Housing management practices followed by Indigenois Khillar cattle owners

Abstract

India’s agrarian economy relies heavily on agriculture and livestock for rural livelihoods, with cattle playing a vital role in agricultural sustainability. The indigenous Khillar cattle breed, valued for its draft power, remains significant in the western regions of Maharashtra despite mechanization challenges. This study examines housing management practices of Khillar cattle owners in selected tehsils of Solapur and Sangli districts. Data were collected from 160 respondents through structured interviews. Findings revealed that housing facilities were often basic, with 56.25 per cent using kuccha sheds, 68.12 per cent having kuccha floors, and 85.00 per cent keeping cattle in undersized shelters, while 94.37 per cent maintained drainage systems and 86.25 per cent ensured adequate sunlight and only 15.00 per cent provided bedding for pregnant cattle.