PRODUCTION PRACTICES AND POTENTIALS FOR SMALL RUMINANTS IN PUNJAB PROVINCE

This study was conducted in 7 districts of the Punjab, viz. Kasaur, La khore, Sheikhupura and Toba Tek Singh (zone I) and Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh (zone II), to evaluate various prospects and li mitations regarding the production practices and potentials of small r uminants. The average costs incurred on ordinary housing, feeding, med ication and labour were higher in zone I. Contrary to that the same we re less in the districts of zone II, primarily due to the availability of more natural resources, conventional methods of feeding, treatment and lesser employment opportunities for the labour force. Similarly t he average income received by the farmers from the sale of these anima ls and their products was higher in zone I due to the demand of animal s and their products in the urban markets, increased awareness and hig h economic status of the urban masses as compared to the rural livesto ck raisers in zone II. The results obtained from the present study pro vides a useful and reliable guideline for the farmers, beginners and p olicy makers to have an idea about the running costs, and the extent o f net profit obtained from the sale of sheep, goats and their products in the respective regions.