Livestock Ziarat

Introduction

The livestock sector makes an important contribution to income and employment in Ziarat district. The important livestock species are goats, sheep, donkeys and cattle (in that order). Goats and sheep constitute the bulk of the district's total livestock units.

Results of the 1996 census of livestock are not yet available, nor does the livestock department have any estimate of its own as to the LUs and kind wise number in 1996 or a recent year. The most recent official data are provided by the Pakistan Census of Agriculture, 1990. According to this source, in 1990 the district had 10,435 sheep, 31,979 goats, 1,041 donkeys, and 577 other animals. The total LUs were 22,305. In 1996 the total number of livestock would be about five to seven percent more than 1990, as ascertained from discussion with the Livestock Departments officials, farmers and other persons in the district. The proportion of sheep is reported to be increasing, and that of goats declining, in the total livestock population.

Women play a major role in raising livestock; they are involved in preparing the feed, cleaning of shelters, medication, milk processing etc.

Cattle

Cattle are found only in small numbers in this district. In 1990 the district had 476 cattle. And the figure for 1997 would not be very different as there are no reports of any significant change in this respect after 1990.

Small Ruminants

The small ruminants - goats and sheep, account for the bulk of livestock population in the district. In 1990, there were 42,414 goats and sheep, which accounted for 96% of total livestock units in the district. In terms of LUs, goats and sheep were equal to 21,207 (LUs), while the total livestock units in the district were 22,305 in 1990.

 The existing (1997) situation in this respect is not known, but is not thought to be materially different from that in 1990. Goat and sheep keeping is gradually receiving commercial orientation. This enterprise supplements farm income, and is a good supplementary source of income to small farmers and land-less persons. Livestock also provides a welcome supplement to the diet.

Animals slaughtered

During 1993-96 a total of 8,125 animals were slaughtered in the district annually on average. Almost 98 percent of these were sheep and goats. The total number has been falling steeply since 1993-94, in this year 9,417 animals were slaughtered. The corresponding figure is 6,038 for 1995-96.

Poultry

There is a government poultry farm in the district, but it is not working presently. It had 4,732 poultry birds in 1992-93. The number fell drastically over the years till 1994-95, and thereafter the farm was closed.

Poultry at household level is very common in this area.

Women are very much involved with this activity. Eggs and chicken are sold on the local market.

Disease Control

The district has a fairly good governmental set up for livestock disease control. It has one hospital and eleven veterinary dispensaries. In 1995-96, the veterinary system treated 18,170 animals while 22,791 animals and birds were vaccinated.

The common diseases are: Lireen fluke, lung warm, wire worm, mange ticks, pneomsa. Lung worm is the most common disease, followed by wire worms, and Mange.

Veterinary Institutions

The Veterinary Institutions comprise one Civil Veterinary Hospital (CVH) located at Ziarat town and ten Civil Veterinary Dispensaries (VD) located at different places in the district; Zindra, Kawas, Kach, Spazandhi, Gog, Ahmedoon, Tangi, Kan, Tor Shera, and Panky.

Department of Livestock and Dairy Development

The Department of Livestock and Dairy Development is headed in Ziarat district by the Assistant Director Livestock Development. He is assisted by the Veterinary Officers and a staff of forty junior officials.

GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Livestock Development

The livestock sector is served both by the public and private sector. The services provided and extent of involvement of various agencies is shown below.

Conclusion and major Development Issues

No particular serious issues are found in the livestock sector. The Livestock and Dairy Development Department seems to be doing well. Its major constraint is, however, that of high cost of medicines as the livestock owners cannot afford the medicines even with a 50% subsidy. Another major problem is the lack of appropriate residential facilities for the staff. Concern has as yet not been voiced in respect of the state of veterinary hospital and dispensaries buildings, equipment, etc., but there is an obvious need of a substantial improvement of working conditions of the employees.

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