Breeding Management Practices and Reproductive Parameters of Ponies Reared by Bakarwal Population of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Bakarwals, forming the socio economically backward section of Jammu and Kashmir, rear equine species such as ponies apart from sheep and goat for their livelihood. The lack of education and awareness among this section of society has led to poor understanding of managemental practices, healthcare etc. The literature available about reproductive characteristics and breeding management practices of these indigenous ponies of Jammu and Kashmir is not significant and hence this study was undertaken to acquire reliable, well documented information about the reproductive characteristics and breeding practices. To achieve the said objective a survey was conducted in Pahalgam and Sonmarg region of Kashmir, where a total of 200 respondents were randomly selected. The significant results were obtained from the data collected by using statistical tools. Natural breeding was found to be the only method of breeding practiced and quality of horse used for breeding was non-descriptive. The data also revealed that Heat detection and pregnancy diagnosis were not done. Moreover it was noted that only 26.31% of the respondents opted for treatment of anestrus/repeaters. The average age at first estrus, oestrous cycle duration, estrus duration, age at first foaling, foaling interval and gestation period was found to be 18.68 months, 21.84days, 165.89 hours, 37.63 months, 13.89months and 337 days respectively.