Comparatively, livestock is of little importance in Jaffarabad. Although the Livestock Unit density per sq. km. is among the highest in Balochistan, the ownership of Livestock Units per capita is far below the average of the whole of Balochistan. In economic terms the livestock sector may be about 12 % of the agricultural sector as drawn from annex 6.

Livestock data from the livestock censuses of 1976 and 1986 are only available in aggregated form for the whole of the former Nasirabad District. The most recent figures (1996) were taken for Nasirabad and Jaffarabad together. To arrive at a separate figure for Jaffarabad these totals were multiplied by 0.42.

The large ruminant sector provides a backbone to the villagers. They include cows / buffaloes. The use of buffaloes for dairy purpose is common in the command area of the irrigation canals where the availability of water is abundant. Cows are successfully raised in the area without fodder shortage. The area has potential for cattle farming. The "Bhaq Narri" (cow) is very popular. For the promotion of Narri breed, a cattle farm was established in Jaffarabad. The farm, known as Cattle Farm, is one of the best established farms in the country. It raises calves and distributes them among farmers at a price of Rs. 2,000 each. In the early days they were distributed for free. The oxen raised on the farm, are trained for ploughing.

The draught and transport units of livestock in the district include species like camels, horses, mules, and asses. Less use is made of cattle for draught and transport purpose in urban areas. The use of donkeys for fetching luggage and water is common in rural areas. The donkey cart is a common feature which is used for transportation of luggage and for riding.

People are fond of raising small ruminants, in particular sheep and goat. A famous kind is "Tadi". An average herd comprises seventy to hundred goats, not necessarily belonging to one household. According to the Livestock Department, the use of goat for dairy purposes is common in the rain fed area. In the command area people mostly keep cows instead of goats/sheep for dairy purposes.

The poultry sector in the district has been growing at the private sector level. There are around 40 poultry farms in the district. It is a source of income for the lower and middle class people. The poultry sector could further increase if the small & medium size farmers / cultivators are provided loans for raising poultry.

The growing of poultry in households is common in rural areas. One out of seven households in the district keeps poultry. Women are actively involved in this household poultry keeping. They look after the poultry and sell eggs / chickens in nearby markets or to middle men who deal in poultry.

Diseases in case of draught animals and large ruminants are mostly viral diseases (HS). There are two kinds of HS: Black water quarter and Anthra. Anthra is common in small ruminants. There are three kinds of parasitic diseases: liver flood, wire worm, and lung worm in large and small ruminants. Diseases like "Enterotximia", "caprice ploro phumenia", and "sheep pox" are common in small ruminants. The vaccination coverage of animals could be improved. The most common disease among poultry is "New Castle", a disease capable of killing of a large number of chickens. The attack is more likely on "farmi" (both broiler and layer) chickens than "Desi" (domestic). There is a separate Veterinary Officer for the disease control in the Dera Allah Yar, and Usta Mohammad. Mobile dispensaries are also operating.

There are a total of 23 veterinary dispensaries and three veterinary hospitals. A closer look reveals that 8 of them are not working due to lack of staff and absence of proper buildings. There are two Management Extension Officers for livestock in the district.

The Livestock Department at district level is under an Assistant Director in BPS 18. There are also three veterinary doctors in the Department: one for disease control, one for artificial insemination and one in charge of the hospital at Dera Allah Yar. The Deputy Director’s office is at D. M. Jamali.

Because of the livestock potential, NGOs and donor agencies have shown interest to support the promotion of the sector. The involved donor agencies are: International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), and Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP).

In the development of livestock in the canal command areas of Jaffarabad and Nasirabad the role of the Pat Feeder Canal Area Development Project looks promising and has been promoting livestock activities. The project earmarked a portion of funds for the livestock sectors including the delivery of extension for wide coverage to promote vaccines and disease treatments; raising of 19 dispensaries, livestock development for 150 villages, and establishment of women livestock auxiliaries. The project will extend the functioning of mobile camps.

The livestock potential in the district has not been explored. The area has potential for cattle farms. The "Zamindari Culture" (feudal / landlord-ship) exists but without a "livestock culture". The Livestock department complains of a shortage of funds. The dispensaries are in precarious conditions. Out of the 23, 8 are not working. Only two dispensaries are not mud-made (Kacha), without proper maintenance.

There is a lack of awareness amongst people for vaccination and preventive measurements.

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