Indigenous technical knowledge used in dairying by pastoralists of Jammuand Kashmir

Abstract

The study was carried out in current Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir). Two districts, namely Rajouri & Poonch from Jammu division were selected purposively because of being the districts of highest Gujjar (transhumants primarily rearing cattle and buffaloes)population; whereas, two districts, namely Anantnag & Baramullafrom Kashmir division were selected purposively because of beingthe districts of highest Bakarwal (transhumants primarilyrearing sheep and goats) population. Sixty respondents (Gujjars)from migratory tracts of district Rajouri & Poonch from Jammudivision were selected randomly and sixty respondents(Bakarwal) from migratory tract of districts Anantnag &Baramulla from Kashmir division were selected randomly comprising a total of 120 respondents. Those pastoralists who were rearing at least 10 milch animals were selected for the study. Focus group discussion method was used for collection of data related to Indigenous Technical Knowledges (ITKs). The discussion revealed that the respondents were using ITKs primarily in breeding, feeding and health-care management practices. With regard to the induction of heat, thirty per cent of the respondents used chapatti of a mixture of Gur and ghee inthe ratio of 2:1 in wheat flour and fed to animal once a day toinduce heat. For retention of placenta, 34.17 per cent of therespondents fed extract obtained from tea leaves (Camelliasinensis) on boiling after sieving to animals. As far as ITKsregarding feeding practices are concerned 40.83 per cent of therespondents fed boiled Ber leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana) onceaday to increase milk production. The study reveals that 42.50 percent of respondents fed10-12 leaves of Katori(Xylosonalongifolium) plant to animals having diarrhoea and15.83 per cent fed fruits of bel (Aegle marmelos) to animals having diarrhoea.