Farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) encompass all animals of economic, scientific and cultural significance to humans, particularly in food and agriculture production
(Rege and Okeyo, 2006). These resources are vital components of biodiversity, ensuring food security and genetic diversity. In JandK, livestock significantly contributes to the agrarian economy, providing meat, milk, eggs, skins, hides, fiber, wool, draught power, manure and genetic material for research and development
(Ganai et al., 2016). Livestock rearing offers nutritional security and insurance to farmers during crop failures
(Sharif et al., 2011). AnGR represents a repository of unique allelic arrangements, which can be associated with typical products, helping farmers manage and protect the environment. Despite favorable agro-climatic and geo-physical conditions, rich alpine pastures and natural endowments, the FAnGR of JandK has presented decreasing trend over the past years.
(Anonymous, 2021a;
Rather et al., 2020) JandK boasts a diverse range of farm animals, including cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, horses, poultry, yak and Bactrian camel
(Ganai et al., 2016). This diversity is reflected in the number of breeds and variations within and among them
(Ganai et al., 2016). An effort was made to congregate status of FAnGR of Jammu and Kashmir including Ladakh (J and K).
Cattle and buffalo genetic resources
Jammu and Kashmir is home to diverse cattle genetic resources, including native breeds adapted to harsh environments. The region has a rich history of cattle introduction, with various breeds brought in by different cultures, such as the Aryans, Pathans and Sikhs
(Anonymous, 2021). Local breeds, like the Gurezi cattle, remain uncharacterized but possess distinct features, such as a prominent hump and small stature
(Lawrence, 2002). The region’s livestock production systems vary, with extensive systems in Jammu, intensive systems in Kashmir and intensive systems for large ruminants in Ladakh
(Taneja, 2010;
Wani et al., 2011). In the Kashmir Valley, the predominant cattle breeds are crossbred varieties, including Jersey, Holstein and Jersey x Nondescript (Fig 1), as well as Holstein x Nondescript and nondescript breeds found in the hilly areas. The Ladakhi cattle, registered among India’s 43 breeds, are well adapted to the cold-arid Ladakh region and are useful for milk, draught and manure purposes. The cattle have evolved to thrive in the harsh, cold climate of Ladakh, developing unique adaptations to survive in low-oxygen conditions. Their compact, sturdy build and short legs enable them to navigate the rugged terrain with ease, making them ideal for milk production low-input farming systems. Despite their importance, many indigenous livestock breeds in the region remain unidentified and uncharacterized, warranting further attention and recognition. Therefore, efforts are needed to conserve and characterize these unique genetic resources, including the unexplored Gurezi cattle native to Gurez valley. The Dard-Shina tribe, responsible for rearing the Gurezi cattle, highlights the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices in the conservation of these genetic resources.
R.S. Pura, Jammu is said to be the natural breeding tract for Nilli Ravi, a valued dairy breed of buffaloes
(Anonymous, 2016c). Most of the buffalo population is migratory (Fig 2), with majority in Jammu region.In Jammu and Kashmir, there are 2533 thousand cattle heads. The decrease in local cattle population may be associated with urbanization, expansion of crossbreeding programmes for increasing milk yield per cow per day and change in life style. However, field surveys suggest the existence of hill type cattle in Kashmir valley (places not yet covered by the crossbreeding programmes),
e.
g. Gurez
(Ganai et al., 2011) and Ladakh. These hill type cattle are well adapted to the local conditions, resistant to diseases and are able to thrive on low quality and quantity of feed. Hill type cattle are cylindrical and highly adapted to cold climate. Their average daily milk yield ranges from 1.0 to 4.5 kg per day.
Horse genetic resources
Horses are domestic farm species of specific importance to certain areas, especially the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh (Leh and Kargil). They are valued for their abilities to survive extreme climate, for thriving on coarse feed and fodder and for working as beasts of burden in difficult topographies.
Zanskari
The Zanskari horse is a robust and agile breed, utilized for draught, transport, riding and sporting purposes, including polo. Renowned for their hardiness and adaptability to high-altitude, hypoxic conditions, they thrive in cold arid regions. Characterized by their grey, black and copper coats, they possess a distinctive appearance, with a medium build, wide face and long, heavy tail. The Zanskari horse population has been declining, with only 9,702 individuals reported in 2013. This decrease is attributed to cross-breeding with non-descript horses and road construction. To conserve this breed, the Department of Animal Husbandry has established a breeding farm in Leh and allocated a corpus fund of Rs. 200 lakhs. The Zanskari Equine Breeding Farm, established in 2001-02, has introduced four mares and one stallion. To avoid inbreeding, the capacity of these breeding farms needs to be enhanced and managed under the open nucleus breeding scheme (ONBS). As one of the six discrete and hardy breeds of horses in India, the Zanskari horse plays a significant role in the country’s equine heritage. Their ability to work, run and carry loads in challenging conditions makes them an invaluable asset to the country
(Ganai et al., 2016).
Donkey and pig genetic resources
The indigenous donkey and pig population has not been characterized yet. The population of indigenous donkeys and pig as per the 20
th livestock census stands at 1.2 million and 9.06 million, respectively (20
th livestock census, 2019).
Yak
The yak is a vital component of the ecosystem in the hostile climate of the Himalayas, providing sustenance, transportation and livelihood for the people living in this region. Domesticated from the wild yak (
Poephagus mutus), it has adapted to the harsh environment, utilizing small blades of grass on altitude pastures and traversing long distances on snow-bound passes. The yak is a robust animal with a distinctive appearance, featuring a pure black, pure white or piebald coat with shades of brown, black and white also present. Its heavy head and wide convex forehead are notable features. Yaks spend most of their time in grazing areas, with only lactating and pregnant cows and young calves provided with enclosures. To adapt to the harsh winter conditions, they consume ice to quench thirst during winters and salt is provided regularly, with the frequency increasing in extreme weather conditions. Yak hairs are used for making ropes and tents, while their dung serves as the primary fuel source for herders. As a semi-domestic animal, the yak is renowned for its hardiness and resistance to extreme cold and hypoxic conditions, earning it the nickname "ship of the plateau" or “ship of snow". Found in Kargil, Leh and Gurez, yaks thrive in high-altitude environments but struggle at lower elevations, suffering from heat exhaustion above 15
oC. Hybridization with cattle produces dzo and dzomo, which exhibit significant heterosis. Yaks have gained immense popularity due to their exceptional survival in hypoxic conditions, making them ideal for high-altitude environments. Dzo, the hybrid of yak and cattle, are preferred for ploughing due to their superior strength, while female yaks (Dzomo) produce nutrient-rich milk with 7-12% fat and 5-6% protein
(Ganai et al., 2016). Yaks also offer a good dressing percentage of 40-45% and produce a fine undercoat. They thrive at altitudes of 2,500 to 6,000 meters, providing a source of livelihood for highlanders through their milk, hide, meat, fuel and manure
(Gupta et al., 1996). As a cultural icon and financial asset, yaks serve as excellent pack and transport animals, warranting documentation and improvement through technologies used for cattle and buffalo enhancement.
Camel genetic resources
Double humped camel
It is believed that these camels belong to a stock originally native to Gobi desert of Asia and were introduced by Yak traders through the silk route. These camels are suitable for cold desert areas. They produce superior quality hairs which are used in cottage industries. The camels were widely used as important source of transport when the silk route was in operation before 1950. The Bactrian camel (
Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia. They are mostly found in cold deserts of China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. A small population of
Camelus bactrianus also exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh region. It was introduced as a draught animal in Ladakh by travellers in the 19th century. However, after closure of the silk route in 1950, only a few Bactrian camels were left behind with the local traders in the Nubra valley. Presently the Bactrian camel has critical population of 211 animals. Bactrian camels move at about 5 km/hr, produce 5 kg of hair/year, 600 litres of milk /year and 250 kg of dung / year
(Shergojry et al., 2017). These Bactrian camels hold historic importance of Central Asian trade capable of carrying 1 quintal, working 6-8 hours daily
(Angchok et al., 2012). The animal displays tolerance to high levels of salt and sugar in the body, making it an appreciable animal model for blood pressure and diabetes
(Ganai et al., 2016). The Bactrian camel is adapted to harsh cold climatic conditions and can remain without food and water for days together. The IUCN has declared the camel critically endangered since 1998, yet no serious measures have been adopted to conserve this species
(Makhdoomi et al., 2013). Complete registration of the Bactrian camel, protection of community grazing areas, promotion of camel-based tourism and small cottage industry for camel products will ensure conservation of this treasured genetic resource.
The camels were widely used as important source of transport when the silk route was in operation before 1950. The Bactrian camel (
Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia. They are mostly found in cold deserts of China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. A small population of
Camelus bactrianus also exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh region. It was introduced as a draught animal in Ladakh by travelers in the 19 century. However, after closure of the silk route in 1950, only a few Bactrian camels were left behind with the local traders in the Nubra valley. Presently the Bactrian camel has critical population of 211 animals. Bactrian camels move at about 5 km/hr, produce 5 kg of hair/year, 600 litres of milk /year and 250 kg of dung / year
(Shergojry et al., 2017). These Bactrian camels hold historic importance of Central Asian trade capable of carrying 1 quintal, working 6-8 hours daily
(Angchok et al., 2012). The animal displays tolerance to high levels of salt and sugar in the body, making it an appreciable animal model for blood pressure and diabetes
(Ganai et al., 2016). The Bactrian camel is adapted to harsh cold climatic conditions and can remain without food and water for days together. The IUCN has declared the camel critically endangered since 1998, yet no serious measures have been adopted to conserve this species
(Makhdoomi et al., 2013). Complete registration of the Bactrian camel, protection of community grazing areas, promotion of camel-based tourism and small cottage industry for camel products will ensure conservation of this treasured genetic resource.
Poultry genetic resources
Poultry species reared locally in the state including chicken, ducks and geese which are described below: Among the poultry breeds of J and K, only Kashmir Faverolla and Kashmir Anz have been registered. The Kashmir Faverolla is a unique breed of chicken, primarily reared for eggs and meat (Fig 3, 4). It is an inter-breeding group of many distinct genotypes, with three main types: Normal feathered, naked neck and Gul Hapuch (bottle jawed). These birds are incredibly resilient and well adapted to hostile climatic conditions, including freezing temperatures and minimal supplemental feeding. They are also quite disease resistant, making them a valuable asset for backyard farming. Their plumage is a striking feature, with mixed shades of black, green, red and gold and various patterns such as solid, striped, patchy, spotted, or barred. They have a single comb type, white skin and yellow shanks. The eggshell color is light brown. Other notable physical traits include feathered shanks, tuft of feathers over earlobes, silky frizzle, multiple spurs and a distinctive feathered cap on their head
(Iqbal and Pampori, 2008). Kashmir Faverolla are mainly found in backyard management systems, where they scavenge for food with some supplemental feeding. They are housed only during the night, allowing them to roam freely during the day. Their breeding tract includes the districts of Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara and Pulwama in the Kashmir Valley. This indigenous chicken breed is highly variable and adaptable to the cold climate of the mountainous terrains of Kashmir. However, with the progress of the poultry industry, the local bird has become less prominent
(Ganai et al., 2016). To conserve this breed, it is essential to make it economically viable for egg and meat production under low-input backyard production systems. The average adult weight of male and female birds is 1.72±0.04 kg and 1.5±0.02 kg, respectively. The average egg weight is 46.06±0.48 g
(Iqbal and Pampori, 2008).
Local duck of Kashmir
The average adult body weight of adults is 1.70 kg
(Bihaqi et al., 2013). Four types of bill colors are seen in local ducks (Fig 5),
viz. pinkish black, black (mosaic), greenish, yellow and greenish yellow mosaic. Grey or brown eye colors are present whereas shanks are mostly orange colored. Shell colours are green and white.
Kashmir geese
Adult body weight of Kashmir Geese is 3.9 kg. Gooslings on an average weigh 89.2 g. Age at sexual maturity, average clutch size and hatchability of eggs is 13.7 months, 9.445 eggs and 83.37%
(Gupta et al., 2011). The incubation period of goose eggs is about 30 to 32 days. The breeding tract of Kashmir geese includes the areas in and around the water bodies of the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir Anz is the registered breed of geese of India. These are cinnamon or white in color, reared for meat, eggs, feathers, or as a hobby in areas located around the water bodies. Kashmir Anz geese are hardy, disease resistant and excellent foragers, requiring minimum inputs for rearing and management
(Hamadani, 2013).
Dog genetic resource
Bhakarwal dog
It is the indigenous dog of J and K, India, also found in smaller numbers in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kashmir Sheepdog (Pahil Hoon), Bakarwal Mastiff, Kashmiri Bakharwal Dog (Bakarwal Hoon), Gujjar Watchdog, Gujjar Dog (Gujjir Hoon) and Kashmiri Mastiff are among synonyms of Bhakarwal dog. Bhakarwaldog is loyal, brave, protective
(Anonymous, 2021d) livestock guardian and settlement protector dog
(Anonymous, 2021c), mainly distributed across the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir. The dog is also found in smaller numbers in Afghanistan and Pakistan
(Anonymous, 2021c). The dog has been bred from times immemorial by the Bakarwal and Gujjar nomadic tribes (Muslim nomadic tribes) as shepherding dog. The dog is loyal, brave and protective with majestic appearance.Bakarwal dog is a powerful, medium sized, agile, sturdy, typical mountain dog with a furry coat and plumy tail that gives it a majestic look
(Anonymous, 2021c). The common colours of Bakarwal dog include black, brown tan, red, fawn, pied, sable, white and brindle. However, black is most common colour
(Javaid, 2021). The average litter size is 3-4 pups once a year
(Anonymous, 2021d). Bhakarwal dog shares phenotypic characteristics with and looks like a medium version of Tibetan Mastiff
(Anonymous, 2021d). Bhakarwal dog (Fig 6 and 7). is noted for determination and courage to protect sheep and goat flocks from predators including leopards, jackals and Hamalian black bear
(Anonymous, 2021d). The height of this dog is 24-30 inches
(Anonymous, 2021e). Life expectancy of Bhakarwal dog is about 10 to 12 years
(Anonymous, 2021e).
