Feeding practices followed by small ruminant farmers for sustainable production systems

Abstract

Small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats, play a vital role in the livelihood security of rural households in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Feeding management is a crucial component of sustainable small ruminant production, as it directly influences animal health, productivity, and farm profitability. The present study was undertaken to assess the feeding management practices followed by small ruminant farmers across ten agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted and a total of 360 small ruminant farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested structured schedule. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents practiced semi-stall feeding (60.00%), while 27.50 per cent relied on complete grazing. Most of the farmers (56.25%) depended on community grazing lands, and all respondents protected their grazing areas, mainly through low-cost methods such as dry bushes and thorn fencing (52.50%). Although tree leaves were widely used as a feed resource (93.75%), the adoption of scientific feeding practices remained limited. Only 37.50 per cent of the farmers provided balanced rations, 36.25 per cent fed concentrates, and 22.50 per cent supplemented mineral mixtures or pregnancy rations. In terms of animal nutrition and hygiene, 77.50 per cent ensured clean drinking water, 52.50 per cent cleaned feeding troughs regularly, and 57.50 per cent stored fodder in dry and ventilated places. A positive finding was that 80.00 per cent of farmers fed colostrum to newborn lambs/kids within two hours. However, long-term feed planning was weak, as only 27.50 per cent followed seasonal fodder planning and 23.90 per cent practiced separate feeding for weak or sick animals. Strengthening extension services, improving access to balanced feed and mineral supplements and promoting fodder planning strategies are essential to enhance the sustainability and productivity of small ruminant production systems.