terms of genetic diversity and production potential. There are good prospects for animal husbandry in this region, given the high proportion of indigenous animals and birds, which, though non-descript, play a crucial role in meat production and can be sold to meet emergency needs. Over the past four decades, substantial efforts in livestock research and development have focused on animal breeding, feeding, and health, but these efforts have often overlooked the unique socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics of the mountainous regions.
Horses/Ponies
The genetic variation in horses and ponies is not well-documented despite noticeable differences in their phenotypic traits. Most of these populations are non-descript and require comprehensive surveys for proper description and evaluation.
Pigs
Pigs in Uttarakhand exhibit considerable variation in size, color, and performance. Predominantly non-descript populations are found in the U.S. Nagar and Haridwar districts, though some improved breeds are also present. These populations need to be evaluated for their unique traits, with steps taken for their conservation and improvement.
Yak
The yak, a unique bovine species, holds significant economic and cultural importance for the tribal populations in the Himalayan regions. In Uttarakhand, there are total 2.36 lakh yaks/dog/rabbit populations (20th livestock census, 2019) located in the Pithoragarh (Kumaon) and Uttarkashi (Garhwal) districts. Yaks are utilized for milk, meat, and draft purposes.
Poultry
Various poultry species, including chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and quail, contribute significantly to the human food chain and family income. These species exhibit large genetic variation, which needs to be identified for improvement and conservation. Differences in body size, conformation, and color patterns among these birds should be thoroughly described and evaluated using both phenotypic traits and DNA profiles. Additionally, these populations should be studied for unique traits related to disease resistance and their ability to survive under harsh climatic conditions.
In conclusion, the genetic diversity among livetock and poultry in Uttarakhand holds significant potential for agricultural development and conservation efforts. Comprehensive surveys and evaluations are essential to document and enhance these traits. Improved breeding programs can ensure the preservation and improvement of these valuable genetic resources. Such efforts will not only support local livelihoods but also contribute to the region’s overall economic sustainability.
Author,
Divyanshu Pandey, Saket Kumar Niranjan, Satpal Dixit
Divison of Animal Genetics, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, 132001
