The importance of a livestock census was first recognised in 1919, 47 years after human counting was started in 1872.

Productivity targets set for indigenous and crossbred cows and buffaloes are achievable if we properly invest in creating adequate infrastructure, take up programmes for genetic improvement of animals and invest in extension of infrastructure to create positive environment to exploit fully the genetic potential by providing balanced nutrition and protecting animals against diseases. Equally important would be to evolve right institutional structure that transmits knowledge and builds capacity of people to implement genetic improvement, nutrition and healthcare programmes on long term basis.

India is a storehouse of the world’s best genetic resources of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and humped cattle (Bos indicus). Probably, no country in the world can boast of so much biodiversity seen distinctly in these breeds which are abundant in their traditional breeding tracts. They are noted for their distinct superiority in utilising poor quality feed, adaptability to withstand heat and resistance to most tropical diseases. In this article are discussed different indigenous breeds, their groups, population numbers as well as their breed-body characteristics and production parameters.