Small ruminant feeding systems in semi-arid land of Punjab, Pakistan: status and prospectus for improvement

Abstract

from 0.5 to 2 ha). The second group (B, 34%) was defined as livestock farmers raising either pigs in a very integrated MFS, with use of byproducts from crops or cattle raising (combined or not with the SR and optimizing the use of natural resources). The 3 rd group (C, 54%) was composed of SR breeders (as the main activity), divided according to grazing pasture area: the small unit using less than 15 ha; the large unit using more that 40ha and the ones using the public natural areas (67 to 402 ha). The proportion of species cultivated as food are higher in A than in C: 73 vs. 55%. While the proportion of feeds that are forage species are 30, 36 and 42%, respectively. The different links between activities (crop and livestock) are explained in relation to the farm conditions but also according to the natural environment. The index of sustainability appeared to be better for the groups exploiting crops as in the A group or the MFS ''pig'' ones (with the use of by-products for feeding animals and herbs for health control). Conclusion In the fields of SR production, improving the reproductive performances of the SR, increasing the use of silvopastoral resources, and organising the milk and meat sectors are recommended. The importance of MFS for the future, the interest of local resources and non conventional practices of feeding and health control of the animals are highlighted for reaching sustainable production. This Cuban experience of SAP in the case of SR production could be shared with other farmers of the Caribbean.

Small Ruminant Production Systems: Status and Prospectus for Improvement in Potohar Region of Pakistan

“…In loose housing system with mud construction, drainage was based on floor slope rather than special provision for drainage. In house facilities varied with the socioeconomic status of farmers of Asia and Africa (Fikru andGebeyew, 2015 andAhmad et. al., 2010).…”

“…The live weight of kid was significantly higher after two months of age. However, the gain in body weight was non-significant from birth to 3 months of age in kids whereas, the weight gain differed significantly between 0 to 1 and 1 to 2 months of age in lambs (Ahmad et. al., 2010).…”

“…In Pakistan, a mix of different feeding and management systems has been in practice in different areas. The choice of feeding system depends on various factors including availability of rangelands, grazing areas, and season of the year (Ahmad et. al., 2010andDukuet.…”

“…The sporadic information available on the production systems in the country reported by Ahmad et. al.,(2010) indicates that despite different problems, the Potoharplateau is best suited for SR production.…”

Livestock farming systems and conditions of sustainability in Cuba, the case of small ruminant production

“…The main statements of SAP (Funes-Monzote et al, 2009) are to reduce the environmental impact, to increase the use of local resources (food, feeds, herbs and genotypes) and to promote an integrated approach of the production system (mixed farming system, MFS). Thus, the Cuban experience could be shared with other tropical regions.…”