Animal husbandry practices at high altitude (> 6000 feet) in Kumaon region of Uttrakhand, India

The present survey for animal rearing practices in selected villages of Nainital district- Uttrakhand was conducted in the year 2004-2006. A total of 300 respondents were included in the study and information about the existing feeding, breeding, management, housing, health care, milking and morbidity-mortality pattern of livestock were documented.

 

Survey indicates that farmers in the study area are totally dependent on the locally available feeding resources like oak tree leaves and unclassified grasses self grown in the forest area for feeding of their animals round the year. Breeding of animals is mainly through natural service with available bulls due to poor facility of artificial insemination (A.I.). Deficiency of quality feed and fodder, poor conception rate of A. I.  (where facility is available), prolonged age at first calving (4-6 years), unhygienic housing/ resting place of animals, poor disease management system, little knowledge about vaccination of livestock and high morbidity and mortality in livestock have been identified as the major constraints in animal husbandry sector in the study area.

 

The development and introduction of scientific animal health package and practices are necessary for small and marginal farmers. It is perceived that the identified problems can be improved by providing (i) quality feed and fodder to animals (more nutritious feed and fodder throughout the year, (ii) sound health and management practices (good housing , deworming, vaccination and iii) more suitable animal for hill regions (breeding of animals for improve health and productivity).

Key words: animal husbandry practices, hill farming, small farmers

Introduction

Livestock development is one of the top priorities in the development agenda of newly created Uttrakhand state and dairying has been considered as one of the important dimensions. Crossbred cattle are less than two per cent of the total cattle population in Uttrakhand (SHERPA 1997), which indicates that majority are non-descriptive or local population of livestock. These evidentely reveal the reason for limited success of institutional policies geared towards promotion of crossbreeding programme (Singh and Sharma 1990). Private dairy farms started with improved breeds of cows failed in the mid-hills due to lack of quality feed and proper health services. Shortage of feed and fodder is estimated to be 65 per cent (Dhar 1997) and magnitude of the problem varies from zone to zone. Similarly, experience has shown that animal health problems are closely linked to nutrition and breed. Shortage of quality feed has been found to affect animal health adversely as nutritional stress contributes significantly to their susceptibility to diseases. Improved breeds are more susceptible to many diseases, probably due to nutritional and climatic stress. Parasitism has been considered as single most entity for morbidity in livestock in hill region (Jithendran 1998).  Among all the land related activities in mountain and hill farming system, dairying indeed is a cream activity with a lot of potential for socio economic development of the marginal farmers. Majority of hill farmers are small holders and they depend on the diversification of agriculture to reduce risks and derive economic benefits from the limited resources they possess. Dairying is one of the most important dimensions of diversified agriculture. This is thought to be the most attractive economic activity for the small land holders in the hilly regions of Uttrakhand.

 

The extension machinery has to be an ideal bridge between the research / development institutions and the beneficiaries. At the moment, lack of efficient extension mechanism is a big constraint coming in the way of livestock management especially at high altitude. An effective extension setup, well equipped with know-how and solid infrastructural back up is required to cater the local needs of the farmers of high altitude. With this background, the present study on documentation of animal husbandry in this region has been carried out.

 

Material and methods

Location and extension

 

Uttrakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000, which was carved out from Uttar Pradesh. It occupies 17.3% of India’s total land, with an area of 51,125 sq km and a population of about 6.0 million (94.4 per sq km). This state lies between 28^o 53' 24''~31^o 27' 50'' N and 77^o 34' 27''~81^o 02' 22'' E. Of its total geographical area, about 47 325 sq km is covered by mountains, while 3800 sq km is Tarai plains. The total snow covered area of its mountainous region is 7,632 sq km, with an elevation of over 4000 m. The mid Himalayan region (at a height of 1000 to 3500 m) is found with many high mountain peaks, fertile lands, meadows, Mountain Rivers and streams, and charming valleys. The Tarai plains are 150 km long and 40 km wide, andis are about 230 m above sea level. The entire region is geographically important and is comprised of the two distinct landscapes, i.e., the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas.

 

Methodology

 

A study on animal husbandry system of Uttrakhand Himalaya requires a wide range of data (primary and secondary). Observations of the study area on account of animal husbandry system through wide field investigations have been incorporated in this study. Present study was conducted in the Nainital District with a cluster of 8 villages of Kumaon region. On the basis of secondary information a pilot survey was conducted. Four villages (2 developed and 2 underdeveloped) were selected on the basis of high population of animal for collection of data on animal health management practices. A questionaire was developed on feeding, breeding, management, housing, health care, milking and morbidity –mortality pattern of animals. Frequency and percentage for each parameter was taken into account for assessment of the scientific management practices in the area. The total number of respondents was 300 dairy farmers.

 

Results and discussion

Feeding practices

 

Observations made in the study revealed that farmers in hilly region are totally dependant on the locally available feed resources like oak tree leaves, unclassified grasses grown in the forest area for the feeding of their animals round the year (Table 1).  

Farmers offer oak tree leaves and grasses to animal without chaffing, Rusten and Gold (1991) also reported that a more viable alternative is to improve the management of tree resources and to increase their productivity.  Misri and Dev (1997) have listed 84 trees and 40 shrubs as a potential source of fodder for the livestock in the region. . Very few farmers (14%) arranges wheat straw for crossbred cattle and high yielding buffaloes and only 24 percent farmers offered salt and mineral mixture to  their animals due to unawareness. Concentrate mixture, made at home is being given only to lactating animals and bullocks but not to unproductive animals. Stall feeding is common for buffaloes round the year but for cattle some time grazing in the forest area and orchard is also practiced, Neupane (1994) also reported that stall-feeding of buffaloes has become the norm in the village. Hay is the only method for fodder conservation for feeding of animals in the lean period. Only large farmers cultivate barley and oat as green fodder. Singh (1996) also reported that nearly 56% of the total dry fodder derivable from cropland is contributed by two millet crops: finger millet and the barnyard millet  in Kumaon Himalayas. Further, in the high altitude majority of the farmers are dependent on natural resources for their animal husbandry occupations because of lack of irrigation facilities, topography of the regions, small size land holding. Scarcity of feed and fodder, lack of knowledge about preservation, lack of road and other transport facility etc seem to be the major constraints for adapting animal husbandry as a main occupation. Giri (1990) also reported that in Nepal as a whole, agricultural residue makes up 36 per cent of the total fodder supply. The fact that ruminants are underfed has resulted in their late maturity, high mortality, poor lifetime performance, and infertility in cattle and buffaloes (Sherchand and Pradhan 1997).

 

Breeding practices

 

Artificial insemination facilities are very scarce available to the farmers for upgrading their local animals in terms of productivity and resistant to diseases. Due to lack of A.I. facilities in the villages, farmers had to go for natural service in their cattle and buffaloes. Majority of farmers (77%) used natural service in buffalo and cattle due to lack of good quality semen in the region. Large farmers use A.I. in cattle and buffaloes, but due to poor conception rate of A.I. they again go to natural service by bulls reared for the draught/ agricultural work because of non availability of good breedable bulls, (only two good bulls are available in the study area reared by a NGO). Infertility and repeat breeding are the major problems particularly in crossbred cattle. Age at fist caving in local, crossbred cows and buffaloes are very long (4-6 years). Four to five lactations of cows are profitable to rear in the hilly area (Table No.2).

The goal of animal breeders in the 21^st century has been to develop animals that meet market demands, be productive under adverse climatic conditions, and be efficient in converting feed to animal products. At the same time, producers have increased milk production by improved range management, better feeding practices and health care of animals. Breeding practices prevailing in the area are vary different from plain area of the country. In fact, the white revolution programmes mostly benefited comparatively well-to-do livestock owners who happened to be in dairy areas in plains and had access to modern technology (SHERPA 1991). The majority of mountain households (rural and inaccessible with a marginal and fragile resource base) remained unaffected

 

Management practices

 

Table 3 shows that at the time of calving, farmers provide help for getting up new born calf, after that they clean their body and nose to facilitate breathing. Majority of the farmers (89%) feed colostrum (0-7 days) to newborns.

Unlike in organized dairy farms, farmers not practicing weaning system,  92 parent of farmers keep calves always with their mother. Castration of male calf is done after 6-7 years age with a very crude method which is very painful. Surprisingly majority of the farmers do not pay attention to care and management of heifers. Farmers forget that healthy heifer is a healthy mother and lack of care of heifers leads to higher age of first calving. Farmers stop pasture grazing of advance pregnant animals because they know that steep slopes are very dangerous to the animals. In the study area farmers provide extra ration, (Gur and Mustard oil) to advance pregnant animals.

 

Animal housing system

 

In the Kumaon hills animal sheds are called “Got” in local languages. Due to temperate climate of the region more then 91 percent farmers provide bedding to all animals which is mostly Pine and Oak tree leaves. Very few farmers provide ventilation and lighting facilities in the animal shed. Majority of the farmers keeping all animals in a ‘got’ which sometimes leads to fight among them and pregnant animals are injured. During the snowfall and extreme winter season farmers provide fumigation and artificial heating to animals (Table 4). 

In animal shed farmers don’t have drainage system for urine. They clean the sheds once in a week for dung and hanged bedding after one month. In most animal sheds floor is Kahcha and all animals are tied with a chain or jute rope. Only 15 percent farmers feel that sufficient space is required in the shed for their animals.   

 

Animal health care practices

 

With respect to prevention of  animal diseases, majority of farmers are not aware and only 26.66 percent farmers know about vaccinations, and 41.60 percent farmers vaccinate a few animals which are more productive and more important to them. Majority of the farmers do not know the proper time of the vaccination.  For treatment of animals majority of the farmers are dependant on local remedies (Table 5).

Farmers, especially women confidently use the local remedies. While owners of 1-2 animals are able to use and prepare herbal medicines, farmers with 5 or more animals frequently experience difficulties in using local medicines. Though they are convinced of the efficacy of local medicines, the major limitation to its wider use is the effort involved in preparation of the medicine and availability of ingredients, since many medicinal plants have become quite rare. Possible ways to make local medicines more 'accessible' to such user-groups through village-level groups (women sangthans) to make medicines on large scale, with some minimal infrastructure support. Animal health care means more than taking care of the sick or injured animals. Professional help is needed not only when things go wrong, but also to make sure that things do not go wrong. Personal care can go a long way to ensure optimum health. An old saying puts it: "The eye of the master fattens the calf".

 

Milking practices

 

In the Himalayan area, particularly in Kumaon region, milking of cow and buffalo is done by hand only. Some farmers practice full hand milking and some use stripping method of milking. At the time of milking, the hands of the milker as well as the udder of the animal and the milking utensils are seldom properly washed (Table 6).

In the Kumaon region, washing of hands and milking pails is not done during snowfall and extreme winter. Majority of the farmers allow the calf for milk-let-down and if calf not available they provide some feed and fodder for milk-let-down. Milking is done twice a day but in evenings less quantity of milk is milked as the dairy co-operative societies do not collect milk  in evening time for lack of transport facilities. Farmer’s sell their milk directly to milk dairy op-operatives and payment is done on the basis of fat percentage. There is no filtration of the milk. The milking pails which are made of wood known as lazum (Theki) are not washed properly. In most places the fermentation of milk is done in the same container which is used for milking. Farmers lack practical knowledge of proper milk hygiene measures. The problems are more serious in the remote villages. In case of liquid milk retailing the malpractice of adulterating milk by adding water is extensive and in the mountainous regions this does often occur (Nembang 1989).

 

Pattern of morbidity and mortality in animals

 

There is an urgent need for reducing the morbidity and mortality rate among domestic animals in the country with the application of improved diagnostic technology. Table 7 indictes that morbidity and mortality caused by parasitic diseases is causing heavy loss to the livestock population (Jithendran and Bhat 1999).

In last five years infectious, parasitic and respiratory diseases accounted for nearly 60 percent of all deaths in Kumaon region. These illnesses still cause more than half of all deaths. Reproductive problems, diseases, illnesses, snake bite, accidents, wild animal hazards and heamaturia emerged as the top causes of death. Despite some progress, health officials recognize the continuing serious threat posed by infectious, parasitic, and respiratory infections. Though research on developing vaccines and biological products are done in the country, still more is needed in terms of backup and access to the latest know-how. Stressing the need for developing strategies to sustain the growth of cattle population, animal husbandry is the mainstay of millions of small and marginal landowners and landless poor. Diseases are still a bottleneck in profitability of livestock sector in the region. Chauhan et al (1994) also reported that maximum loss to the dairy animals is due to bacterial diseases followed by parasitic diseases.

 

Conclusions

• In all selected villages, animal husbandry practices are very conventional in nature and most of the farmers belong to middle category based on age, family size, education, social participation, land holding, herd size, milk production, consumption, sale and income.

  
  

• It has been observed that considerable lag exists between the availability of scientific technology and adoption by the farmers. In some instances, recommended practices are not adopted or simply rejected by the farmers. For the proper implementation of such technologies there is a need for strengthening the research and extension linkages. Such efforts have been made in the past but some gaps and overlapping remained even in the technically sound states with regard to animal husbandry. Such efforts are missing in Uttrakhand in general, especially at the high altitude.

  
  

• The development of positive animal health should be a stated basic principle and long-term goal. This involves (i) sound nutrition (more nutritious feed and more natural diets), (ii) sound management practices (good housing & husbandry, more natural environment, and other aspects that reduce stress/improved well being), and (iii) genetic issues (genetic diversity and breeding for health).

  
  

• There is a need to organize extension activities through conducting demonstrations and training, on a limited scale but forceful enough to have a catalytic influence on the improvement in the knowledge of the farmers.

  
  

• Closer interaction between researchers, extension workers and farmers through participatory approaches have assumed greater mechanism for improvement of extension system by strengthening vertical linkages among components. An effective extension setup, well equipped with know-how and solid infrastructural back up is required to cater the local needs of the farmers of high altitude.

 

References

Chauhan  S K, Sharma R K and Gupta M 1994 Economic losses due to disease and constraint for dairy development in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh; Indian Journal of Animal Science, 64:61-65

 

Dhar T N 1997 In: Proceedings and Recommendations of the SHERPA Seminar on ‘Fodder Problems in the Himalayan Region of India’, 22nd –23rd December 1997 at Pashulok, Rishikesh, India

 

Giri M K 1990 `Fodder Production in Nepal: A review'. In Gatenby R M; Thapa B and Shrestha N P (editors) Livestock in the Hills of Nepal, Proceedings of the Second Livestock Workshop 1990. Nepal: Pakhribas Agricultural Centre

 

Jithendran K P 1998 Conservation of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources in the hill and Mountains of Nepal: Needs and possible strategies .In papers presented at a working seminar on Managing Agricultural Biodiversity for Sustainable Mountain Agriculture: Issues and Experiences. Held on 15-16 March 1996. Organized by LI-BIRD, Pokhara in Partnership with ICIMOD, Katmandu and IPGRRI, Katmandu

 

Jithendran K P and Bhat T K 1999 Epidemiology of Parasitizes in Dairy Animals in the North West Humid Himalayan Region of India with Particular Reference to Gastrointestinal Nematodes. Tropical Animal Health and Production, Volume 31, Number 4 / August 1999, pp. 205-214

 

Misri  B and Dev I 1997 Traditional  use of fodder trees in the Himalaya. IGFRI, Newsletter 4(1)

 

Nembang L B 1989 A report on traditional milk products in the Himalayan area. FAO Manuscript

 

Neupane A 1994 Report on the Findings on the Fodder and Dairy Industry in Dunkharka VDC, Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal. Australia: University of Western Sydney

 

Rusten E P and Gold M A 1991 Understanding an indigenous knowledge system for tree fodder via a multi method on farm research approach, Agro Forestry Systems (15): 139-165

 

Sherchand L and Pradhan S L 1997 Domestic Animal Genetic Resource Management and Utilization in Nepal. Kathmandu: Nepal Agricultural Research Council

 

SHERPA 1991 Livestock Development in the Himalayan Regions of India, Volume1. Lucknow, India: Society for Himalayan Environmental Rehabilitation and People's Action (SHERPA)

 

SHERPA 1997 Proceedings and Recommendations of SHERPA Seminar on Fodder Problems in the Himalayan Region of India; held on 22-23 December. 97 at Pashulok, Rishikesh, India

 

Singh V 1996 Draught animal power in sustainable development of mountain agriculture—A study of perspective and issues in central Himalaya, India. Unpublished MFS Report. ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development), Kathmandu, Nepal

 

Singh V and Sharma R J 1990 Forest-Livestock-Crop-human Relationships and Development of a Sustainable System: A Garhwal Himalayan Case study. In advances in forestry and Research in India, VIl.5, pp-211-245

Received 15 February 2007; Accepted 15 July 2007; Published 1 November 2007

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