Gujarat: Animal Husbandry | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Introduction

• Animal husbandry is a significant occupation in rural India following agriculture, playing a pivotal role in Gujarat's rural economy and contributing about 5% to the state's GSDP. According to the livestock census of 2007, Gujarat had a total livestock population of 237.94 lakh.
• Intensive Cattle Development Projects and Breeding Centres: Gujarat hosts 23 Intensive Cattle Development Projects (ICDP) along with 1,078 Breeding Centres within the state. These projects aim to enhance the quality of cattle and buffaloes.
• Intensive Poultry Development and Service Centres: The state also operates 12 Intensive Poultry Development Projects (IPDP), 5 District Poultry Extension Centres, and 85 Poultry Service Centres. These initiatives focus on the development of poultry farming in the region.
• Marine Fish Production and Export: Gujarat possesses the longest coastline in India, spanning 1600 km. It leads the nation in marine fish production, exporting 1.98 lakh tonnes of marine products valued at Rs. 2,156 crore. This underscores the state's significant contribution to the marine industry.

Overview of Animal Husbandry in Rural Areas

• Animal husbandry, an age-old occupation in rural regions, offers employment opportunities to farmers regardless of their skill levels.
• It plays a crucial role in empowering rural women by ensuring a steady income stream.
• Out of 101 lakh households in the state, 42 lakh (41.58%) are engaged in animal husbandry, with 13.60 lakh families (13.46%) falling below the poverty line (BPL).
• For these BPL families, animal husbandry serves as their primary source of income.
• Livestock production significantly contributes to Gujarat's economy, with an expected income of approximately 31,024 crore from the sector in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Impact and Growth Statistics

• The livestock and poultry populations witnessed an increase of 8.55% and 64%, respectively, based on the livestock census of 2007 compared to 2003.
• In the year 2011-12, the total milk production in Gujarat reached 101.15 lakh tons, reflecting a growth rate of 5.07% from the previous year.
• Nationally, the milk production in 2012-13 was 1324 lakh tons, showing a growth rate of 3.54% compared to the previous year.

Comparison between Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

• Agriculture often yields fluctuating and irregular income, while Animal Husbandry offers a steady and fixed income, aiding in reducing unemployment in rural areas.

Popular Livestock Breeds

• In cattle:
  • Gir
  • Kankrej
• Buffalo breeds:
  • Mahesani
  • Jafrabadi
  • Bunny
• Goat breeds:
  • Zalawadi
  • Gohilwadi
  • Mehsani
  • Kachchhi
• Sheep breeds:
  • Patanwadi
  • Marwadi

Activities of Government Department of Animal Husbandry

• In Animal Husbandry, unlike Agriculture which can have unpredictable income, the former offers a stable and assured income source, contributing significantly to reducing unemployment in rural regions. For instance, while crop yields can be affected by various factors such as weather, pests, and market fluctuations, animal products like milk, meat, and wool provide more consistent revenue streams. Various popular livestock breeds are raised for different purposes. 
• For instance, in cattle, breeds like Gir and Kankrej are known for their milk production. Buffalo breeds such as Mahesani, Jafrabadi, and Bunny are valued for their milk and meat. Goat breeds like Zalawadi, Gohilwadi, Mehsani, and Kachchhi are raised for meat and milk production. Sheep breeds like Patanwadi and Marwadi are known for their wool and meat. The Government's Department of Animal Husbandry engages in a variety of activities to support livestock development and welfare. 
• These activities include providing veterinary services and ensuring animal health, promoting cattle development for meat and dairy production, focusing on poultry development for egg and meat supply, enhancing sheep and goat rearing along with wool production, developing fodder resources for livestock nutrition, supporting dairy development for milk products, and overseeing other livestock-related initiatives. Extension units and exhibition units further aid in disseminating information, conducting training programs, and showcasing best practices in animal husbandry.

Overview of Animal Health Care and Extension Services in Gujarat

• Gujarat State Initiatives:
  • Provision of veterinary services such as mass immunization, intensive deworming, castration, artificial insemination, SHC campaign, and mobile veterinary dispensary services for 10 villages.
  • Implementation of Chief Minister's Free Animal Treatments at veterinary dispensaries and polyclinics.
  • Conducting Pashu Arogya Mela and Krishi Mahotsav to enhance animal health care and extension services.
• Centrally Sponsored Programmes:
  • National Dairy Mission, National Dairy Plan, ASCAD, FMD-CP, and Fodder Development Programmes among others significantly contribute to the animal husbandry sector.
• Coverage and Scope:
  • The 20th Livestock Census in 2017 encompassed important breedwise species such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, camel, pigs, dogs, and poultry.
  • The census data spanned 18225 villages, including those in forest areas, 248 talukas, 33 districts, 162 nagarpalikas, and 8 maha nagarpalikas.

Importance of Animal Healthcare for Economic Growth in Gujarat State

• Animal healthcare plays a crucial role in the overall economic development of Gujarat state.
• Despite the presence of several veterinary facilities, there remains a gap in providing these services to the interior villages.
• Efforts have been made to bridge this gap through initiatives like the establishment of Mobile Veterinary Dispensaries.

Current Veterinary Services in Gujarat

• Presently, Gujarat has 675 Veterinary Dispensaries, 45 Mobile Veterinary Dispensaries, 27 Branch Veterinary Dispensaries, 552 First Aid Veterinary Centers, 32 Veterinary Polyclinics, and One Biological Product Station in Gandhinagar.
• While these facilities are operational, they are not uniformly accessible in rural areas.
• To address this, 120 Mobile Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Ambulance Vans cum Veterinary Dispensaries have been established and linked with existing veterinary dispensaries.

New Initiative: Mobile Veterinary Dispensary per 10 Villages

• In 2015-16, a new scheme was introduced to establish a Mobile Veterinary Dispensary for every 10 villages.
• Under this scheme, 230 Mobile Veterinary Dispensaries were set up to provide veterinary services at the village level through mobile units, following specific routes.
• The aim is to enhance the coverage of livestock units per institution, benefiting approximately 13,771 units.

Control of Emerging Livestock and Poultry Diseases

• Current State:

  • Within the state, there are 17 Diseases Diagnostic Units, 2 Epidemiology Units, and one Foot and Mouth typing unit actively addressing emerging diseases in livestock and poultry.
  • Various diseases such as P.P.R, Brucellosis, Leptospirosis, Blue tongue in livestock, and Infectious Bursal Disease, Ranikhet, Salmonellosis in poultry pose significant challenges that require effective control measures.

• Challenges and Focus:

  • It is essential to strengthen epidemiology units at the state level by providing necessary infrastructure like equipment, manpower, and computerization.
  • Introducing suitable Centrally Sponsored schemes for sustainable animal breeding and health programs is crucial.

• Rinderpest Eradication:

  • Rinderpest, a devastating cattle plague, was successfully eradicated globally, marking a significant milestone in animal disease control.
  • India's successful eradication of Rinderpest stands as a proud achievement, showcasing the efficacy of concerted efforts, effective vaccines, and adequate resources.

Overview of Gujarat State

• Gujarat, situated in the western region of India, has effectively managed the prevention of Rinderpest disease, showcasing remarkable vigilance in project implementation.
• Rinderpest, a severe viral disease affecting livestock such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, domestic pigs, and wild ruminants, historically caused significant annual mortality in India during the early to mid-19th century.
• Since 1988, Gujarat has not reported any outbreaks of Rinderpest, a testament to the state's proactive measures at various administrative levels.
• The state covers an area of 196,024 square kilometers and boasts a substantial livestock population, including 74.23 lakh cattle and 71.40 lakh buffaloes.
• Gujarat is bordered by Maharashtra to the south, Rajasthan to the north, and Madhya Pradesh to the east, with an international border with Pakistan in the Rann of Kachchh, Banaskantha, and Patan districts.
• The state features an extensive coastline spanning nearly 1600 kilometers and is renowned for its Kankrej and Gir breeds of cattle, as well as the Surati, Mahesani, and Jafrabadi breeds of buffalo.

Prevalence of Rinderpest

• Rinderpest, known as the 'Plague of Livestock,' has historically posed a significant threat to various animals, resulting in substantial annual casualties in India during the 19th century.
• The disease primarily affects cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, domestic pigs, and wild ruminants, causing devastating losses to livestock populations.
• Gujarat's success in eradicating outbreaks of Rinderpest since 1988 highlights the state's dedication to livestock health and disease prevention.

Geographical Features and Livestock Endowment

• Gujarat's strategic location in the western part of India positions it as a critical state in terms of livestock management and disease control.
• The state's expansive coastline of almost 1600 kilometers contributes to its rich biodiversity and livestock diversity.
• Gujarat is home to prized cattle breeds such as the Kankrej and Gir, along with buffalo breeds like Surati, Mahesani, and Jafrabadi, showcasing the state's diverse livestock heritage.
• The large livestock population in Gujarat, including millions of cattle and buffaloes, underscores the state's importance in the agricultural and livestock sectors.

Livestock Development in Gujarat

Overview of Livestock Wealth in Gujarat 

• Gujarat holds a significant position in the country in terms of livestock wealth and dairy development, contributing around 5.08% to the Gross State Domestic Product.
• The state is blessed with high-yielding indigenous breeds like Gir and Kankrej cattle, and Mahesani, Jafarabadi, and Banni buffalo, known for their productivity.
• These indigenous breeds have evolved unique traits suited to specific agro-climatic conditions and were developed for their utility.

 Importance of Breed Conservation 

• Conservation of these indigenous breeds is crucial to ensure sustainable benefits for the present and future generations.
• Preservation efforts should focus on maintaining the breeds within their native environments with the collaboration of livestock owners and non-governmental organizations.
• Strategies include enhancing breed performance through selective breeding, improving feeding resources, and ensuring adequate health coverage.

Conservation and Improvement of Cattle Breeds

Maintenance of Institutional Herds

• Institutional herds at research stations, universities, state breeding farms, and bull mother farms are consistently enhanced with superior germplasm and modern tools and techniques. The success in conserving native breeds is attributed to breeders' associations and meticulous record-keeping.
• The Central Herd Registration Scheme, initiated by the central government, aims to register exceptional animals in their respective native regions. Breed-specific breeders' associations like those for Banni, Mahesani, Surti, and Jafarabadi buffalo are actively working towards the conservation of their respective breeds.
• Farmers actively participate in state milk yield competitions and the Central Herd Registration Scheme. High-yielding animals receive incentives in the form of cash prizes and certificates, fostering the conservation and enhancement of breeds in their native regions.

Scheme for Conservation and Improvement of Cattle and Buffalo

Various initiatives are in place to conserve and enhance the genetic potential of cattle and buffalo breeds.
Cattle Breeding Farms:

• Establishment and Purpose
  • The state government has set up four cattle breeding farms dedicated to Gir and Kankrej cattle breeds to amplify their genetic capabilities, particularly in milk production.
  • For instance, Junagadh Agricultural University operates a farm specifically for Gir Cattle in Junagadh. Livestock research stations across all four agricultural universities in the state also rear animals of various other breeds.
• Activities and Services
  • These government farms consistently strive for breed improvement, raising bulls with superior genetic potentials for breeding purposes.
  • Bulls reared at these establishments are supplied to state semen centers for artificial insemination (A.I.) activities and are also provided to district councils, cow shelters, and private breeders at a nominal cost of Rs.1500 for natural breeding services.
  • Additionally, these farms offer essential veterinary services such as A.I., first aid, sexual health care, castration, and vaccination to nearby villages. They also conduct extension activities like workshops, community meetings, and training sessions on animal breeding and management to educate cattle owners.

Programs and Initiatives in Animal Husbandry

• Milk Yield Competition: State-level Milk Yield Competition is conducted to identify high-yielding animals and promote scientific animal husbandry practices. Cash prizes and certificates are awarded to winners as incentives. In 2016-17, the target was 1500 competitions, with an achievement of 1534.
• Technical Training Centre: The Technical Training Centre in Morbi conducts refresher training programs on artificial insemination for livestock inspectors and field veterinarians.
• Sankalp Patra Scheme: The Department of Animal Husbandry organizes sexual health camps under the Sankalp Patra Scheme. In 2016-17, the target was 900 camps, with 664 camps conducted, treating a total of 293,733 animals.
• Interest Subsidy Scheme for 1 to 4 Animals Unit: Dairy farming serves as a vital source of supplementary income. Small farmers can acquire 1 to 4 animals according to their needs and capacities. Owners receive a 12% interest subsidy on the loan amount (based on NABARD unit cost) borrowed from banks for purchasing animals. In 2016-17, ₹100.00 lakhs were utilized for interest subsidies. During that year, 901 applications were received, out of which 406 were sanctioned for subsidies.

Overview of Poultry Production in the State

Poultry production in the state is categorized into three main types of units: backyard unorganized self-reliant units, middle-level farms, and organized units.
Let's delve into each of these categories to understand the nuances of poultry production in the state:

• Backyard Unorganized Self-Reliant Units: Backyard unorganized self-reliant units are small-scale setups where farmers maintain a few birds with minimal inputs. These units are commonly found in rural areas, particularly in tribal and backward regions.
• Middle Level Farms: Middle level farms typically start as a subsidiary occupation and require support, both physical and financial, from the government. These units are established in pre-urban, urban, and rural areas across the state. With government assistance, they evolve into commercial units over time and integrate into the organized sector.
• Organized Units: Organized units are larger in scale, housing anywhere from 5000 to 50,000 birds. They are situated in various poultry hubs throughout the state. Success in poultry farming hinges on factors like land availability, skilled human resources, expertise, and capital investment.
• Segments of Poultry Production: Poultry production can be divided into two main segments: egg production and broiler production. Let's explore these segments in detail.
• Egg Production: Egg production predominantly falls within the organized sector, employing highly scientific methods such as cage housing systems. These units house a large number of layers, ranging from 5000 to 50,000, ensuring high input and output efficiency.
• Broiler Production: The demand for poultry meat, including broiler products, is steadily increasing due to economic factors and changing consumer preferences. Broiler production is highly competitive, with only the most efficient and economically viable units surviving in the market. Units that initially focused on egg production can transition into profitable broiler production setups.

Sheep, Goat and Wool Development in Gujarat

Overview

• Sheep population in Gujarat was recorded at 17.07 lac during the livestock census of 2012.
• Over 70% of sheep and goats are raised by small/marginal farmers and landless laborers.
• Significant sheep population is concentrated in Saurashtra and North Gujarat.
• Sheep constitute about 8.47% of the total livestock population in the state, indicating ample room for growth.

Development Initiatives

• Presence of six District Extension Centers, three Intensive Sheep Development Projects, one Large Scale Sheep Breeding Farm, and two Migratory Sheep and Goat Service Centers in the state.
• These centers offer essential technical and extension services such as treatment, vaccination, drenching, dusting, and castration to sheep and goat breeders.
• Additionally, there are four Sheep Breeding Farms established in the state.
• The Gujarat Sheep and Wool Development Corporation (GSWDC) facilitates marketing services for wool and its by-products.

Example: Impact of Initiatives

• The establishment of District Extension Centers and specialized projects has notably improved the overall health and productivity of sheep and goats in Gujarat. 
• For instance, the provision of regular vaccination services has led to a decrease in disease outbreaks among livestock, thus enhancing the income and livelihoods of small-scale farmers dependent on sheep rearing.

Future Prospects

• The existing infrastructure and support mechanisms indicate a promising scope for further expansion and enhancement of sheep and wool development activities in Gujarat.
• Efforts should be directed towards increasing the efficiency of breeding programs, improving market linkages, and promoting sustainable practices within the sector to capitalize on the state's potential in this area.

Breeds of sheep 

• Patanwadi: The Patanwadi sheep are characterized by their distinctive Roman nose, brown to dark brown face and legs, low-set body, pinched hip, and pendulous abdomen. They have twisted, tubular ears of medium length and are typically polled. Flower appendages are common in this breed.
• Marwadi: Marwadi sheep resemble black-headed Persian sheep but are smaller in size with good fleece. Known for their hardy nature, Marwadi sheep are valuable for migration during drought periods.
• Dumba: Dumba sheep are known for their heavy body structure and high milk yield. They are predominantly found in Jamnagar and Rajkot districts.

Sheep Breeding Programs & Schemes

Sheep breeding farms play a crucial role in the genetic improvement and conservation of various sheep breeds. These farms implement programs and schemes to enhance the quality and productivity of sheep.
Let's delve into some key aspects:

• Breeding Objectives : Each breed of sheep has specific breeding objectives aimed at improving desirable traits such as milk yield, fleece quality, and adaptability to local conditions.
• Genetic Diversity: Maintaining genetic diversity is vital to prevent inbreeding and preserve valuable traits within sheep populations. Breeders focus on selecting breeding stock carefully to retain genetic variability.
• Health and Nutrition: Proper healthcare and nutrition programs are essential for ensuring the well-being of sheep and maximizing their productivity. Vaccination schedules, balanced diets, and disease management are integral parts of sheep farming.
• Technology Adoption: Embracing modern technologies such as artificial insemination, genetic testing, and data analytics can significantly boost breeding efficiency and overall farm productivity.

Sheep Breeding and Conservation in Gujarat

• Traditional Sheep Breeding Practices: Local breeders in Gujarat traditionally improve their sheep stock through selective breeding, drawing on their inherited knowledge.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The Department of Animal Husbandry in Gujarat has embraced selective breeding to enhance Patanwadi and Marwadi sheep breeds.
  • High-quality rams with superior genetic traits are produced at four Sheep Breeding Farms and supplied to breeders for propagation.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • A primary objective of sheep farms in Gujarat is the preservation and proliferation of pure sheep breeds.
  • Adult rams of pure breeds are disseminated to breeders at a nominal fee.
  • Breeder-farmed rams are certified for breeding purposes, and distribution and certification are managed through various Sheep Service Centers.
• Training and Support: Maldhari communities are receiving training on modern sheep breeding and rearing practices to enhance their skills.
• Goat Development: Goat population in Gujarat surpasses sheep population, with breeds like Kachchhi, Mahesani, Surati, Zhalawadi, and Gohilwadi being prominent.
• Intensive Sheep Development Projects (ISDP): ISDP plays a crucial role in advancing sheep farming practices and enhancing breed quality in the region.

Importance of Goat Farming

• Conservation & propagation of pure breeds is a primary focus of goat farms. Purebred adult bucks produced on these farms are provided to breeders at a minimal cost.
• Goats are selectively bred at the farm for rearing and breeding purposes to enhance desirable traits.
• A National Goat Demonstration unit in Morbi showcases best practices for local goat breeders.
• Goats are valuable for both meat and milk production, serving as domesticated livestock.
• Special subsidies are offered to Scheduled Caste individuals for establishing goat units under specific schemes.
• Widows and divorcees of Scheduled Tribe females receive subsidies for setting up goat units.
• Goats excel in regions with limited fodder where dairy cattle struggle to thrive, showcasing their adaptability.
• Goats can survive on types of fodder that would be insufficient for other livestock, earning them the title of the "poor man's cow."
• The economic efficiency of goats surpasses that of sheep and cattle, being 160% more cost-effective than sheep and 130% more economical than cattle with zero inputs considered.
• Goats exhibit high feed efficiency for both meat and milk production, making them a valuable asset for farmers.

Horse Development in Gujarat

Overview of Horse Breeds in Gujarat

• Kathiawadi and Marwadi are significant horse breeds in Gujarat, with Kathiawadi horses mainly in Saurashtra and Marwadi horses predominantly in North Gujarat.

Conservation Efforts

• The Animal Husbandry Department of Gujarat State is actively involved in raising awareness among horse keepers about scientific horse care.
• To preserve and propagate the valuable genetic material of Kathiawadi horses, the Department has set up a horse breeding farm in Inaj, Ta: Veraval, Dist. GirSomnath. A similar facility for the Marwadi breed is established in Chanasma, Dist. Patan.

Support Services

• Breeding and technical assistance are extended to horse keepers through 12 Stallion Service Centers across Gujarat.

Promoting Horse Welfare

• The Kathiawadi and Marwadi Horse Caretaker Association collaborates with the State Government to organize horse exhibitions and competitions, fostering a culture of appreciation and care.
• Horse shows sponsored by the government, facilitated by the Horse Society, help in identifying high-quality horses through competitions.

Donkey Development in Gujarat

Main Types of Donkeys

• Generally, two main types of domesticated donkeys are found in Gujarat: white-colored and ash-colored (Bhagra).
• Ash-colored donkeys exhibit a distinctive feature—a black strip on their back measuring around 9-10 inches. This strip runs vertically from the withers to the shoulders on both sides, extending from the neck base to the tail base. They are characterized by their short stature, long erect ears, and a black strip running along their back.
• White donkeys, on the other hand, are entirely white in color.

Physical Characteristics

• Desirable donkeys in Gujarat typically stand at a height of 10-12 hands. They have tall, large ears with a visible hollow portion from the front. Their legs are robust, thick, strong, and proportionally long.

Cultural Significance

• Annually, a renowned fair takes place at 'Vautha' in Dholka Taluka, Gujarat, known for the sale of donkeys and featuring donkey race competitions.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry has established a donkey breeding farm in Chanasma, District Patan, with the aim of producing purebred white donkeys.

Importance of Camels in Desert Ecosystem

Camels play a crucial role in the desert ecosystem, possessing unique qualities that set them apart from other domesticated animals in hot and arid environments.

Role of Camels in Indian Dry Land Farming Systems

• Camels are essential in Indian dry land farming, serving as a primary source of power for both transportation and agricultural activities.

Resources Provided by Camels
Camels offer various valuable resources to societies, including:

• Milk: Camels provide nutritious milk that is a staple in some communities.
• Hair: Camel hair is used in textiles and other products.
• Hide: The hide of camels is utilized in crafting leather goods.
• Manure: Camel dung is an important source of fuel and fertilizer.
• Bones: Camel bones have various applications, such as in traditional medicine or crafting tools.
• Meat: Camel meat is consumed in many regions and is a valuable source of protein.

Camels' ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions and provide these resources makes them indispensable to the communities relying on them.

Camel Breeds in Gujarat

• Kachhchhi Camel: Gujarat is known for its prized Kachhchhi camel breed, which is ancient and esteemed. These camels are slender compared to the Bikaneri breed, sporting a light brown body coat. They have a slender neck, a small mouth with closely set small ears, and striking eyes. Kachhchhi camels excel as milk producers and can pull weights of up to 1600 kg at a speed of 5 km/hour. They operate with an energy range of 0.75 to 1.32 HP. To pull loads weighing 1.4 to 1.8 metric tons for four hours daily, they require dry matter equivalent to 1.8 to 2.00% of their body weight. The state of Gujarat houses a camel breeding farm in Dhori, Kachchh District, dedicated to conserving and proliferating the Kachhchhi breed.
• Kharai Camel: Apart from the Kachhchhi camels, Gujarat is also home to the Kharai camel breed, a recent addition registered by NBGAR, Karnal. Kharai camels exhibit adaptability to the dual ecosystem of the Kachchh region, thriving in both sea water and desert terrain. These camels are even capable of swimming. They feature a body coat predominantly mixed with brown, white (charvo), and dark black shades. With a large head, thick neck, erect ears slightly curved inward at the tips, a small and short chest pad, and longer, softer hair, Kharai camels represent a unique addition to Gujarat's camel diversity.
• Utilization and Conservation Efforts: Good quality camels from these breeds are allocated to the army, police force, and private farmers for purposes like camel carts. Conservation initiatives are actively pursued to maintain the distinctive breed characteristics of these camels. Notably, the establishment of the Camel Breeder's Association, named Kachchh Unt Ucherak Maldhari Sangathan, signifies a structured approach towards preserving and promoting camel breeds in Gujarat.