(a) List out the important economic character of sheep breeds of Karnataka.
(b) What are the advantages of stall fed goat farming?
(GS3 – KAS MAINS 2015) [7+5=12 Marks]
Important Economic Characteristics of Sheep Breeds in Karnataka
Meat Production:
Breed Examples: Deccani, Bellary, and Madgyal.
Characteristics: High growth rate and meat quality, suitable for mutton production.
Wool Production:
Breed Examples: Bannur, Chikkamagalur.
Characteristics: Good quality wool, used for local textile industries.
Milk Production:
Breed Examples: Mecheri, Karnataka Local.
Characteristics: Moderate milk yield, used for local consumption and dairy products.
Adaptability:
Breed Examples: Deccani, Bellary.
Characteristics: Hardy breeds well-suited to the local climate and grazing conditions, low maintenance.
Reproductive Performance:
Breed Examples: Madgyal, Mecheri.
Characteristics: High fertility rates, good lambing percentages, and shorter lambing intervals.
Disease Resistance:
Breed Examples: Deccani, Karnataka Local.
Characteristics: Better resistance to local diseases and parasites, reducing veterinary costs.
Advantages of Stall-Fed Goat Farming
Controlled Nutrition:
Benefit: Allows precise control over the diet, leading to better health and higher productivity.
Example: Improved weight gain and milk yield due to balanced feed.
Reduced Disease Incidence:
Benefit: Limits exposure to external pathogens and parasites compared to open grazing.
Example: Fewer incidences of gastrointestinal infections and external parasites.
Higher Productivity:
Benefit: Increased milk and meat production due to optimal feeding and health management.
Example: More consistent milk yields and faster growth rates.
Efficient Space Utilization:
Benefit: Maximizes land use by housing goats in a confined space.
Example: Better use of available land and resources, especially in urban or semi-urban areas.
Waste Management:
Benefit: Easier to manage and utilize manure for composting and organic farming.
Example: Manure can be used to improve soil fertility and reduce environmental impact.
Improved Breeding Management:
Benefit: Easier to manage breeding schedules and monitor reproductive health.
Example: Better control over mating, birthing, and kid rearing.
Reduced Labor Requirements:
Benefit: Less labor-intensive compared to extensive grazing systems.
Example: Simplified feeding routines and health monitoring.
Protection from Weather:
Benefit: Shelter from extreme weather conditions, reducing stress and improving animal welfare.
Example: Less exposure to harsh climatic conditions leading to better health and productivity.
By leveraging these advantages and focusing on the economic characteristics of local sheep breeds, farmers in Karnataka can enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock operations.
