ICAR Registers 16 New Indigenous Livestock and Dog Breeds, Total Count Reaches 262

Key Facts

• ICAR-NBAGR, based in Karnal, Haryana, is the nodal agency responsible for the registration and documentation of animal genetic resources in India.
• In 2026, ICAR-NBAGR registered 16 new indigenous breeds, bringing the total registered breeds in India to 262, with 258 indigenous and 4 synthetic breeds.
• The Breed Registration Committee (BRC) held its 14th meeting on 7 August 2026 in New Delhi, chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta (Deputy Director General, Animal Science, ICAR), which approved these registrations.
• The newly registered cattle breeds are:
  • Koppal (Karnataka)
  • Mahakaushali (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Periyar (Kerala)
  • Umarda (Maharashtra)
• The newly registered sheep breeds include:
  • Asomi (Assam)
  • Kow Debar (Uttarakhand)
  • Madgyal (Maharashtra and Karnataka)
  • Seemanchali (Bihar)
• Other newly registered breeds:
  • Gomanchali buffalo (Goa)
  • Totapuri goat (Rajasthan)
  • Battisi goat (Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh)
  • Nagal pig (Nagaland)
  • Sikkimese yak (Sikkim)
  • Braj donkey (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Kashmiri pony (Jammu and Kashmir)
  • Kombai dog (Tamil Nadu)
• States represented in registration include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu.

Background & Context

Indigenous animal breeds in India exhibit distinct physical and genetic characteristics adapted to their local agro-climatic environments. Proper registration and documentation by institutions like ICAR-NBAGR are critical for conserving genetic diversity, promoting sustainable animal husbandry, improving livelihood for farmers, and ensuring nutritional security. The Breed Registration Committee under ICAR oversees the authentication and formal registration of these breeds.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This development is important for competitive exams focusing on agriculture, animal husbandry, biodiversity, and rural development. Questions may address the role of ICAR and NBAGR, recent breed registrations, breed diversity, and state-wise animal genetic resources. Detailed knowledge of newly registered breeds enhances candidates' understanding of India's livestock biodiversity and government conservation efforts.

Points to Remember

• ICAR stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which functions under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
• NBAGR is the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, the principal body for registration of animal breeds.
• The 16 newly registered indigenous breeds in 2026 consist of cattle, sheep, buffalo, goat, pig, donkey, pony, yak, and dog breeds.
• The total number of registered breeds in India as of 2026 is 262 (258 indigenous and 4 synthetic).
• The Breed Registration Committee meeting approving the 2026 registrations was held on 7 August 2026, chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta.
• Kombai is a distinct indigenous dog breed from Tamil Nadu.
• Registration of breeds aids in conservation, sustainable management, and enhances farmer income and nutritional security.