20th Livestock Census: Breed-Wise Report of Livestock and Poultry Released

Breed-wise report of Livestock and Poultry based on the 20th Livestock Census was released by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Parshottam Rupala earlier today.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Rupala highlighted the significance of the report for the upgradation of the livestock and stressed on its utility for the policymakers and researchers.

20th Livestock Census 2019

The breed-wise data collection was done along with 20th Livestock Census during the year 2019. 

It was for the first time in the country that breed-wise data was collected by using tablet computers instead of paper mode which is indeed a unique attempt. 

The livestock, as well as poultry birds, were counted according to their breeds as recognized by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). 

Considering the importance of Livestock Sector, it becomes essential for the policymaker and researcher to ascertain the various breeds of livestock species so that the livestock species can be genetically upgraded for optimum achievement for its product and also for other purposes.

20th Livestock Census Major Highlights

Given below are the major highlights of Breed-wise Report of Livestock and Poultry-

• The report has covered 184 recognized indigenous, exotic, and crossbred breeds of 19 selected species that are registered by the NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources).
• There are 41 recognized indigenous whereas 4 exotic and crossbred breeds of cattle are covered in this report.
• As per the report, the Exotic and Crossbred animals contribute nearly 26.5% of the total cattle population whereas 73.5% are Indigenous and Non-descript cattle.
• Crossbred Jersey has the highest share with 49.3% as compared to 39.3% of Crossbred Holstein Friesian (HF) in total Exotic and Crossbred cattle.
• Gir, Lakshmi, and Sahiwal breeds have major contributions to total Indigenous Cattle.
• In Buffalo, the Murrah breed majorly contributes with 42.8% which is commonly found in UP and Rajasthan.
• In Sheep, there are 3 exotics and 26 indigenous breeds were found in the country. Among the pure exotic breeds, the Corriedale breed majorly contributes with 17.3% and in the indigenous breeds, the Nellore breed contributes the highest in the category with 20.0% share.
• In Goats, there are 28 indigenous breeds found in the country. The Black Bengal breed contributes the highest with 18.6%.
• In exotic and crossbred pigs, crossbred pig contributes 86.6% whereas Yorkshire contributes majorly with 8.4%. In indigenous pigs, the Doom breed major contributes 3.9%.
• In Horse & Ponies, the share of the Marwari breed majorly contributes with 9.8%.
• In Donkeys, the share of the Spiti breed contributes to 8.3%.
• In Camel, the Bikaneri breed majorly contributes with 29.6%.
• In Poultry, desi fowl, and Aseel breed majorly contribute to both backyard poultry and commercial poultry farm.

Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State, for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, graced the occasion. Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, and Shri Upamanyu Basu, JS were present.