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Open Access
Dynamics of disease prevalence and Delivery ofanimal health care services with special reference toCattle in Kashmir
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2023) Sanober Rasool; Abdul Hai
Disease has a negative impact on the livestock production systems which lead to variety of consequences like decreased productivity in the livestock sector, income loss from activities that use animal resources, prevention or control costs and suboptimal use of various production potentials. Animal deaths are high, and epidemics are uncontrollable which in turn have major and unpredictably harmful effects for community‘s livelihoods. As a consequence, protecting animal welfare and delivering care is a global public benefit that needs constant commitment and investment. Hence, in order to ensure that farmers have access to high quality animal health products and services and take enough advantage of the vast opportunities available with the state's livestock resources, close monitoring of service delivery, disease monitoring systems and the development of an effective animal health delivery system is the need of the hour. So, this study was designed to gain a deeper insight into various diseases prevalent in livestock (Cattle) and analysis of the existing animal healthcare service delivery in J&K and to identify the lacunae on part of them so that it will provide a better overview to the extent to which the losses due to various diseases could be avoided. The present study was carried out in three Districts namely, District Shopian, District Ganderbal and District Baramulla based on the availability of records for data collection at respective Government livestock healthcare centers. As per the organogram of Animal Husbandry Department (J&K), the top position is occupied by Chief Animal Husbandry officer, followed by Livestock development officers, Superintendent, Incharge ABS and Disease investigation officers at district level, Block Veterinary officers at block level and Veterinary Assistant Surgeons at field level. Proportionate random sampling of 60 percent of the total population of Vets was carried out at the field level as part of the study's sampling plan. with respect to sampling plan for the livestock farmers, five Government livestock healthcare centers were randomly selected from each of the three selected districts, (one at district level, one at the block level and three from the village level) and ten livestock farmers who are availing services from each of these Government livestock healthcare centers were randomly selected for interviewing thus making a total of one hundred and fifty respondents for the study. As per the findings, general infectious diseases had the highest prevalence of 3.82 followed by gastrointestinal disorders (1.43). The overall prevalence of various diseases/disorders affecting cattle presented at Government livestock healthcare centers was found to be 8.09%. Moreover, the prevalence of diseases/disorders affecting cattle was also found to vary with age group, with the adult group having the highest prevalence (5.27%), followed by the young and the old. In terms of the seasons, summer, winter, spring and fall were observed to have the highest occurrence of diseases/disorders in cattle. Elective surgeries (teat fibrosis) were mostly performed in cattle at Government livestock healthcare centers and antibiotics were prescribed in majority with flouroquinolones being the most often prescribed single antibiotics in cattle. NSAIDS (meloxicam) were used more often in cattle for treating various diseases/disorders in cattle at Government livestock healthcare centers and the most often used non antimicrobial preparations to treat various gastrointestinal disorders in cattle were probiotics/enzymes. Among parasiticides, endectocides (macrocyclic lactones) were mostly prescribed by Veterinarians for treating different ailments in cattle and antiseptic medications were often recommended among all topically applied drugs. PGF2 analogues were the most often prescribed non antimicrobial drugs used in case of gynaecology diseases/disorders in cattle. The findings also demonstrated that balanced electrolyte solutions were frequently used to treat a variety of ailments in cattle, with the majority of electrolytes and fluids being used to treat milk fever in cows. General (Broad) supplements were the most widely used supplemental preparations in the livestock sector. Over a period of 2020–21, artificial inseminations were mostly done in young cattle aged less than four years in mid heat condition at Government livestock healthcare centers and it was found that the total conception rate for the aforementioned year was 32.80%. During the study period, more than half of Veterinarians encountered were postgraduates with low job experience and reported that different items and amenities were not available at the Government livestock healthcare centers. Moreover, average distance travelled, total number of villages covered, average health camps conducted and average number of cases treated by a veterinarian was found to be 6.00 kms, 8.23, 7.64 and 6.26 respectively. As far as average number of cases attended by Vets is concerned, it was found that barely half of the services provided at various Government livestock healthcare centers were equivalent to the average sum of all the animal healthcare services provided by them at the farmer‘s doorstep. In terms of the availability of the various services provided by the Department of Animal Husbandry in Kashmir, it was discovered that all the animal healthcare services were easily available at various Government livestock healthcare centers with the exception of the diagnostic services, which constituted the biggest gap as reported by a sizable portion of respondents and majority of them offered these services both on center and off-center. When it came to the role performance of Vets in meeting the expectations of livestock owners, it was found that the majority of them rated their performance to be of medium level and spent near about 25%–50% of their time each month attending animals at the centers. Out of all the services, curative services were delivered more immediately within 2.90 hours in comparison to the diagnostic services which had the greatest delay. According to a significant number of respondents, the Government's provision of drugs and vaccinations to the Department of Animal Husbandry was enough, but shortage was seen in case of other essentials like tonics/fluids, ointments and mineral supplements moreover, services provided by Department of Animal Husbandry has improved since last decades as indicated by good sizeable portion of responders. As far as job satisfaction is concerned, majority of the Veterinarians had medium level of job performance and agreed to role conflict. With respect to Privatization of animal healthcare services, more than half of respondents opposed this concept. The biggest issue most Veterinarians encountered was the absence of efficient diagnostic facilities with appropriate infrastructure at Government livestock healthcare centers. The average distance a livestock farmer had to travel to get to the closest Veterinary centre in the study areas was 6.38 Km. Furthermore, a sizable portion of farmers reported that the distance to and accessibility to the Government livestock healthcare centers was very difficult for them and consulted a Veterinary doctor for the treatment of their sick animals. Clinical and supportive services were occasionally availed by majority of the farmers whereas the prophylactic/preventive services were always availed by them. General infectious diseases were found to be the most common health problem affecting cattle as perceived by majority of livestock farmers and majority of them occasionally used preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of diseases in livestock. Interestingly, livestock farmers with good percentage were willing to pay for services linked to animal healthcare. As revealed from the findings, a negative gap score of the SERVAQUAL model indicated that the farmers were not satisfied with the quality of the services being provided. Their expectations did not match their actual experiences and they demand more than what is offered to them by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Kashmir. Furthermore, indicators of fertility were the area where livestock farmers thought the training was necessary. The results also showed that the biggest obstacle most livestock owners faced while availing animal healthcare services was the lack of inputs followed by difficulty in accessing animal healthcare services during emergency.
Open Access
Scenario of Wool Industry in Kashmir Valley
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2023) Namera Thahaby; Bhat, Abdul Hai
For the growth of civilization, the development of industry, and the colonization of new territories sheep have always played a vital role.The discoveries of early man made the anthropologists believe that the challenge to survival was the basic factor that led to the use of wool. The present study is an attempt to identify the problems and the potentials of wool industry and thereby suggest some measures that would resolve the problems of wool industry of Kashmir.The population of the study covered all stakeholders engaged in wool industry. This study involved an analysis of the supply chain in the wool industry by focusing on the producer, processors and consumers. For this four districts of Kashmir Valley were taken. As the hub of processing facilities is found in Srinagar area so the district was chosen. For consumers all the four districts were taken. Different sampling plan/data collection strategies are formulated to fulfill the set of objectives. The average production of small, medium and large producers was 83, 139, 259 Kg.The majority of producers were having cross bred merino breed.The preference of producers was for both wool & mutton.The majority of producers were shearing their sheep after 6 months. The average months of shearing was february & october.The average shearing cost was Rs 1232,1960 & 2911.The average income of the producers were Rs 3207, 3211,3240.The shoddy spinning plant was buying local wool and the average cost of buying local wool Rs 36.66.The merino wool costs from moderna companies were Rs 195/kg wool. The Altman Z score model revealed that the company was not performing well as it was in the grey zone. Regarding about the marketing of wool it was revealed in Kashmir region marketing channel involved a number of channels & not just a single channel.The marketing channels are limited to producers, middlemens,Wholesellers & processor.The most important channel was Channel-I, Producers-Middlemans-Amritsar.The most important mode of sale for the year 2021 in channel-I.The producers suffered a loss for the year 2021,Whereas Middlemans had higher market margins compared to the producer.The net price was found to be more in channel-II followed by channel III.The producers share in consumers rupee was highest in channel-II.Price off/sale was the most important scheme influenced decision making while buying.Regarding about the constraints faced in woollen sector, lack of shearing facility was the most important technical constraint in Baramulla & Pulwama districts. Again lack of proper guidance of experts was the most important technical constraint in Ganderbal district.Lack of district marketing organizations was most important constraint in Baramulla district.Lack of processing facility was the most important infrastructural constraint in Ganderbal district.Lack of wool Mandis was an important constraint in Pulwama district.The woollen quality was the most important priority among consumers while buying.The most important mode of advertisement while buying is internet. The woolen industry in Kashmir is unorganized in nature & lacking basic institutional effectiveness. Lack of processing facilities forces the wool to other states for finishing which in turn is again sold to higher prices in Kashmir. The wools marketing for actors are non competitive due to existence of weal oligopolistic market.
Open Access
Consumption behaviour towards meat and meat products among the households in Srinagar city
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2020) Niha Ayman; Hamdani, S.A.
Consumption behaviour of meat and its products is one of the deciding factors in the development of concerned livestock sector. A range of economic, cultural, social and personal factors determine the consumer behaviour. Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu &Kashmir has a human population of diverse socio-economic background and has maximum urbanization in the region. As such it provided the ideal situation for the present study with no previous attempt made by anyone in this regard. The present study was carried out in all thirty-five (35) administrative wards of Srinagar city. Seven meat consuming households were randomly selected from each ward making a total of two hundred and forty-five (245) respondent families in all. Variables based on different aspects of consumption behaviour towards meat and meat products were incorporated into the questionnaire developed for the present study. The results obtained were analysed in light of the objectives laid for the study after use of proper statistical procedures. The major findings of the study reveal that majority of the households were nuclear families with most of them having business as their main occupation and average annual income of Rs.409665.30.Among the different varieties of meat, mutton was the most preferred with an average monthly consumption of 6.20kg followed by broiler with average 7.06 kg monthly consumption per household. Habituation for mutton and affordability for chicken turned out to be major reasons for such selective preference. Layer chicken was the least preferred meat among the lot while Carabeef were also consumed by a lesser portion of population (39.49%) due to the existing family tradition of non-consumption of these meats. Interestingly, chevon was also consumed by only about half of the households and its lesser market availability along family tradition were the major reasons for its non-consumption. With regard to meat consumption on specific weekdays or seasons, no such preference was observed for the majority of the households that all invariably purchased meat from local retail shops with an average monthly expenditure of Rs 3099.49 for mutton, Rs 1059.49 for chicken and Rs 280.26 for Carabeef, a trend on rise for last 10 years. Most of the offal consuming households preferred to have red offals once in a month while grey and dark offals were rarely preferred making it a non-routine affair. As far as the consumption of cooked meat varieties are concerned, the braised meat was most preferred followed by the stewed meat while a very less portion of people preferred the processed/packaged meat at household level. The results of the study also reveal that majority of respondents consume meat only sometimes and not regularly outside their household under commercial setup like eateries and restaurants. Colour and taste turned out to be most preferred sensory qualities with respect to consumption of meat and meat products respectively while aversion was found highest for fat marbling. Majority of households could always assess the spoilage in meat/meat products by use of senses while for adulteration they could never assess the same and had a reduced consumption of meat during the disease outbreaks in affected species. A satisfying feature with consumption of meat was that majority of people adopt hygienic meat handling practices especially the personal hygiene while only half of the households were aware with the facts about licensing and inspection of meat sold by retailers in the markets of Srinagar. Chilling turned out to be most followed scientific meat storage practice with a comparatively higher level of awareness among the households. Among the various socio-economic variables family income was found to be most influential factor on overall meat consumption behaviour in Srinagar city, thus regular supply of different types of meat should be ensured to check the drastic fluctuations in rates and their availability.
Open Access
Epidemiological Factors Influencing Dog Bites and Occurrence of Rabies in Human Population of Srinagar
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2020) Thahaby, Namera; Akand, Afzal Hoque
About all those diseases that attack human’s rabies is an example of the best known. Its exclusive infamy is unusual when assessed on its influence medially; on the human society.The present study was carried in Srinagar district. Diverse sampling plan / data collection strategy were formulated to fulfill the set of objectives. Epidemiological pattern and occurrence of dog bites was collected from the secondary information. As all such cases are shouldered by the most reputed and super specialist hospital in the Valley i.e. Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital, the information recorded for such cases were collected from this institute. Regarding perception of people interview schedule was formulated. As per Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the city is divided into two divisions; four zones and 34 wards. To exploit the diversity of population response, all the four zones were considered for the present investigation. Further the major factors associated with increased dog population two sources i.e. primary and secondary sources had been utilized for identifying the likely factors responsible for increased dog population. These factors primarily incorporated garbage management, specific control measures for dog population by stakeholders and perception of people. Secondary source includes Srinagar Municipal Corporation, for collecting the relevant information.The Majority, (74.27%) victims were males. Most (26.68%) of them belonged to 30-40 year old group. The majority, (76.11%) of the cases were reported in the same day. Utmost cases were bitten at evening (62.90%) and had also reported (50.83%) at the same time. The majority, (56.60%) had bites on legs.Majority males (78.94%) had bites on face and females (30.93%) had bites on hands, arms and shoulders. Majority (70.16%) had category 3 bites. West zone had recorded (28.95%) the highest number of cases. The summer season had also recorded (29.30%) the highest number of cases. Regarding knowledge of non victimized people it was seen they were aware, but they lacked a complete perception of rabies. The greater parts of respondents had heard of rabies and were awake of its spread through dog bites; however they lacked the information about the other animals transmitting rabies. This faction has enhanced communication and information regarding what is happening in their dwelling, counting dog bites as well. Bite was being mentioned by most of the respondents as a means of transmission but only some of the respondents mentioned scratches and licking as the method of transmission. This could be due to lack of complete acuity of the disease rabies.In our community rabies is well-known as mad dog (halkaer houn) which is allied through aggression. Aggression was thus known by most of the respondents which is in stroke amid the verity that furious form of rabies is widespread in animals.Regarding about the treatment, the majority were aware that the SMHS hospital provides vaccines and the respondents didn’t choose any traditional methods.Some respondents knew about the need of prompt washing of the wound by water and soap. Victims would seek medical attention, potentially due to fear of rabies.The good level of knowledge amongst the non-victims may be due to numerous reports of dog’s bites in Srinagar plus they were more educated.In case of victimized people less had learned of rabies and its transmission showing that rabies information and education is necessary for Srinagar. The maximum menace of rabies is probable to fall on mainly the susceptible sectors of society, particularly poor members with slight or no proper education.Furthermore the attitude of the non victimized and victimized people were positive. Regarding about the major factors associated with increased dog population the respondents, both (Common people and commercial establishment) believed that open garbage dumps are a public health barrier in the area and they commence to stray dog proliferation. Even if the SMC is working meticulously in the field to guarantee incorporated and scientific solid waste management, yet the method needs proper segregation of waste.Till date around 2,000 sterilizations were conducted and also around 2,000 stray dogs were administered the anti-rabies vaccine however this is too less in comparison with the total population of dogs and still the ballot of dogs from the particular zones of Srinagar is deficient. The thriving population of dogs has made them convinced to attack people, extra swiftly than earlier. Whenever such animals appear to live in big crowds, they manage to go violent. Population explosion, as is implying noticed in case of dogs in Srinagar, generates competition and they manage to be extra violent and this ferocity can increase in the future years. In termination, the decisions of this study showed that dog bites remain a very important problem in Srinagar area and elimination of stray dogs, as well as educational programs, should be well organized.
Open Access
Effect of Natural Disaster on Livestock Production System: A case of Floods of 2014 in J&K state
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2018) Sanober Rasool; Hamdani, S.A
India is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world, affecting overall 85% of Indian land and more than fifty million people. There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters that has posed a threat not only to the people but to Livestock as well. Livestock in particular have remained highly vulnerable to almost all sorts of natural disasters but the most frequent and vulnerable of all types is the occurrence of flood. Recently the State of Jammu and Kashmir was hit by severe floods in year 2014 which left a great impact on the people as well on the livestock. Since meager work has been done to study the impact of these floods on the livestock sector of the region, the present study was purposively designed and carried out in three flood affected districts of Kashmir Division viz Pulwama in south, Srinagar in central and Bandipora in north of Kashmir based on the maximum inundation levels reported from these areas. From each selected districts, two flood affected blocks and four affected villages per block were selected purposively and finally from each selected village ten affected livestock farmers were randomly selected. Thus a total of two hundred and forty respondents were selected for questioning for the study. Variables based on different aspects were selected based on questionnaire developed to study the impact of flood. The major findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents belonged to middle age group of 41-60 years, were mostly males, illiterate, having low income and most of them had least exposure to mass media sources with low extension contact. The results also depicted that there was a loss of 1-3 cattle/buffalo per household during the floods of 2014 with maximum herd loss of Cattle/buffalo reported from Pulwama District (42-82%). On an average there was a loss of 5 backyard poultry birds per household in each respective district with maximum loss reported from Bandipora District. With respect to small ruminants, there was an average loss of two sheep/goat per household with highest flock loss reported from Bandipora district. Majority of the animal houses (50.00%) were completely damaged during the floods of 2014 with the highest percentage (60.00%) of damaged animal houses in Srinagar District. Half of the respondents (50.42%) perceived that the scarcity of feed and fodder was severe in case of concentrates. Similarly with regard to drinking water it was high to such an extent that animals had to drink flood water (94.58%) during that particular period. Artificial Insemination turned out to be the major breeding practice in livestock rearing both pre and post flood period with a slight increase of 10.41% post floods. Diarrhoea/dysentery/poor body conditions were perceived to be the major health problems faced in animals during the floods of 2014 with majority of the diseased animals being treated at homes by Veterinarians (49.58%). A major good number of respondents (70.42%) vaccinated their animals within a span of less than one month post floods. The findings also revealed that Pulwama District had the sharpest dip in average milk yield (12.22±3.59 to 6.63±4.75) and average milk sold (303.56± 101.46 to 151.12± 117.37) per household (kg) during the floods of 2014. Most of the animal carcasses (42.92%) were washed off with the gushing force of water and very little role was played by Government and municipal agencies (7.50%) in disposing off the remaining dead carcasses. The findings also showed that the application of indigenous knowledge in the face of hazards and other threats was almost getting diminished as majority of respondents (30.41%) of the study didn’t rely on the traditional warning practices/indicators for predicting disaster like floods. Careful selection of building materials was one of the preventive measures taken in advance to reduce the impact of flood by most of the livestock owners. The findings also revealed that none of the respondents had insured their livestock both pre and post floods of 2014. Regarding the reception of information on livestock disaster management, providing services and inputs during that turmoil, a major good number of respondents (74.58%) of the study showed dissatisfaction towards various Government agencies. About (62.92%) respondents didn’t receive the inputs/services offered by Government agencies during the floods. Non availability of proper transport to shift the animals and non availability of safer place for animals were the major problems faced by respondents in evacuation of animals. Most of the respondents of the study areas found scarcity of potable water as a measure risk associated with disaster and expressed their need that Government and Veterinary officials should visit the affected villages during disasters. Further none of the respondents received any pre/post disaster trainings from any organizations/department. The socio personal variables like education, income, herd size and mass media exposure were having positive correlation with level of preparedness of livestock owners to meet any kind of disaster. Findings of the study also revealed that socioeconomic status of livestock farmers had a profound effect on level of preparedness of respondents during the floods of 2014. The preparedness, response and recovery mechanisms were not adequate, thus making the condition aggravated causing maximum casualty of animals and huge economic losses to livestock farmers. It could be sensed that animal houses should be built on modern prone scientific lines along with establishment of common shelter houses at village/block level to face any disaster. Voluntary organizations, NGO’s need to be mobilized to overcome the scarcity of manpower for risk service delivery during disasters and livestock insurance need to be enhanced, trainings related to disaster management should be given to livestock farmers for better coping with similar situations. Moreover a development of livestock risk forecasting system and disseminating the information to livestock farmers on livestock disaster management should be given utmost importance.
Open Access
Dairy Production System – A comparative study between members and non-members of dairy cooperative societies in Kashmir valley
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2019) Darkshan Altaf; Akand, Afzal Haq
India is an agricultural country and animal husbandry is integral part of rural economy. About 50 % of the rural population depends upon animal husbandry. Among all animal husbandry products milk is highly valuable nutrition providing product. Dairy farming forms the crucial component of rural economy as it has potential in generating income and providing employment through augmenting the production of dairy animals. The changing dietary pattern has shifted the consumer’s basket towards highly valuable product milk. Since the supply has to be kept in pace with affordability and availability. Increase in the production of milk especially during operation flood plays key role for it. Dairy cooperative societies were considering the best way to address this issue. Introduction of Amul has changed the face of dairy industry by bring all producers under one roof. In J&K state on the basis of Amul pattern, Jammu Kashmir milk processing plant was established to address this issue. Present study was carried in Kashmir division of J&K. The study was carried out to study the how much the producers associated with D.C.S were influenced than others; hence the study “Dairy production system-comparative study between the member and non-members of D.C.S” was carried. Three district were selected for study purposively on the basis on highest number of D.C.S. viz Pulwama in south Kashmir, Budgam from central Kashmir and Kupwara from north Kashmir. From each district again purposively two blocks were selected one having the highest number of D.C.S for study of member and other having the lowest number of D.C.S for the study of non-member. For the study of member from each selected block eight D.C.S were selected randomly and from each D.C.S five member were selected by snowball technique, making total size of respondents for member 120. Similarly for study of non-member four villages were selected from each block randomly and ten farmers were selected from each village making the sample size of 120 for non-member too. Therefore, the total 240 respondents were selected for questioning for both member and non-member. Variables were selected on the basis of objective of study and questioner was developed to study the difference between member and non-member. The finding reveal that majority of respondents among both member and non-member belong to middle aged group (40-59years) having education qualification up to 10-12std . The extension contacts of both member and non-member though both formal and informal contact was medium and the mass media exposure of members was higher then non-member. None of the member of D.C.S were receiving extension contact from their respective D.C.S except those who were associated with JKMPCL. Majority of the respondents both among member (90.83%) and non-member (87.50%). were having agriculture/livestock rearing as their main occupation. and were falling under marginal land holding category. The heard size for both member and non-member was 1-2 however some of the member were having herd size up to 4.The feeding practices followed by member and non-member in summer and winter season was almost same , however the practice of grazing was more common in summer than winter. Most of the member and non-member were having Kaccha floor type in their sheds. Most of the member and non-member carry their animals to the nearest veterinary center for A.I, none of D.C.S were providing A.I facilities to their respective members.Regarding the marketing of milk all of the member were selling their milk to respective D.C.S. besides organized sectors member were also using unorganized sectors for sale of milk. Majority of the member (51.70%) were selling 6-10 liters of milk to their respective societies on daily basis at the rate of 27-28 Rs/liter. Majority of the non-member (62.50%) were selling their milk in the local market, usually at the rate of 27-28Rs/liter. Economics of dairy farming for both member and non-member was almost same Most of the member and non-member were receiving the input facilities like improved breed of animals, concentrates/feeds, fodder seeds and mineral mixture mainly either through government offices or through private dealers. However only those members who were associated with JKMPCL were receiving supply of feeds and mineral mixture through their respective D.C.S that too on the same rate as in market. The veterinary services like A.I, pregnancy diagnosis, treatment and vaccination were received by all members and nonmembers either through government centers or private dealers. None of the members of D.C.S were providing any veterinary services to their respective members. Marketing facilities were provided by most of D.C.S t their respective member and non-member were receiving marketing facilities through private sources respectively. Credit facilities were received by only those members who were associated with JKMPCL that too was reported mainly from budgam district. Membership of D.C.S was not found to influence gender perspective except those member of D.C.S who were associated with JKMPCL (Umeed SHG ) were only females were engaged with marketing of milk Regarding the work participation and decision making regarding various activities, males were mostly found to be engaged in the work of marketing and purchase and female have confined themselves to various house hold activates like cleaning, washing etc.
Open Access
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) used in Animal Husbandry by the Farmers of Central Kashmir
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2017) Sheikh, Shubeena; Abdul Hai
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) is the knowledge that an indigenous (local) community accumulates over generations of living in a particular environment. The indigenous practices are considered to be the holistic approach for livestock management methodologies adopted by farmers. Indigenous knowledge is imperative in keeping a healthy livestock and for economic benefits but is vulnerable to attrition if it is not recorded for storage and wider transmission. The present study was carried out in Central Kashmir that comprises of three districts namely Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam. In sampling plan two blocks per district and two villages per block were selected purposively and from each village 15 livestock respondents were selected by snowball sampling that made a total of 180 livestock farmers as respondents for the study. A wide variety of ITKs were documented in the study and after screening 19 most commonly used ITKs were selected to know the awareness, adoption and perceived effectiveness among the respondents. The findings showed that a wide variety of indigenous therapies, herbs and techniques were used by farmers of central Kashmir in different productive, curative and preventive conditions of their animals. The respondents of the study had a comparatively higher overall extent of awareness with regard to use of ITKs in comparison to their respective overall level of adoption. The district Budgam was found to have highest awareness about the ITKs followed by district Ganderbal and least for district Srinagar. Regarding the perceived effectiveness of ITKs majority of respondents on overall perceived them as low in cost, moderate in healing and moderately complex in preparation. Among the informal sources of information the family members were reported to be the main agents with whom the information regarding use of ITKs was received and transferred while among the formal sources the para-vets were major source for the same. However the overall informal extension contact was found to be moderate and the formal one as low. The mass media exposure of the farmers was low with radio being the major source of mass media to them regarding livestock related information. The linkages of the farmers with livestock related agencies were found to be lower. Lacks of availability of raw material round the year, no record of proper dosage, absence of any documented literature were the major constraints in adoption of the ITKs in livestock rearing. There is need of policy initiatives by government agencies, research and development by scientific community for validation and patenting of the indigenous formulations and more importantly integrating this precious knowledge with modern science for wider benefits.
Open Access
Awareness, Knowledge and Risks of Zoonotic Diseases among Livestock Farmers in Budgam District of Kashmir Valley
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2017) Mir, Insha; Bhat, Abdul Hai
The present study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Budgam district of Kashmir valley.320 respondents were selected randomly and interviewed with a pretested questionnaire, which contained both open and close ended questions on different aspects of zoonotic diseases, i.e., awareness, knowledge, risks etc. Majority of the respondents belong to middle age group 30-50 years (65.94%), mostly were illiterate (81.88%), monthly income of max respondents (95.94%) was < 10,000rs, farming was the main occupation(61.88%), and had their herd size up to 4 animals (96.56%). Contact with inter personal communication sources was found medium among (59.19%) respondents , participation in extension activities was low found in (99.69%), and mass media support was also found low among (92.19%). Regarding transmission of zoonotic diseases (48.13%) were aware. About (15.94%) of livestock farmers were aware of rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, bird flu, echnicoccosis and swine flu. About (15.31%) agree of the transmission of zoonotic diseases to human beings through contaminated milk, meat, egg, air, feed, or through contact with infected animals. About (37.50%) of respondents had knowledge regarding risks of zoonotic diseases from various activities related with livestock rearing. The transmission of rabies through dog bite (16.56%), need of post - exposure vaccination (9.69%) were facts taken into consideration. Also (53.44%) livestock farmers were aware of the occurrence of abortion due to brucellosis and availability of brucellosis vaccine (68.44%) has an access in their area. Only (0.94%) had suffered from zoonotic diseases in past. Safety measures were rarely practiced by livestock farmers. Awareness of occupation risks was found in (21.88%) only. (97.50%) fully agree that via drinking raw milk, meat, eggs, drinking shallow water close to canal, drink raw blood and drinking unpasteurized milk. Perception of zoonoses from various types of farm activities was found heavy by (20.63%) of the respondents. Overall knowledge level was found low to medium level categories, whereas overall risk level was medium among livestock farmers. Therefore, from the present study, it may be concluded that there is a need to create awareness and improve knowledge of livestock farmers towards zoonotic diseases for its effective containment in Budgam.
Open Access
Sustainability of Sheep Farming under Different Production Zones in Ganderbal District of Central Kashmir
(SKUAST Kashmir, 2021) Sheikh Shubeena; Hai, Prof. (Dr.) Abdul
Sustainable development has become a leading target of scientiﬁc research and policy agenda. It refers to a harmonious interplay between environmental, socio-cultural and economic factors. It is the development that meets current demands without jeopardising future generation’s ability to meet their own needs. The small ruminant sector must adopt to sustainable practices and principles in order to become more robust and competitive. The present study was carried out in Ganderbal district of Kashmir that consists of nine sheep development blocks. Ganderbal district was divided into three production zones based on the altitude. In each Zone there was presence of three sheep development blocks and from each block 40 sheep farmers were purposively selected for the study. From each Zone 120 sheep farmers were selected that made a total of 360 respondents for the study. The sustainability of the sheep farming was accessed based on the various indicators chosen for the study viz., demographic profile, grazing system, feeding system, health care facilities, genetic resources, marketing, economics and support services. Under every indicator there were certain sub-criteria or variables. Among various sub-indicators under a particular indicator most influencing sub indicator was accessed and there after among all the indicators chosen for the study most influencing indicator on the sustainability of sheep farming was evaluated. Under the various sub-indicators of demographic profile the sub-indicator imparting most influence on the sustainability was found to be “total land”. The most influencing sub-indicator on sustainability of sheep farming in case of grazing pattern and genetic resource availability was “production system followed” and “type of sheep breeds reared by farmers” in the district respectively. With regard to heath care services the sub-indicator “main diseases affecting the flock” was having more influence on the sustainability of sheep farming. As far as sub-indicators under marketing, economics and support services are concerned the major influencing sub-criteria was found to be “place of sale of animals”, “price of animals retained per annum” and “ linkage with veterinary hospitals” respectively. Among the various indicators chosen for the study the most and least influencing indicator on sustainability of sheep farming in study area was found to be “demographic profile of respondents” and “ support services availed” respectively. With regard to three production Zones of the study area most of parameters were ranking high in case of Zone-III i.e., low altitude areas except demographic profile that was having highest score in case of Zone-II and grazing system that was ranking high in case of Zone-I. The Zone-III seems to be more sustainable than other two Zones while as Zone-I needs due attention towards the improvement of major indicators regarding the sustainability of sheep farming. The major constrains faced by the farmers of study area were lack of organized market system, deficiency of feed and fodders and poor access to credit agencies. Since the demographic profile imparts a major impact on sustainability of sheep farming in the study area all the present and future sheep rearing and sheep development schemes should be oriented accordingly. Moreover a serious consideration is needed towards improving the support services regarding sheep farming in the study area.

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