Small Ruminant Farming in Tribal Areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) of Punjab-Pakistan are comprised of hilly mountains with small ruminants as the sole source of income. In this study, farming practices, their productivity, health and the economic value of sheep were evaluated in PATA through a survey of farmers (n = 138) holding 11,558 heads of sheep. Out of a total population, 87% were non-descriptive flocks, and nine percent and four percent were purebred flocks belonging to the Kajli and Thali populations, respectively. Sheep flocks were mainly (86%) reared under the traditional production system and had a delayed onset of puberty. There was low influence of season on the reproduction, and the majority of flocks (78%) were bred throughout the year. The lack of proper vaccination and poor management exposed the flocks to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, which lead to high mortality in lambs (~22%) and adults (~32%). The share of sheep in farmers livelihood was 42%, and only 20% of producers’ living standard was improved with sheep farming, but the rise in rearing more sheep was quite low (20%). Although the livestock department arranged farmers’ training, the majority of farmers (83%) never participated in training and had no knowledge of modern technologies. Collectively, the traditional sheep production systems, poor management, lack of vaccination, marketing channels and farmers training hampered the sheep rearing and producers’ livelihood in the PATA of Punjab-Pakistan. However, developing model livestock farms, conducting farmer training, establishing a viable market for dairy products, and introducing subsidy policy interventions can improve the sheep farming in these areas.

Recapitulation of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Prevalence in Small Ruminant Populations of Pakistan from 2004 to 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Small ruminants are often reared by individuals of low socioeconomic status and farmers in Pakistan as a supplementary livelihood; however, much attention is now being paid to the commercial-level farming of sheep and goats. In addition, a significant amount of farmers’ income in Pakistan’s mountainous regions comes from rearing sheep and goat herds [ 1 , 2 ]. The disease in question poses a significant danger to the sustainable livelihoods of farmers and the food security of regions spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Africa [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Characterization and Statistical Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste for Recognising Suitable Waste Management Approach: A Case Study in the Semi-Urban Region of Thanamandi, J&K, India

“…The lack of e ciency of proper waste disposal leads to health hazards, unsightliness, blockage of drains, unpleasantness (Duhan, 2022) (Giusti, 2009). In semi-urban areas, MSW can cause ooding during rainy season ,clog sewers and produce stagnant water for insect breeding (Ajmal, Tarar and Arshad, 2016).…”