SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: STATUS AND PROSPECTUS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN POTOHAR REGION OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The present study was conducted to characterize and evaluate the existing small ruminants (SR) production and management systems in Potohar region of Pakistan. The SR farmers (n=50; flock size > 05 animals) were interviewed.The majority of SR flockswere owned byilliterate males. The farmers were either landless (17.02%) or had >5 acres of land (34.04%). The farmers (86%) were mostly depending on free range areas for animal grazing. Feed supplementation was practiced during forage scarcity periods, particularly during winter season (89.9%). Housing was made (90%) to provide shelter and protection from predators and theft. Mean live weights of SR were comparable with breed average. Animals were highly prolific with 1.43 services per conception showing 60% conception rate. The mortality rate was high in goat kids (28.73%) than that of lambs (19.22%). The major hindrances in SR productivity enhancementidentified were feed shortage, inadequate animal health care and lack of proper marketing system.