Adopting Goat Rearing Practices Could Benefit Rural Poor In South Punjab

APP

Multan: Cattle farmers could enhance their income by 30 to 50 per cent by adopting modern goat rearing practices, compared to conventional farming, said Livestock Deputy Director Dr Jamshaid Akhtar.

However, lack of awareness regarding modern rearing techniques remains a prevailing issue across south Punjab, he added.

Dr Jamshaid said on Sunday that the lack of knowledge among goat keepers regarding optimal fodder utilisation, nutrition, housing, ventilation and overcrowding in cattle pens.

He emphasised the necessity for cattle farmers to acquire a comprehensive understanding of scientific rearing practices which is essential for maximising earnings.

Emphasising the popularity of breeds like Makhi Cheeni, Nugri, Nagri, and Faisalabadi beetal goats in the area, Dr Akhtar stressed the necessity of embracing modern practices to maximise income potential from these breeds.

Goats play a pivotal role in addressing rural poverty and are often referred to as the ‘Cows of the Poor’ due to their ease of rearing, even by women, given their manageable size and needs, he added.

In Multan division alone, farmers oversee more than 2.5 million goats, serving as a substantial resource for meeting the daily expenses of rural South Punjab, Deputy Directorfurther stated.

Jamshaid underscored the high demand for goat meat and highlighted the significant role goats can play in meeting the nutritional needs of impoverished families, especially in terms of protein intake.

He observed that cattle farmers, unlike their poultry counterparts, often neglect record-keeping practices. He stressed the importance of maintaining records of expenses and earnings associated with animal rearing.

Jamshaid also recommended the installation of galvanised wire instead of bamboo around cattle pens to prevent goats from consuming harmful materials.

Stressing adequate space, he suggested a minimum of 6 to 10 square feet per goat in covered pens, doubling that space in open pens. DD advocated for open field grazing and suggested the government allocate land for this purpose.

Additionally, he urged investors to focus on goat rearing, highlighting the high export potential of goat meat, a commodity in significant demand.

He also highlighted alternative nutritional sources such as the leaves of ‘kekar’ trees and advised utilising silage, hay and wanda when fodder is scarce, owing to their high nutritional value.

Dr Jamshaid stressed the importance of ensuring dry flooring, adequate airflow, and ample light in animal housing to control temperature and moisture effectively.

He emphasised the need to prevent rainwater from entering goat housing and advocated for maintaining clean surroundings to prevent disease spread.

Deputy Director strongly advised cattle keepers to seek guidance from qualified veterinary professionals rather than untrained individuals to ensure proper diagnostic testing and effective treatment for their animals.