Of the more than 800 cattle breeds recognized worldwide, India had 27 acknowledged indigenous breeds of cattle and 7 breeds of buffaloes. As of 2018 the ICAR recognized 50 breeds that are indigenous in India, of which two cattle breeds and three buffalo breeds were added in 2018. Local conservation programs are endeavouring to maintain the purity of breeds such as Tharparkar, dwarf cattle such as Kasaragod, and Kankrej, Amrit Mahal and Kangayam. On the basis of main uses Indigenous cattle breeds are classified in to milch (cow and buffalloes for milk), draft (load carrying such as ox), and dual purpose (i.e. milk and draf).