Comparative Performance of Newly Registered Crossbred Livestock Breeds and Their Role in Indian Animal Production Systems

Farm animal genetic resources form the foundation of India’s agrarian economy by providing milk, meat, eggs, fibre, draught power, and organic manure. According to the FAO, Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) include domesticated animal species and their populations that are used, or have the potential to be used, for food and agricultural production. India is a global hotspot of livestock biodiversity, possessing a rich diversity of indigenous breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, and other species that have evolved over generations under diverse agro-climatic conditions. In recent decades, scientific advances in animal breeding have further enhanced productivity through planned crossbreeding of indigenous and exotic germplasm, while maintaining adaptability to local environments.