AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

GOATS BREEDS IN INDIA

Diversity in goats, represented by 20 breeds, is related with the geography and ecology of the region, environmental variations, production system and genetic potential of the breed. Goats of temperate Himalayan region(Changthangi and Chegu) possess the finest quality under-coat called cashmere or pashmina. The goat breeds found in north and north-western region viz. Jamunapari, Marwari, Zalawadi, Beetal, Kutchi, Sirohi, Barbari, Mehsana, Surti, Jhakrana and Gohilwadi are large in size and primarily used for meat and milk purpose. In the southern and peninsular part of India, goats with dual production of meat and milk viz. Sangamneri, Osmanabadi, Kanai Adu and Malabari are found. The highly prolific meat breeds (Ganjam and Black Bengal) are found in the eastern region. Some other populations are also found in different parts of India like Andaman Feral goat, Barren goat, Teressa (A & N Islands); Bidari (Karnataka); Assamese hill goat (Assam) and Attapady Black (Kerala). Wild relatives of domesticated goat include Markhor, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Tahr and Nilgiri Tahr.