Factors Determining Flock Size of Goats in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The study has examined the factors determining flock size of goat using data collected from 194 goat-keeping households in 16 villages of Hamirpur and Mahoba districts in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The flock size has been found negatively and significantly associated with land-size, perhaps due to larger landholders’ preference for large ruminants. On the other hand, the flock size is linearly associated with the availability of grazing resources. The coefficient of education of goat-farmers has been found negative. The other factors like age of goat farmers, family size, income and extent of awareness about improved goat practices have been found positive, however non-significant. The capacity building of goat-farmers is pertinent to bring a change in the goat-keepers’ attitude towards adoption of critical inputs and improved management practices. The study has observed that support services like credit, improved common grazing resources, veterinary services and marketing of goats are required for increasing flock size of goats in the region.