Livestock Biodiversity, Socio-Economic Status, and Constraints Faced By Indigenous Cattle, and Buffalo Owners under Field Conditions in the Mahakaushal Region of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to assess the animal biodiversity, socio-economic status of livestock keepers, and the major constraints faced by them under field conditions in Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni districts, and in parts of adjoining districts, including Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Chhindwada, and Katani of the Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. Mahakaushal is a culturally rich and geographically diverse region in central India that is located in the upper or eastern reaches of the Narmada River valley in Madhya Pradesh and is bordered by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. In Madhya Pradesh, most of the animals of different species belong to the non-descript category. The state has a total of 40.63 million animals, out of which cattle and buffaloes constitute 71.49%, goat 27.23 % and the remaining 1.28 % animals include pigs, sheep and other animals.  The livestock and poultry in state are poor producers with low genetic potential. The shortage of feeds and fodders, level of livestock management, Imbalanced livestock-environment interaction and conventional animal husbandry practices prevalent in field are the major constraints that affect the livestock production in Madhya Pradesh. The socioeconomic status of rural livestock farmers was poor in Mahakaushal regions. Livestock’s in this region are usually grazed in the pasture which is called Khirka and mating normally occurs during grazing. The floors of animal houses were of Kachcha type with no proper drainage system. The population of cows and buffaloes found in the Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh is a non-descript type. Based on the survey and 20th livestock census, it was estimated that about 1.5-2.0 lakhs non-descript cattle (Mahakaushali cattle) and 0.75-1.25 lakhs non-descript Buffalo (Mahakaushali buffalo) population are present in the different areas of Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. The non-descript population of cattle and buffaloes is distinct and unique and can be registered as a new breed from this region.