Uttarakhand’s Udaypuri Goat Breed Gains Official Recognition as 43rd National Breed,,

Corsp,, Aslam kohra

Pantnagar, Uttarakhand – Scientists from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology’s College of Veterinary Sciences have achieved a milestone by securing official recognition for the Udaypuri goat breed as a distinct genetic resource of Uttarakhand. Led by Dr. R.S. Barwal, Dr. C.V. Singh, and Dr. B.N. Shahi from the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, the team convinced ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, to register it as the 43rd goat breed at the national level. This boosts Uttarakhand’s stature in animal husbandry.Origin and Recognition ProcessNative to the Western Himalayan foothills of Pauri-Garhwal district—specifically Udaypuri, Ajmeri Patti, Dugadda, and Yamkeshwar areas—locals had reared these goats on a small scale without formal breed status, despite their merits. The Pantnagar team conducted a two-year baseline survey on breeding traits and performance, submitting detailed reports to NBAGR. In June 2025, an NBAGR expert team visited the breeding tract for on-site evaluation, leading to its official registration as the “Udaypuri” breed.Key CharacteristicsAdapted to temperate climates, Udaypuri goats are small-sized with distinctive features:Black stripes on the upper body.Slightly protruding head, black forehead hair, thin muzzle, bright eyes, and black nose.Drooping ears; no wattles or beard.Medium-sized, flat, pointed horns curving outward and backward.Economic and Cultural SignificanceGarhwal farmers primarily raise them for meat, providing supplemental income alongside agriculture. They also feature in religious rituals. Recognition paves the way for targeted improvement and conservation programs to enhance productivity. Uttarakhand’s Animal Husbandry Department may now incorporate it into the state goat breeding policy.University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Director of Research Dr. S.K. Verma, and Dean Dr. A.H. Ahmad congratulated the team on this achievement.