20-Title: Tharparkar cattle management practices followed in rearing at western arid Rajasthan

Authors: NR Chowdhry, S Prasad, M Bhakat and Amit Singh

Source: Ruminant Science (2014)-3(1):93-98.

How to cite this manuscript: Chowdhry NR, Prasad S, Bhakat M and Singh Amit (2014). Tharparkar cattle management practices followed in rearing at western arid Rajasthan. Ruminant Science 3(1):93-98.

Abstract

Tharparkar, one of the most important cattle breed of western arid region of India, which can withstand harsh desert climatic conditions and provide livelihood security to the rural masses. A comprehensive study was conducted in three districts from western Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur), the breeding tract of Tharparkar cattle, to find out the status of their population and productivity parameters, management practices, availability of local feeds and fodder and grazing land availability. A total of 160 respondent rearing tharparkar cattle were selected randomly from 16 villages of three districts. The information was collected using structured interview schedule. Natural and indiscriminate mating of cows were dominated (67.50%) over planned mating (32.50%) with pedigree bull. Majority of cattle were kept under loose/ open housing system with stable (56.25%) followed by seasonally movable (43.75%) temporary housing structures. The grass cover of rangeland steeply declined from moderate grazing value in rainy season to near zero grazing value in summer season. The major constraint faced by the respondents includes scarcity of feed and fodder, lack of timely veterinary services, lack of pedigree bull and poor market facilities. The farmers possess enough knowledge about ITKs which is supporting them in management of animals.

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