Livestock biodiversity in India: A review

Abstract

Livestock biodiversity is integral to our rural livelihood, culture, history, environment, economy and most importantly our future. Ever since, the start of animal domestication around 12,000 years ago in India and other ancient countries, several species, breeds, varieties, strains and types had evolved due to the forces of evolution, artificial selection, either for survival or desired usages in milk, meat, fibre, transport, draught power and other purposes under the specific ecological system. During the process of domestication, unique and genetically good breeds and types have evolved to suit mankind needs and agro -ecological conditions. The present review article is concerned to describe the Livestock biodiversity in India.