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

Abstract

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 profi toriented
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-fi ne fi ber, especially palatable meat, or milk with therapeutic or health
benefi ts. Local breeds can produce unique products that can generate signifi cant levels of demand and can help
rescue a threatened breed from further decline or extinction