Ruminant genetic resources of Karnataka state: Status, distribution and characteristics

This article attempts to evaluate the present status and distribution of ruminant genetic resources ofKarnataka state vis-a-vis exotic/crossbred non-descript animals. The characteristics breeds theruminant species Karnataka state, including new populations recently identified in likeDharwari South Kanara buffaloes, Mouli Yalga sheep Nandidurga Bidri goats, are also discussed.The total population livestock, comprising cattle, buffalo, goat is 28.673 million.The density 149.50 ruminants per km2 this only marginally less than national average 160.15.However, at 57.62 two a half times figure 22.59. During20012-2019, cattle buffalo have registered decline 11.01 14.00%, whereas, thesheep has shown an increase 15.31 28.31%. During 2007-2012, periods for which thebreed-wise data available, pure indigenous dwindled by37.71, 32.93, 27.86 69.00%, compared -9.39, -19.79, 0.26 -22.05% change populationof these species, respectively. Serious conservation efforts required arrest geneticresources Karnataka.