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

Abstract

The present survey for animal rearing practices in selected villages of Nainital districtUttrakhand 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).