National Livestock Breeding Policy Guidelines and Strategies for Sri Lanka.

This document covers the national breeding policy guidelines defined separately for different farming systems found in the area for: cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep and pigs both in the field and in the state farms. The document also includes new sections on conservation and utilization of indigenous animal genetic resources realizing the value of indigenous breeds and the necessity to conserve and develop them. The need to apply long term strategies in cross breeding programmes while conserving the indigenous animal genetic resources is highlighted. Artificial insemination in cattle was first established in Sri Lanka in 1937 and seventy years of cross breeding and up grading programmes carried out in Sri Lanka have led to the existing animal population with varying degrees of genetic make up and production potential which can not be harnessed due to poor management systems adapted and the scarcity of proper records. The choice of breeds and definition of breeding goals in relation to the prevailing environmental and management systems adapted by farmers, the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders in livestock industry and proper recording system will result in successful application of breeding policy laid down in this document to implement a sustainable breeding programme in Sri Lanka to achieve self sufficiency in milk and other livestock produce.