The importance of animal husbandry in agricultural development in India cannot be disregarded. Indian animal husbandry sector is one of the largest in the world and provides direct and indirect employment and livelihood to a large number of people.
Animal husbandry contributes almost 5 percent to India’s GDP and forms almost a fourth of the agriculture GDP. The sector has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent in the last few years, an impressive pace. Income from livestock is the primary source for many engaged in the sector and a secondary source for the rural farming community as well. With the sector playing a pivotal role in the rural economy through a host of contributions, it assumes great importance in income generation and employment avenues besides providing nutrition through products like milk, eggs, and meat, etc.