India, Oct. 18 -- The number of camels, pigs, donkeys, horses, mules, ponies and indigenous cattle breeds has drastically declined

The number of Indian livestock has increased due to a rise in the population of sheep and goats, even as indigenous cattle and other farm animals have declined, according to the 20 th Livestock Census.

The livestock census has been periodically conducted once in every five years since 1919. But the 20 th census was conducted after six years.

"The 19 th Livestock Census in 2012, was done in four years' time. Hence, we extended one year," Bhushan Tyagi, assistant commissioner of the Department of Animal Husbandry told Down to Earth .

The findings of the 20 th Livestock Census, which was started in 2018, were...