Socio-economic importance, production systems, research and development of small ruminants in Pakistan

The present small ruminant population in Pakistan is estimated to be more than 73 million, of which Punjab province has 33.21%, Baluchistan 33.57%, Sind 18.22%, North West Frontier Province (NWFP) 12% and Northern Areas 3%. The annual growth rate of the goat population is 4.7%, compared to 1.60% of sheep and 0.78% of cattle. The goat is preferred for meat and the buffalo for milk in most parts of Pakistan. The small ruminants supply almost as much red meat as that supplied by large ruminants, and among small ruminants goats and sheep contribute 60% and 40% respectively. Goat meat production in Pakistan is increasing annually by approximately 7%. Of 4.684 million households owning small ruminants, 59% are farm or land owning, whereas 41% are non-farm or landless households. However, at the provincial level the proportion varies considerably. Flock size varies widely from less than five to over 200. There are more larger sized flocks in Baluchistan and in Northern Areas. A great majority are mixed goat and sheep flocks. Small ruminant production systems prevailing in the country are described as nomadic, transhumant, household and sedentary. However, the latter two systems are considered the same because of the similarity of management. The vast majority of small ruminants are produced under transhumant and household/sedentary systems. The transhumant flocks are usually much larger than the household/sedentary flocks. Housing for the household flocks is limited to open corrals to protect animals from predators. Breeding and management practices in vogue are discussed.