Genesis, menace and remedial measures for feral cattle: Empirical evidence from Punjab (India)

Abstract

Feral cattle problem in the country is escalating with every passing day. Evidences for their genesis, menace and remedial were collected from purposively selected dairy farmers (n-200) of Punjab. Pre-tested questionnaire cum interview schedule was used to collect the information. Qualitative data so collected were analysed descriptively. Feral cattle create nuisance and menace in every day routine (98%) besides transmitting diseases to domestic animals (81.5%). Cross-bred cattle reported as major stray cattle breed in Punjab (88%) due to their high culling rate (90.5%) owing to more reproductive problems (84%). Major reasons for abandoning cattle by dairy farmers were reproductive problems (53%) and complete cessation of milk production/senility (44.50%). Sympathy of public towards feral cows and consequently feeding them is one of the reasons for increase in population of stray cattle. They create nuisance & menace in every day routine (98%) including injuring domestic animals and human beings (73.5%), accidents, crop/property damage and transmission of diseases. Cross-bred cattle were not considered as sacred (56.5%). Gaushala (57.5%) strict laws (25%) and slaughtering (20.5%) were reported as best solutions to control stray cattle population. Government should make proper action plan to accommodate the existing feral cattle in cow shelters/gaushala besides focusing on lowering the reasons of their genesis in future.