Project launched for genetic improvement of gaddi sheep :

1. The state government has launched a livestock development project worth Rs 595 crore to improve the genetic stock of Gaddi sheep. The project is to be completed in five years in Chamba and Mandi districts.

2. According to Animal Husbandry Minister, the centrally sponsored project aims at preserving the gene pool of the native breed. The Centre will give Rs 535.50 crore while Rs 59.50 crore will come from the state fund as per its share.

3. This programme would raise the economic status of around 5,000 gaddi population of around 500 families living in remote areas of Chamba and Mandi districts. The department had started the process for the selection of 30 rams and 1,090 ewes for cross-breeding by organising exhibitions at various places.

Livestock in Himachal Pradesh :

Animal Husbandry and Dairying activities continue to be integral part of human life. As a sequel to the age old practices and dependence of population on livestock, Himachal Pradesh is endowed with the large livestock population. Animal Husbandry and Dairying activities continue to be integral part of human life. As a sequel to the age old practices and dependence of population on livestock, Himachal Pradesh is endowed with the large livestock population. According to the 19th Livestock Census 2012, the total population of livestock in Himachal Pradesh is 48,44,431. Out of which 21,49,259 are cow cattle, 7,16,016 are buffaloes, 8,04,871 are sheep, 11,19,491 are goats and 15,081 are horses and ponies population. Poultry population of the State is 11,04,476.

At the time of Himachal Pradesh's existence, there were only 9 veterinary hospitals in the state and only animals of the hill breed were being reared in the state. Animal Husbandry Department was formed in the state in 1948 and various projects were undertaken to strengthen the rural economy of the state. In order to boost the rural economy, programs in increasing milk production and breed improvement were taken up. In the year 1951, several programs for the improvement of the breed of cows were started under the All India Main Village Scheme and two main natural concept centers were established at Kotgarh and Solan. Where the bulls of the Red Sindhi breed were kept for the Cross Breeding Program. The impact of these programs was quite encouraging, but their scope was very limited. After this, artificial insemination system was adopted and for the first time in the year 1954-55, Jersey semen was transported from Bangalore to Himachal Pradesh by airplane. During this period, the new Livestock Breeding Institute was started at Kothipura, District Bilaspur, where livestock of Jersey breed were reared from Denmark and raised on the Kothipura farm and their performance was very encouraging. The most important contributor to the livestock breeding improvement programs was the Indo-New Zealand Livestock Improvement Project, Under which 175 pure jersey breed animals were brought from New Zealand in 1974 and kept in the university campus of Palampur. In addition, a semen laboratory was established here in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand. In addition, in 1974, the Snow Semen Laboratory was established with the assistance of the Government of West Germany at the place of Bhangrotu in Mandi district. Both these snow semen laboratories have contributed significantly to take artificial insemination programs to a new dimension in Himachal Pradesh. The laboratory was set up in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand. In addition, in 1974, the Snow Semen Laboratory was established with the assistance of the Government of West Germany at the place of Bhangrotu in Mandi district. Both these snow semen laboratories have contributed significantly to take artificial insemination programs to a new dimension in Himachal Pradesh. The laboratory was set up in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand. In addition, in 1974, the Snow Semen Laboratory was established with the assistance of the Government of West Germany at the place of Bhangrotu in Mandi district. Both these snow semen laboratories have contributed significantly to take artificial insemination programs to a new dimension in Himachal Pradesh.