Abstract
SUMMARYThe Ladakh plateau is an arctic desert in the Western Himalaya having an annual rainfall of 8 to 9 cm. Extreme environmental conditions and persistent hypoxia affect the human and livestock populations. Limited grazing resources are the other limiting factor. Despite these hardships, a great variety of livestock species are available in Ladakh. The yak is the most important species for highlanders providing them subsistence in terms of milk, meat, fibres, skin and hides. It is an excellent pack and transport animal in snow bound passes. Male Yak hybrids with local cattle are excellent bullocks under the hypoxic environment. The small population of local hill cattle is endangered due to large scale crossbreeding with yaks and exotic cattle. The majority of goatsoin Ladakh are Pashmmina type. The Changthangi is an important goat breed. Local small sized sheep yield fine carpet type wool and resemble the Tibetan sheep. Zaniskari horses are in danger of extinction. Other horses and ponies available in Ladakh appeared similar to the Tibetan ponies. The local donkeys have a large bulging head with long hair. Only 54 Bacterin camels are left in the region. Poultry and pigs are not popular in Ladakh. Almost all livestock species have long body hair to survive in extreme climatic conditions.
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