Animal genetic resources for food and agriculture of animal genetic resources includes diversity at species, breed and within-breed level. Known are currently 8,800 different breeds of birds and mammals within 38 species used for food and agriculture. The main animal species used for food and agriculture production are cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and pigs. In the livestock world, these species are often referred to as "the big five". Some less-utilized species include the dromedary, donkey, bactrian camel, buffalo, guinea pig, horse, rabbit, yak, goose, duck, ostrich,partridge, pheasant, pigeon, and turkey. The history of animal genetic resources begins about 12,000 to 14,000 years ago. The domestication of major
Animal husbandry in Himachal Pradesh Animal husbandry in Himachal Pradesh Animal husbandry in Himachal Pradesh plays a very major role in the development of agricultural sector of Himachal. Indigenous breeds of cows, buffalo and sheep are of very poor quality. Numerous schemes for "cattle development", "cattle health" and "disease resistance" in wood production, poultry development, feed and fodder development, dairy improvement, milk supply schemes and veterinary education has been undertaken in order to improve the livestock in the state. There are many veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and outlying dispensaries in the state to provide veterinary aids and to take measures against various contagious diseases. A number