Equine Germplasm of India

Equines, comprising horses, ponies, and donkeys, have been an integral part of India's cultural heritage, agricultural systems, and traditional practices. India has produced distinctive native breeds over the centuries that are well suited to the nation's varied topography and climate. India possesses about 0.54 million equines as per the 2019 livestock census. The major population of equids comprises donkeys, mules, horses, and ponies. The population of horses and ponies has reduced by 1.81% per year and donkeys declined by 1.53% per year from 1956 to 2019. The registered Indian breeds by National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, number for horses and ponies is 8 and for donkeys it is 3. These horse breeds not only represent India's abundant biodiversity, but are also essential to agriculture, transportation, rural livelihoods, and ceremonial customs. India's native horse breeding stock, which includes well-known breeds like the Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, and Zanskari, is extremely valuable due to its distinctive traits like resilience, endurance, and adaptability. Breeds of donkeys such as the Halari and Spiti are equally valuable because of their contributions to rural economies, especially in the areas of agricultural labor and transportation.