Division of AGR has been engaged in developing formats for breed characteristics, survey strategies and breed description methodologies. The Division of Livestock Information and Management catered to installation of the then state of the art computers, their functions and use in livestock data management. As noted subsequently, the functioning of these two divisions was complimentary, and at places overlapping. Hence, during 1987 the two divisions functioned as a single unit due to inadequate staff during the year. Metamorphosis continued as, during 1987, the two divisions viz. Animal Genetic Resources and the Animal Conservation were merged into Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section. It continued for two more years. During 1991 a new section was framed as section of Animal Gene Bank. During 1991-92, the section of Animal Gene Bank was reframed as Animal Physiology and Reproduction section.Reorganization continued as during 1992-93 the then ICAR-NBAGR had one section and two units as:
(i)Livestock Information and Management Section
(ii) Animal Genetics Resources Unit
(iii)Animal Conservation and Gene Bank Unit.
During 1994-95 sections and units were again reframed as:
(i)Livestock Information and Management Unit/Computer Unit
(ii)Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section
(iii)Animal Physiology and Reproduction Section.

During 1996, the Animal Physiology and Reproduction Section were merged into Animal Genetic Resources and Conservation Section. In 1997, the naming was again changed to Animal Genetic Resources Division.

At present Animal Genetic Resources Division is engaged in phenotypic characterization, sustainable utilization and conservation of indigenous livestock and poultry breeds. The phenotypic characterization is accomplished through systematic/pilot field surveys to assess socio-economic status of the farmers, flocks/herd structure, population status, feeding, breeding and management practices, phenotypic characteristics, body biometry, and production performance, and marketing of live animals and products. The production performance of local breeds is evaluated and recorded under agroclimatic conditions of their habitat. The surveyed breeds/populations have been documented in the form of breed monographs, breed descriptors and charts in addition to research publications. Based on the information, new strategies have been formulated for improvement and conservation of the breeds under the farmers’ conditions. The in situ conservation has been implemented for breeds of various livestock species. In addition, the Division is also working in the frontier areas of long term ex-situ conservation of germplasm.

National Animal GeneBank at Bureau has been established with the objective of conserving the indigenous livestock biodiversity. Presently a total of 1,29,174 deep frozen semen doses belonging to 311 breeding males (Bulls/Rams/Bucks/Stallions) from 44 breeds representing Cattle, Buffalo, Sheep, Goat, Camel, Yak and Equine have been collected and preserved at National GeneBank for posterity.