Identification and documentation of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources of Vindhaya region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify and document unexplored animal genetic resources of Vindhya region of the Uttar Pradesh. A small sized white and light roan coloured Mirzapuri cattle population are available in area, producing about 1-2 Kg of milk per day. These animals are docile in nature and freely grazing in the field throughout day and night. In addition to local cattle, a native buffalo population is also present in the studied area. However, the Murrah breed is being utilized to upgrade this buffalo population, necessitating immediate intervention to protect the native breed. This survey also revealed a desi goat population in Sonebhadra, Mirzapur and adjoining area of Uttar Pradesh known as Vindhyacahli goat, which are mainly reared by tribals between Vindhya and Kaimur range of hills. The identified goat mainly has two-colour variants i.e., black and light to dark brown. Further, the complete black coloured goats are predominated in the population. This goat is also known as Sonbhadri and Sonpari. Both the sexes had small to medium sized horns, which is curved shaped with backward and outward orientation. The desi chicken with various colour patterns is also available in the area and egg production of hen varies from 40 to 50 per year. In the similar area, a desi medium sized sheep population known as Mirzapuri, Hasari or Lalkai (pink face) are distributed in Mirzapur, Sonebhadra and surrounding region and reared for wool and mutton production. The sheep produce about 1 kg of wool per year. The white coat colour with small light to dark brown or black patches on face, ear and muzzle of different sizes are the important characteristics of this sheep population. The small ruminants in the area are primarily maintained on grazing (extensive system). The study revealed lesser-known populations of Mirzapuri cattle, sheep, Vindhyachali, desi chicken, buffalo, pig and dog each with unique characters. The study indicates that the Vindhya region of Uttar Pradesh, extents across hilly and rugged terrains like Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts is home to highly resilient indigenous animal genetic resources, evolves to survive in tough rocky landscapes, high thermo-tolerance and poor grazing resources. These unique livestock and poultry populations provide livelihood support to local landless and small farmers.