472 Status of goat farming in Sindh with special reference to feeding, breeding and health care.

Abstract

Current study was carried out to gather information and recording the goat farming system in districts of Sindh province (Haiderabad, Matiyari, Hala, Methi, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Thatha, Badin, Dadu, Mirpur Khas). A survey was carried for ten goat breeds of Sindh province viz. Kamori, Tapri, Bugi Turi, Pateri, Kachan, Jattan, Lohri, Chappar, Barri and Thari. We visited farmers raising one or more of the ten breeds (about 100 farmers). Major diseases vaccinated against were Enterotoxaemia (100%), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) (93.75%), goat pox (18.75%), and FMD (6.25 %). For parasitic control 24% farmer did nothing for control while 52% farmers on regular basis. About 71% farmers were using traditional treatment regularly, out of which 24% farmers got treatment for their goats from veterinary doctors on regular basis. Diseases outbreak in the studied herds were maximum for Enterotoxaemia (71%), followed by CCPP (59%). Most common production systems of raising goats in the sampled area were backyard, agro-pastoralist and rangeland based (20% each) followed by mixed production system (13%) and agro-forestry, ranching, landless and industrial (approximately 7% each). About 12 % farmers had sheds for housing while 53% had open housing system. Most farmers provided unrestricted supply of water to their goat (76%) with unknown quality. Mostly (82%) farmers were depending on natural pasture for feeding goats. Crossbreeding among goat herds was uncontrolled and widespread (76%). Maximum mattings were arranged between June and September. Ram selection on phenotype was common (71%). Framers used to sell goat in local market (41%). The study highlights potential areas of improvement in goat production for better welfare of animals and more profit for goat breeders.