Description

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Context:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) has recognised the Gaddi, an Indigenous dog breed from the Himalayas.

About Gaddi dog

Aspect	Details
Origin	Named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh
Primary Use	Protecting herds of sheep and goats from predators.
Nickname	Indian Panther Hound or Indian Leopard Hound.
Region Found	Himalayan region
Indigenous Status	Fourth indigenous dog breed after Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, and Mudhol Hound.
Appearance	Predominantly black with occasional white markings on paws, tail, or trunk area.
Body Structure	Medium-sized, robust, and muscular body.
Neck Structure	Massive, arched neck that helps protect against predators.
Recognition Benefit	It helps preserve the purity of the breed, which is in high demand and contributes to the region.

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR)

The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources and the National Institute of Animal Genetics were merged in 1995 to operate as a single unit in the form of the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.

It acts as an organization that could take responsibility for the evaluation, certification, and conservation of the rich and diverse germplasm resources available in the country, whose genetic base is rapidly diminishing.

Mandate:

Identification, evaluation, characterization, conservation, and sustainable use of livestock and poultry genetic resources. Coordination and capacity building in animal genetic resource management and policy issues.

Objectives:

Conduct systematic surveys to characterize, evaluate, and catalog livestock and poultry genetic resources and create a national database thereof.
To propose methodologies for ex-situ conservation and in situ management and optimal use of livestock genetic resources. Perform genetic characterization studies using modern biological techniques such as molecular cytogenetics, immunology, DNA Fingerprinting, RFLP analysis, etc.
Conduct training programs for evaluation, characterization, and utilization of animal genetic resources.

Roles and Responsibilities:

It is essentially a hub for information on genetic resources in the country and will act as a link between ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, government or private agencies, and national and international livestock organizations.
It also supports such agencies in maintaining rare species and breeds of animals that are at risk of extinction.
Wherever information is not available or existing performance data is limited, the Authority will assist in the establishment of herds and flocks for the breed and population evaluation purposes.

Source:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Gaddi dog:

The Gaddi dog is primarily used for protecting herds of sheep and goats from predators.
It is named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh and is known as the Indian Panther Hound.
The Gaddi dog is the second indigenous dog breed of India, after the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai breeds.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Gaddi dog is used for protecting herds of sheep and goats from predators.

Statement 2 is correct: It is named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh and is also known as the Indian Panther Hound.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Gaddi dog is the fourth indigenous dog breed of India, after Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, and Mudhol Hound, not the second.