Livestock and poultry breeds of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

Livestock is one of the most important sectors in the economy of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The livestock and poultry population of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh is 8.32 million and 7.37 million respectively as per the 20th Livestock Census. The contributions of sheep, cattle, goat and buffalo to the total population of J&K and Ladakh are 36.84%, 30.41%, 21.93% and 8.03% respectively. J&K and Ladakh stand 6th with regard to the population of sheep. J&K ranks 1st with respect to yak population, 2nd in the population of horses and ponies and 3rd with regard to mules. J&K also has the 6th highest population of donkeys in India. Despite this, the indigenous breeds are under constant threat of dilution and even extinction. Considering the importance of livestock and poultry breeds in this region of India, the paper comprehensively reviews the indigenous sheep, goat, horse, cattle, buffalo, poultry, camel, yak breeds of J&K and Ladakh.