Animal Genetic Resources of Tamil Nadu The state of Tamil Nadu in the southeast of modern India, shows evidence of having had continuous human habitation from 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE. Throughout its history, spanning the early Paleolithic age to modern times, this region has coexisted with various external cultures. The Tamil region has remained independent of external occupation. The three ancient Tamil empires of Chera, Chola and Pandya were of ancient origins. Together they ruled over this land with a unique culture and language, contributing to the growth of oldest literature in the world. They had extensive maritime trade contacts with the Africa, Middle East, Roman empire etc., The Chola navy held sway over the kingdom in Southeast Asia. These early kingdoms sponsored the growth of some of the oldest literature in Tamil. The classical Tamil literature, referred to as Sangam literature is attributed to the period between 200 BCE and 300 CE. The governance of the land was through hereditary monarchies, although the sphere of the state's activities and the extent of the ruler's powers were limited through the adherence to the established order of dharma. Main activity of the people was agriculture and Animal Husbandry. They developed various breeds suitable for the Agro climatic conditions of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, over years several breeds have been identified in various species of livestock. Most of the breeds have evolved through natural selection to adapt to particular agro-ecological conditions. No other states in India possess this type of vast animal genetics resources when compared to Tamil Nadu. The wealth of the person was measured by number of head of animal owned by the individuals. Social hierarchy is fixed by the type / quality of animal maintained by the community or individuals. Hence, no wonder the Tamil Nadu bestowed with 5 breeds of cattle viz., Alambadi, Bargur, Kangayam, Pulikulam and umblachery. One breed of famous buffalo called Toda which integrated with Toda and Baduga communities in Queen of hills of Tamil Nadu, The Nilgiris. There are 10 recognized breeds of Sheep, viz., Madras Red, Mecheri, Ramand White, Kilakarsal, Vembur, Coimbatore, Trichy Black, Nilgiri, Katchaikatty and Chevvadu. Kanni Adu, Kodi Adu, Salem Black are important breeds of goat in Tamil Nadu. Also we have lesser known breeds like Molai adu and Sattai adu. For maintenance of large herds of animals, watching of agriculture land and properties of the owners, dog breeds like Rajapalayam, Kanni, Kombai, and Chippiparai were developed to help the farmers of Tamil Nadu. The State Animal Husbandry Department is maintaining 10 livestock farms and one exotic cattle breeding farm. These farms serve as demonstration farms and as a source for quality livestock to the farmers including the beneficiaries of various development programmes. In addition, these farms also supply fodder seed materials and impart training to needy farmers in the latest techniques in livestock breeding, feeding and management practices. The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has four livestock research stations. Mainly, these farms are maintained for teaching, training and research activities of the University. In addition, these farms serve as a source of quality seed materials for the farmers. In recent times, projects on conservation of germplasm have been initiated and implemented in Tamil Nadu.
