Livestock husbandry and selection of animals for high productivity has been practised from ancient times. The country has the worlds best breeds of dairy cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and camels. However, with increase in human and livestock population, the pressure on natural resources has increased, with the result that in many areas, livestock productivity has decreased.

Accordingly FAO land use classification/arid and semi arid lands are suitable, only for developing silvi pastures for practising animal husbandry. Livestock production, therefore, plays an important role in the management and utilization of such lands. The livestock sector is, thus, of considerable economic significance for these regions. However, there is urgent need to improve the livestock productivity by adopting technological advances in livestock management for sustainability in the regions.

Livestock constitutes an important sector of rural economy of India. Its role in augmenting income and employment specific of the weaker sections and in improving the nutritional status of our population, needs to be promoted untiringly. To meet the requirement of growing population, the increase in the livestock productivity is essential. This can be achieved through proper management of livestock. Over the last few decades, lot of work has been done on improved livestock management technology to improve productivity by the research institutions, agricultural universities and other related organisations to sustain the demand of meat, wool, milk and milk products etc.

The .aim of this book is to present consolidated latest information on different aspects of livestock production and breeding accrued in the country through research and development programmes undertaken during the past three decades. The informations have been compiled/collected from the reports/published works of various authors, more specifically that of the author of the book. The book is intended primarily as a reference book for the post graduate students studying in Veterinary, Animal Sciences and Agricultural colleges/department of various universities in the country. The aim has been to present a comprehensive volume of information.

An effort has been made by most learned persons of their respective fields to compile informations and to present them in most easy and understandable language for the benefit of those who are interested in livestock development of the country.

This publication is sure to be useful to those scientists, field workers, planners and development agencies and administrators who are engaged in livestock management programmes.