This document discusses animal genetic resources and indigenous animal breeds in Nepal. It defines animal genetic resources and genetic diversity. It discusses the need to preserve indigenous animal species for both scientific and economic reasons. Their unique traits make them valuable to research and their genetic diversity provides a resource for animal breeding. Two main preservation methods are described - keeping live animals and cryogenic storage of germplasm like sperm, eggs, and embryos. Several indigenous goat and sheep breeds found in Nepal are then outlined, including their characteristics, population size, and importance to local farming systems.

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UNIT 2
Animal Genetic Resources and Sustainable Development of Indigenous Breeds
Animal genetic resources are defined as genetic diversity in domesticated animal species having
economic or other socio-cultural values. Genetic diversity refers to differences in allele frequencies
and allele combinations among breeds of farm animal species and the spectrum of genetic variation
within the breeds.
NEEDS OF PRESERVATION OF INDIGENOUS SPECIES
There is an equally clear scientific and economic case for the preservation of the endangered
indigenous livestock breeds as an important aspect of human cultural heritage.
• Scientific
Breeds with unique physiological or other traits are of great interest. In the past such breeds have
provided missing links in the genetic history of a livestock species by the study of blood groups,
protein polymorphisms and morphological characteristics. For the future the developing science
of molecular engineering will eventually identify which DNA sequences cause the distinctive
breed traits. Although the new techniques of genome mapping, transfer of DNA within and
between species and the production of viable transgenic animals are far from application, they are
the focus of intensive research and will have an impact on animal production and health in future
decades.
• Economic
Genetic variation, both between and within breeds, is the raw material with which the animal
breeder works. Therefore any loss of genetic variation will limit man's capacity to respond to
changes in economic forces for the exploitation of animal production in tomorrow's world.
PRESERVATION METHODS
There are two methods available: (i) live animals and (ii) cryogenic storage of germplasm.

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(i) Live Animals
Community and government awareness has grown about the serious loss which is likely to occur
in the absence of more planned programmes of preservation. An increased amount of activity to
preserve live animals of endangered domestic species has occurred in West and East Europe and
in Canada and the USA. The active support groups vary from country to country. Occasionally
they include governments. Also private organizations have been established simply to promote
and operate preservation activities for livestock. Livestock parks of rare breeds are growing in
popularity for show to the public.
(ii) Cryogenic Preservation
It is possible now to store a wide variety of living cells for long periods of time. Embryos of
several mammalian species may now be frozen and subsequently used to produce a normal
animal.
Most hazards that apply to live animal preservation can be overcome by storage of frozen cells
at lower costs. Three techniques are currently available:
a. Deep-freezing of sperms and oocytes
b. Deep-freezing of embryos
• Sperms and Oocytes
The deep-freezing of semen (sperms) is suitable for all domestic animals including poultry,
especially chicken and turkey. The techniques of freezing, storing and thawing of semen are well
documented and need no further elaboration. However it can be difficult to collect semen from
untrained males of indigenous breeds kept under extensive conditions. While all the genetic
information of a mammalian breed is contained in semen from a prescribed number of males, a
relatively complex breeding system over several generations is needed to regenerate a purebred
population from semen alone.
• Embryos
The cryopreservation of mammalian embryos has successfully been used in cows, sheep, goats,
and horses. Pig embryos have not yet been successfully frozen. The entire genetic information is
stored in one diploid embryo and no complicated backcrossing programmes are necessary. Once

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the embryos are obtained storage costs are low. However it is still relatively expensive to obtain
the embryos.
STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
a. Surveys
b. Expert Consultations and Meetings
c. Publication
d. Training
e. Genetic Characterization
f. Promotion of Research
g. Regional Animal Gene Banks
INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF GOATS
A. Terai
 Terai goats are found in the Terai region and inner valleys (tropical and subtropical climate)
of the country and are reared as the meat-type animals.
 They are heavily crossed with Indian breeds including Jamnapari, Barbari, Ajmeri/ Sirohi,
and Beetal; and thus population of pure Terai goats is at risk from the conservation point
of view.
 This breed constitutes 27% or less than that of the total goat population of the country.
 Body color of Terai goats varies from pure white to pure black with mixed patches of
different colors.
 Its compact body weight is around 30 kg with 60 cm body length, 65 cm chest girth, and
58 cm wither height.
 Body weight varies from 30 to 35 kg for male and 25–30 kg for female.
B. Khari
 Khari goats (hill goats) are the principal goat breed and are found across the hills and
midhills from east to west of the country.
 They are prolific with higher twinning ability and shorter kidding interval and good for
meat purpose.

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 They are hardy and well adapted to local environments and represent more than 50% of
the total goat population in the country.
 Khari goats have great variation in coat color from white to black. It has been reported
that there are six sub-types within Khari goats based on coat color. They are Seti (pure
white), Kali (pure black), Khairi (brown), Ghorli (brown with white and other color
patches), Singari (black with white stripes on face), and Dhobini (ash color).
C. Sinhal
 Sinhal goats are the heaviest native goat breed and represent 16% of the total goat
population and are the predominant breeds of high hills in Nepal.
 They are good for meat production and transportation as pack animals under transhumance
system provided with low-input management system.
 They are large-sized hardy and well-adapted animals to local harsh conditions.
 The farmers are conserving them in situ, but an increased focus is needed on better
management practices on breeding, feeding, housing, and health.
 They are at risk from conservation point of view.
 Sinhal varies in its coat color from black to white, where gray, black, and white mixed are
the common coat colors of this breed.
 Average adult body weight of Sinhal is reported as 35 kg for male and 29 kg for doe, with
69 cm body length, 78 cm heart girth, and 59 cm wither height on an average.
D. Chyangra
 Chyangra goats are the mountain goat originating from Tibet reared in trans-Himalayan
region along with Bhyanglung, a type of sheep in high mountain and trans-Himal region
2500 meters above sea level.
 They have been reared in situ condition by farmers themselves.
 They are suitable for meat and pack and are popular for high value as well as fine quality
called Chyangra fiber known as Pashmina.
 Their population is declining and hence needs attention. They have been characterized at
phenotypic and mitochondrial levels.

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 Chyangra fiber has high market potentials, as they have unique blend and qualities and
hence are popular within and outside the country.
 Chyangra population is estimated to be around 1% of the total goat population, i.e.,
0.11 million heads in Nepal.
 Body color varies from pure white to pure black with mixed patch of different colors.
 Its compact body weighs around 30 kg with body length of 62 cm and chest girth of 71 cm.
Wither height is 62 cm. Body weight varies from 29 to 32 kg for females and 35–40 kg for
males.
BREEDS OF SHEEP
A. Bhanglung.
 Also known as Bhyanglung and Bhotia, this breed is found in Nepal in the Mountain
districts of Mustang and Humla close to the Tibet border.
 It is hardy, adapted to subalpine and alpine ranges at 3000±5000 m, and rarely descends
below 2500 m, even in winter.

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 The Bhanglung is of moderate size, males being about 65 cm at the withers and weighing
35 kg, and females 55±60 cm and 25 kg.
 Both sexes carry wide-spreading spiral horns and some males have multiple horns.
 The wool is somewhat shorn twice a year, produces an annual clip of 1.0±1.5 kg.
 Wool is as typical carpet type and, because of its elasticity and strength, is much used in
Tibet for carpets.
 There is a very undercoat and coloured staples are common.
B. Bharuwal
 It is the most numerous sheep and is found in transhumant systems in the Hills and the Mountains.
 It is most common in the mid- and far-West (and is larger there than Eastern types) where castrates
are used for pack work (carrying 10±12 kg), and the normally large focks of 200±500 head are
night-herded on crop land to provide manure.
 The Bharuwal is large by Nepalese standards, standing 75±80 cm at the withers, males weighing
30±35 kg (occasionally 45 kg) and ewes 25±30 kg.
 Males are always horned and females usually so.
 Most animals have vestigial ears of 3±5 cm length.
 The fleece, also covering the head and upper legs, has much kemp, lacks crimp, grease and lustre,
and is somewhat shaggy, with a staple length of about 6 cm.
 Rams are often coloured because of the demand for spinning and weaving.
 Annual wool yields, often in two clips, are 1.5±2.0 kg for rams and 1.0±1.5 kg for ewes.
 Bharuwal sheep breed throughout the year but most conceptions take place in April± October and
fertility is generally high.
C. Kage
 Kage is the second most numerous breed.This subtropical type is adapted to the warm
humid lower Hills.
 Management is sedentary and focks comprise one or very few ewes. Kage are small, less
than 60 cm at the withers, rams weighing up to 25 kg and ewes 20 kg.
 Rams are horned but ewes are usually polled. Vestigial ears are common. The poor quality
fleece is hairy, uneven and head, belly and legs are clean: average staple length is 6±8 cm
and a yield in two clips of 700±900 g per year.
 It is kept by its traditional owners mainly for meat. Breeding takes place all year but most
lambings are in October±January, with few in the summer and rainy seasons.

7. Prepared by Dr. Sushil Neupane (B.V.Sc. and A.H., IAAS Paklihawa)
 The average lambing interval on Lampatan Farm at Pokhara, where breeding is allowed all
year, is about 10 months.
 Very few ewes produce twins.
D. Lampuchhre.
 Lampuchhre also known as Terai sheep are confined to the Southern Terai.
 These are leggy animals, males being 60±70 cm and females 55±60 cm at the withers.
 Adult rams weigh 30±35 kg and ewes 25±30 kg.
 Males carry long curved horns but females are polled.
 Ears are moderately (14±15 cm) long.
 Wool is the coarse carpet type and in full fleece has a staple length of 7±10 cm.
Indigenous breeds of buffalo in Nepal:
Different indigenous breeds of buffalo in Nepal
a. Lime
b. Parkote
c. Gaddi
Lime buffalo
 The pure breed Lime is believed to have originated from wild Arna (Bubalus arnii), and
has been domesticated throughout the known history of Nepal.
 They are found more towards the higher altitude of the hills in the country.
 The Lime buffalo is estimated at 35% of the total indigenous buffalo population in the hills
and mountains of the country.
 Phenotypically, the Lime buffalo are light brown and relatively small in body size, with
characteristic chevrons of grey or white hair below the jaws and around the brisket, and
small sickle shaped horns curved towards the neck.
 They have grey coat colour; grey brown or blackish skin colour, black muzzle; greyish,
brownish or whitish eye brow; greyish, brownish or whitish leg markings; whitish chevron
marks around the neck and brisket.
Parkote buffalo:

8. Prepared by Dr. Sushil Neupane (B.V.Sc. and A.H., IAAS Paklihawa)
 A Parkote breed buffalo in Palpa district in the western hills. Other Parkote buffalo (on the
background) wallowing in a village pond.
 Parkote buffalo are the typical buffalo of the mid hill and river valleys of Nepal. However,
due to traditional practice of crossbreeding this breed with Lime buffalo and also due to
recent crossbreeding efforts with Indian Murrah, their population in pure form is declining.
 Now, pure breed population is estimated at only 25 % of the indigenous population of
buffaloes in the hills and mountains in Nepal.
 Phenotypically, the Parkote buffalo are dark in coat colour and medium built body size,
with sword-shaped horns directed laterally or towards the back of the body.
 They have black coat colour; black skin colour; black muzzle; black eye brow; usually no
leg markings; and chevron marks absent.
Gaddi buffalo:
 The Gaddi buffalo found in the Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Doti districts of the Far-western
region are good milkers that utilize the pasture land in the slopes of mid-hills and high
mountains.
 These animals are usually found at an elevation of 1500-4500 m.
 The Gaddi buffaloes are predominantly black in colour with a white round patch on
theforehead. Occasionally, brown and light brown coloured animals are seen.
 These animals have a long face and flat head with long curved horns.
 Gaddi buffaloes are massive with an angular shaped body and sloped hip. The
morphological characteristics and production performance of the Gaddi buffaloes are
similar to the indigenous Lime and Terai buffaloes.
 The number of pure breed Gaddi buffaloes is gradually decreasing due to the indiscriminate
use of bulls of the imported Murrah breed to increase milk production.
 If the process continues, the Gaddi buffalo may become extinct in the near future. Thus, an
appropriate strategy for the improvement and conservation of the Gaddi buffaloes needs to
be introduces.

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Cattle:
Lulu (Bos taurus):
 Lulu, hump-less cattle has been adapted in high altitude dry cooler environment and is
conserved by farmers.
 They are located in Mustang districts.
 They are very hardy and suitable for cool and dry place. They can thrive in harsh
environments and can produce in low input system.
 They produce 1 to 2 litres of milk a day.
 The number of animals of this breed is reducing. They are not at risk but need protection.
 The farmers themselves are conserving this breed in situ condition.
Achhami (Bos indicus):
 Achhami cattle are located in the far western region of Nepal (Achham District).
 They have been threatened by haphazard crossbreeding that has been practiced since many
years.
 They are kept in semi stationary production system. The farmers are conserving them in
situ but they need empowerment.
 They are characterized at phenotypic level. They are at risk from conservation point of
view.
 They are the smallest breeds of cattle in the world.
 They are suitable for hill conditions and can produce 1 to 2 litres milk per day. They are
known as Sano Gai or Naumuthe Gai meaning very small cattle.
 This can be a suitable breed for low input system mainly in the hills.
Siri (Bos indicus):
Siri that was a productive breed in the hilly areas of eastern region, particularly Ilam district has
been extinct from the country.
The breed can produce up to 6 litres of milk a day.

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Siri cattle were reared in eastern hilly region above 1200 meter above sea level but they have
undergone cross breeding and are extinct at pure form.
Pahadi (Bos indicus):
 Pahadi cattle that represent the majority of cattle population in the country are located
across the hills and are good for draught purpose in the terraced hill conditions.
 They are also used for milk and manure.
 They are mostly black in colour and are adaptable to cool climate.
 Pahadi black cattle are dominating animal cattle breed in Nepal.
 They are normal from conservation point of view. They have been characterized at
phenotypic level.
Yak (Bos grunniens):
 Yak and Nak are mountain cattle and are located in the mountainous regions of the country.
 They are localised in northern belts of the country.
 They are very important commodity for mountain people. Yak and Nak are raised in trans-
himal region above 3000 meter above sea level.
 Their numbers have been estimated to be going down and need consideration for
conservation. The farmers have reared these animals themselves.
 They are characterized at phenotypic level.
 In the mountains Yak (male) are crossed with female Hill cattle to produce Chauri (female)
and jhopkas (male).
 Mating of Nak (female Yak) and male Hill cattle is also possible but not very commonly
used.
 Chauries are good milk yielder and jhopkyos are sterile and good for transportation as pack
animals.
 Chauries and jhopkyos can come down to lower elevation than Yak and Nak.
 Based on the available information, Chauries and jhopkyos production (kind of
hybridization) in Nepal is unique in the world.

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Terai (Bos indicus):
 Terai cattle are located in terai region and are mostly white type.
 They are good for draught purpose (ploughing and carting).
 They are also used for milk and manure.
 They are normal and are not at risk from conservation point of view.
 They have been characterized at phenotypic level.
Khaila (Bos indicus):
 Khaila cattle are located in far western hilly region of the country and are good draught
breed.
 They are also used for milk and manure.
 They are larger size and strongly built.
 They are localized in limited areas and are few in numbers.
 They have been characterized at phenotypic level only.
Suidae:
Hurra (Sus domesticus):
 Hurra pigs are located in terai region (tropical and subtropical) and are mainly used for
meat.
 They are hardy and suitable for scavenging conditions.
 They are brown in colour.
 They have been characterized on phenotypic level.
 Their population is declining and need conservation measures.
Chwanche (Sus domesticus):
 Chwanche pigs are located in low to mid hills and are good scavenger animals.
 They are hardy and well suited to local environments.
 They are black in colour.
 They have been characterized on phenotypic level.
 They are not at risk from conservation point of view.

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Bampudke:
 Bampudke pigs are the smallest hog breed in the world and are very hardy animals.
 They are found in both domestic and wild form but now they are rarely found in domestic
form and are about to be extinct.
 Their adult body weight is about 20 kg.
Pakhribas:
 Pakhribas pigs are black in colour and are found in eastern hilly region (subtropical to
temperate).
 They have been developed by crossing Fayuen, Tamworth and Saddleback.
 They are prolific and have good mothering ability.
 They are very popular breed in the hills.
 They have been highly inbred and development of its second generation is required.
.
Aves:
Domestic fowl:
Sakini:
 Sakini is the principal chicken breed in the country.
 They are hardy and dual purpose suitable for meat (reputed for delicious meat) and eggs.
 They are found throughout the country.
 They have been characterized on phenotypic level.
 They are normal and are not at risk from conservation point of view.
Ghanti Khuile:
 Ghanti Khuile chicken is hardy and dual purpose suitable for meat and eggs.
 They are hardy and good for scavenging condition.
 They are found throughout the country.
 Their population is very low and need conservation attention.

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(Puwank Ulte):
 It is hardy and dual purpose suitable for meat and eggs.
 They have ruffled feathers.
 They are found throughout the country in a smaller number.
The priority areas that need to be addressed are:
• Population status on breed wise
• Competitiveness of the national entrepreneurs
• Fund for necessary biological research
• Strengthening of cryo-preservation
• Establishment of gene bank
• Establishment of data base
• In-situ conservation:
• Ex-situ conservation (Eco-farm Park)
• Characterization work (molecular level, disease resistance)
• Performance recording at farmers’ herd
• Sire testing evaluation
• Selective breeding scheme
• Breeding organization (Breed releasing mechanism)
• Communication/information system (National, regional and global)
• Specific policies (promoting and regulatory) for AnGR
• Harmonization of conservation of AnGR with other conservation programs (Plants, forestry,
wildlife etc)
Strategy for conservation:

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1. A number of method has been used for conservation of livestock genetic resources. There
include insitu conservation of breed and exsitu conservation of semen, ova, embryo, blood, DNA
fragments.
2. It is recommended that research institution, agricultural university and other research laboratory,
initiated program to study and identify the valuable adaptive at all level.
3. Special emphasis resistance to various disease ecto and endo parasites tolerance to fluctuation
in quality and quantity of drinking water, tolerance of extreme temperature. humidity and adverse
climatic factor, availability to survive regularly reproduce and produce for long period of time.
4. Management and conservation of AnGR need involvement and support of farmer and group of
people with active support of government agancy, legal coverage and institutional financial.
5. It is important to document the status of AnGR with respect to demographic data, geographical
distribution, physical confirmation, performance characteristics and social economy aspect of
breed utilization.
6. It is highly essential to prepare a watch list of the breed which are under the category of
endangered and threatened breed as well as genetically eroded breed. The priorities for a breed to
be conserved should be determined.
7. The use of appropriate tools like filled, recording, cross breeding, AI, embryo transfer could be
explored for conservation and improvement of domestic animal. The participation of farmer, NGO,
INGO and research and development organization is the only way for better conservation of animal
biodiversity.