Valorization of Indigenous Livestock and Poultry – An Approach towards their Conservation

Indigenous livestock species have co-existed with humans as important contributors to food, income, socio-economic and cultural status for centuries. The livestock scenario in present times has changed from a resource-driven activity based on local conditions and environments to one driven by demand. Consequently, specialized traits of low-producing indigenous livestock breeds are ignored in emerging, high-input-based farming systems. This has led to a progressive replacement of traditional multipurpose breeds with high-yielding ones and more profit-oriented farming. Since indigenous livestock cannot compete in production with industrial livestock systems; it is reasonable to focus on their unique qualitative aspects as a means of conservation and source of livelihood. Fortunately, many local breeds and species have a large but often unrecognized potential to produce items that customers appreciate and demand. Many local breeds are bestowed with unique qualities like colored wool, disease resistance, patterned hides, super-fine fiber, especially palatable meat, or milk with therapeutic or health benefits. Local breeds can produce unique products that can generate significant levels of demand and can help rescue a threatened breed from further decline or extinction.