Research & Development Strategies for Goat

The Proceedings of the National Workshop on

Research & Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal 27-28 September 2012

Kathmandu, Nepal

Editors Tek Bahadur Gurung Bhoj Raj Joshi Upendra M Singh Krishna Prasad Paudel Bhola Shankar Shrestha, Krishna P Rijal Doj Raj Khanal

Nepal Agricultural Research Council 2013

The Proceedings of the National Workshop On

Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal 27-28 September 2012 Kathmandu, Nepal

Editors Dr. Tek Bahadur Gurung Nepal Agricultural Research Council

Dr. Bhoj Raj Joshi National Animal Science Research Institute

Dr. Upendra M Singh National Animal Science Research Institute

Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel Heifer International Nepal

Mr. Bhola Shankar Shrestha, Animal Breeding Division

Mr. Krishna P Rijal Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office

Dr. Doj Raj Khanal Nepal Agricultural Research Council

April, 2013

Citation The Proceedings of National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal (Eds. Gurung T.B., Joshi B.R., Singh U.M., Paudel K.P., Shrestha B.S., Rijal K.P. and Khanal D.R.), NARC, Kathmandu, April 2013. (316 page)

Disclaimers Views expressed in this publication are of author(s). They do not necessarily refect the view of the organization they belong to.

Printed at: Siddartha Printing Press Kanibahal, Lalitpur

MESSAGE

I am delighted to know that the proceedings of the National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal that was organized during September 27-28, 2012 is published and available to you. In a country like ours where more than 50% of the households raise goats for their livelihoods and nutritional security, goat farming, if enhanced to commercial scale, can contribute towards the import substitution. It is known fact that there is ever growing demand of goat meat in Nepal and more specifically about 0.5 million live goats are being imported annually from the neighboring countries.

The workshop has made many important recommendations on policy and programs for commercialization of goats and entrepreneurship development among the farmers. I am sure the Ministry of Agricultural Development will consider these recommendations and make reforms where ever possible in the days to come. I believe that the technical articles in this proceedings will also be very useful for those who are directly or indirectly involved in the development of goat enterprises. I would like to thank all those who were involved in bringing out this publication. I wish all the success to all stakeholders involved in goat entrepreneurship development in the country.

Ganesh Raj Joshi, PhD Secretary, Government of Nepal

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I am very pleased to write few words in the proceedings of the “National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal”. The theme of the workshop reflects the mutual desire to share the knowledge and resources among all stakeholders in order to bring synergistic effects for import substitution of goats and goat products in Nepal. It is hoped that this proceedings will provide the required information to the policy makers, researchers, development workers, academicians, the entrepreneurs and farmers for taking appropriate strategies and interventions for successful commercialization of goat enterprises. Goat farming plays significant roles in income generation and supporting rural livelihoods with low inputs; and the popular saying of goat as a poor man’s cow holds true in our context as many small holder and landless farmers keep goats to meet their day to day needs analogous to living banking machine. It is anticipated that the strategic recommendations and deliberations made in this proceedings will be very useful for adoption in the next five to ten years for rapid development of goat farming. I hope all authors have done commendable jobs to provide the latest information about the status of goat farming, constraints and prospects for commercialization. With concerted actions of policy makers, researchers, extension workers and farmers through adoption of strategic technologies and interventions can help reduce import substitution in the country and thereby preventing huge economic losses incurred while importing goat and goat products from the neighboring countries.

April, 2013 Dil Bahadur Gurung, PhD Executive Director Nepal Agricultural Research Council

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FEW WORDS

It gives me an immense pleasure for getting the fruitful publication of the “National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal” held in September 27-28, 2012 at Gokarna, Kathmandu. This very first kind of workshop organized jointly by Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Department of Livestock Services and Heifer International,along with Project for Agricultural Commercialization and Trade (PACT), High Mountain Agribusiness and Livelihood Improvement (HIMALI) Project, High Value Agriculture Project (HVAP), Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) and Sana Kishan Bikas Bank Limited (SKBBL) as coorganizers have created tremendous positive interests among the marginal and semicommercial farmers, youths irrespective of level of education and big entrepreneurs for initiating goat farming as a viable enterprise throughout Nepal. The ultimate aim of import substitution of goat and goat meat, fulfillment of internal demand, livelihood enhancement and national economic development will be realized more effectively only through successful commercialization of goat enterprises. It is envisaged that the strategic recommendations, research and development works incorporated in the proceedings will be valuable for all policy makers, development workers and all stakeholders of goat enterprises.

Dr. Nar Bahadur Rajwar Director General Department of Livestock Services

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MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Goats are a key asset for smallholder farm households in the rural communities of Nepal. Despite their widespread distribution and great potential, earnings from goat are low. The constraints on increasing productivity and production, compounded by inaccessibility of smallholder producers to the formal market, are major reasons for stagnation of goat enterprises in Nepal. The existing goat production system is at subsistence level and there is an increasing trend of importing live goats for meat to fulfill the ever increasing demand of this commodity. Data from the past years show that imports of live goats contribute about 2 % of the total trade deficit with India annually. To address the issues of production and marketing of goats by strengthening smallholders’ stake in the value chain, Heifer International Nepal launched its project "Strengthening Smallholder Enterprises of Livestock Value Chain for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth in Nepal (SLVC)" in January 2012. One of the major objectives of this project is to reduce goat importation by 30 % by the end of the project in 2017. Heifer International Nepal actively participated at all stages of the "National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal" which became instrumental for Heifer to reaffirm developed strategies of goat value chain enterprises and also helped to strengthen functional partnership among national and regional stakeholders for research and development. The technical papers included in these proceedings are very informative and I am sure it will definitely be useful in improving goat productivity and promoting successful goat enterprisein Nepal. I am also confident and hopeful that the technical and policy level strategy recommended by this workshop will be implemented effectively not only to make Nepal self sufficient in goat production but also make it balance of goat trade. Shubh Narayan Mahato, PhD Country Director Heifer International Nepal

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The continuous support extended by the Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office of Department of Livestock Services and Heifer International Nepal deserves special thanks for their strong partnership and commitment as the organizers. Project for Agricultural Commercialization and Trade (PACT), High Mountain Agribusiness and Livelihood Improvement (HIMALI) Project, High Value Agriculture Project, (HVAP), Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) and Sana Kishan Bikas Bank Limited (SKBBL) are also greatly acknowledged for their generous contribution as co-organizers of the national workshop. Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, then Secretary for the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD), Dr. Prabhakar Pathak and Mr. Ram Prasad Pulami, Joint Secretaries from the MoAD for sparing their valuable time and energy for encouraging experts and all stakeholders to come out with concrete recommendations for commercialization of goat enterprises in developing countries like Nepal. Finally, all organizers, co-organizers, organizing committee, editorial committee members and logistic staffs are duly acknowledged for their time and dedication in organizing this national workshop and bringing out the proceedings incorporating valuable recommendations and manuscripts for the overall research and development of goat enterprises.

Organizing Committee

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS Artificial Insemination: Average Daily Gain: Central Development Region: Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office: Community based organization: Community Forestry Users Group: Communtiy Livestock Development Project: Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia: Cost of Production: Department of Livestock Services: Disadvantaged groups: District Development Committee: District Head Quarter: District Livestock Services Office: Eastern Development Region: Far-Western Development Region: Fiscal Year: Focussed group discussions: Foot and mouth disease: Free on board: Government of Nepal: Gross Domestic Product : Gram: High Mountain Agribusiness and Livelihood Improvement: High Value Agriculture Project: Hill Agriculture Research Project: Household: Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences: Leasehold forestry and livestock programme: Leasehold forestry users group: Local Initiatives for Bidiversity, Research and Development: Market information system: Medicinal and aromatic plants: Metre above sea level: Metric Tonnes: Mid-Western Development Region: Ministry of Agricultural Development: Narayani East: Narayani West: Nepal Agricultural Research Council:

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AI ADG CDR CSGPO CBO CFUGs CLDP CCPP CoP DLS DAGs DDC DHQ DLSO EDR FWDR F/Y FGD FMD FOB GON GDP gm HIMALI HVAP HARP HH IAAS LFLP LFUG LI-BIRD MIS MAP masl MT MWDR MoAD NE NW NARC

Nepal Pashmina Industry Association: Non-governmental organization: Nutrition Security Plan of Action: Project for Agricultural Commercialization and Trade: Public private partnership: Revolutions per minute: Sana Kishan Bikas Bank Limited: Sanitary and phytos-sanitary: Sheep and Goat Research Programme: Small Farmers' Co-operatives Limited: Socieconomics and Agricultural Research Policy Division: Total Goat Value Chain: Total mixed ration: Value Chain Development: Village Animal Health Worker: Village Development Committee: Western Development Region: World Trade Organization:

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NPIA NGO NSPA PACT PPP rpm SKBBL SPS SGRP SFCL SARPOD TEVC TMR VCD VAHW VDC WDR WTO

PREFACE It is pleasant to write this foreword for the proceedings of the National Workshop on "Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal", organized for 2 days in September 27-28, 2012 under the auspicious of Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Department of Livestock Services and Heifer International, and along with other partners. The goat farming is one of the ancient practices in Nepal widespread throughout the Central Himalaya and surrounding foot hills. The close association between human and goat is as old as human civilization, thus shows its significance for having privilege of progeny maintenance of goat by human for livelihood, food and nutritional security. Presently, majority of the goat farming is subsistence type and it has been estimated that at present there is a deficit of some 500 thousands heads of goat per year in Nepal. Almost all households involved in subsistence agricultural activities keeps goat as an integral part of their livelihood practices. Assuming this fact, the farmers owning 2-3 goats for livelihood if can be capacitated to rear 2 to 3 times more goats the total output may resolve the problems of present meat goat deficit in the country. However, the solution would not be that easy, therefore to sensitise the goat farmers and resolve the issues underlying on goat enterprise development, a national workshop was organized. I am privileged and honored for having the opportunity to write this preface for the proceedings and organize the workshop. It is pleasant to share that when I proposed about the theme; all concerned co-organisers agreed and applauded the idea to organize this workshop on "Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal". Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office of Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Heifer International, Project for Agricultural Commercialization and Trade (PACT), High Mountain Agribusiness and Livelihood Improvement (HIMALI) Project, High Value Agriculture Project (HVAP), Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) and Sana Kisan Bikas Bank Limited (SKBBL) including Nepal Agriculture Research Council are credited and thanked for this noble accomplishment. I express my gratitude to all organizers on behalf of Nepal Agricultural Research Council and myself. The main objectives of the workshop were as follows: • Formulate strategies and develop technologies for goat enterprise development • Identify and prioritize researchable issues • Develop partnership for research and development • Formulate strategies for goat marketing value chain in Nepal Following outputs were anticipated to achieve by the workshop: 1. Research and technological strategies for small, medium and large goat enterprises developed. 2. Sustainable goat production, marketing and value chain system recommended.

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The workshop was participated by about 150 professionals with full enthusiasms and representing policy makers, research and development workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, business persons, and media persons. Highlighting the present scenario and future projection for goat enterprise development, a total of 22 oral presentations and 15 posters were presented by scientists, technical officers, and extension and developmental agencies focusing on three thematic areas namely: commercialization of goat production, market and value chain; smallholder goat production systems and improvement. The posters attracted all participants and the presentations were appreciated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, then Secreatry Ministry of Agricultural Development, Government of Nepal. However, some of the farmer participants had difficulty in understanding the international presentation by Dr. Asutosh Sarker of International Center of Agriculture Research for Dry Areas (ICARDA) because of deliberation was in English. The ICARDA proposed to support research and development on new goat breeds and spineless cactus as fodder to animals. The other outstanding achievement of the workshop was proposal for the development of commercial 'goat hub' and mega scale goat production centers to the mid and far west development regions. The workshop was given excellent coverage by media in TV, national and FM radios and newspaper columns. The workshop ended up with outstanding success. Organizers were satisfied with the achievements of the workshop, it has successfully been able to attract and sensitize the policy makers, journalist, media, investors, private sector and farmers. Now the proceedings of the workshop representing one of the outputs is in your hand. For all efforts I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Krishna Prasad Rijal, Dr. Doj Raj Khanal, Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, Mr. Shyam Prasad Poudel and the entire members of advisory and management committee who deserve sincere gratitude and thanks for organizing successful workshop and producing this output in your hand.

Dr. Tek Bahadur Gurung Director, Livestock and Fisheries Research Nepal Agricultural Research Council Singh Durbar Plaza, Kathmandu

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Background A national workshop on "Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal"was jointly organized by Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and Heifer International at Gokarna Forest Resort during September 27-28, 2012 along with Project for Agricultural Commercialization and Trade (PACT), High Mountain Agribusiness and Livelihood Improvement (HIMALI) Project, High Value Agriculture Project (HVAP), Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LIBIRD), Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) and Sana Kisan Bikas Bank Limited (SKBBL) as co-organizers. A total of 22 oral presentations were made on three thematic areas namely: Commercialization of Goat Production, Market and Value Chain and Smallholder Goat Production Systems and Improvement besides display of 15 posters. Apart from the presentation of thematic papers, house formulated research and developmental strategies for small, medium and large goat enterprises. Furthermore, stakeholders engaged in goat research and development shared experiences and strengthened the operational network among them.

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KEY POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS Goat farming has emerged as one of the important enterprises for poverty reduction and improvement of livelihood of smallholders. Its importance is increasing as a promising vocation for addressing youth unemployment, enabling equitable profit distribution from various goat enterprises, ensuring gender equity and social justice, utilization of unused land and the productive use of remittances to goat enterprises. Having considered the predominance of smallholder goat farmers in the country and the need of their transformation into more efficient goat entrepreneurs to achieve self sufficiency and import substitution, the workshop has made the following key policy recommendations to the GON for their effective implementation. 1. Soft loans/Subsidy/incentives for farmers: Cooperative farmers, semi commercial and commercial farmers with business plan will qualify. 2. Promotional investment support plus soft loan with business scheme as collateral for graduates/technicians with relevant field. 3. Flexibility on repayment schedule based on cash flow scheme in whole value chain of the production system. 4. Appropriate legal provision for animal (goat) insurance such as micro-insurance including re-insurance mechanism. 5. Electricity and farm mechanization subsidy (e.g., TMR machine) for commercial goat farming. 6. Provision of import permit for all kinds of animal and products of animal origin in the Animal Health and Livestock Services Act. 7. Conducive taxation policy for increasing domestic production. 8. Complete exemptionof the local government taxes at the VDC, DDC and municipalities level for smooth movement and trading of live goats and goat products by amending the Local Governance Act. 9. Special support (waiver of custom duty) on transportation vehicle (specifically designed only for the transport of live animals and frozen meat), slaughtering, processing and chilling equipment. 10. Full subsidy for transportation of Pashmina from the source of origin (produced in high mountain districts) to the processing centre. 11. Leasing of land/common property resources for commercial goat enterprises in all three agro zones. 12. Amendment and enforcement of existing acts (Animal Health and Livestock Services Act, Slaughter House and Meat Inspection Act) and enactment of new acts to address issues associated with breed improvement, veterinary drug regulation and animal welfare. 13. Re-orient the present extension services (capacity and accessibility) to cater the need of commercial goat entrepreneurs. 14. Promotion of organic/specialty goat products with regulatory mechanism and branding system (e.g. Himalayan Chevon). 15. Promotional support for expansion of existing dairy and fur goat and further exploration for introduction and piloting of suitable germplasm of goat for milk and fur production. xii

STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATION I.

Strategies for Institutional Strengthening 1. Farmers' institutional development and social capital formation 1.1.

1.2. 1.3.

Institutional setup of goat producers (Local-District-Region-Central level) with emphasis on both structural and cognitive components of the social capital. Farmers' capacity enhancement by exposure visits and trainings. Encourage goat farmers' institutions in goat value chain enterprises by providing preferential treatment in availing incentive and services.

2. Capability enhancement of existing R & D System: 2.1.

Establishment of a National Goat Research Institute (NGRI) under NARC System. 2.2. Formation of National Goat Coordination Committee (NGCC) under MoAD to promote collaboration in goat research and development activities among NARC, DLS (government), non governmental organizations, financial institutions and private sectors. 2.3. Development of government owned breed-specific goat farms of elite flocks in open nucleus model in different geographic region (emphasis on upgradation or strengthening of existing farms/centers under MoAD). 2.4. Promotion of breed specific goat resource centres in PPP model (for increasing quality breeding animals from private sectors). 2.5. Creation and registration of breed societies for conservation and maintenance of specific breeds. 2.6. Development of specialized human resource (Breeding, Feeding, Health, and Business Management) by providing training, higher education and exposure visits: Breed-specific goat farms be mandated and utilized for goat training courses offering Goat Husbandry/Breeding/Nutrition/Health as elective courses in the university/technical schools. 2.7. Strengthening of national veterinary services including animal quarantine system by developing basic infrastructure; diagnostic capacity and adequate manpower to fully comply with the requirement of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. 2.8. For effective PPR control at national level, review and strengthen existing PPR vaccine production capacity for enhancing immunized population (at least 80% of goat population). 2.9. Develop capacity for enterotoxaemia vaccine production within the country. 2.10. Introduction and pilot testing of potential dairy and fur goat in NARC/DLS farms.

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II.

Strategic technical intervention for commercial/semi-commercial and smallholder goat production There is a need to identify goat production zones from the national perspective and reorient resources for the development of goat enterprises. The following strategic interventions are recommended for enhancing production and productivity:

1. Breeds Terai: Mid hills: Mountain: Fur: Note: • • •

Jamunapari, Barbari, Boer, Terai goat, Cross breed (50%) Khari (Selection), Boer, Jamunapari cross (low hills) and Barbari with local goat Sinhal and Chyangra Chyangra; research on Angora goat

Establishment of resource centres to maintain true type breeds. Need to review on existing and explore potential breed. Establish breed releasing mechanism.

2. Health • • • • • •

Ecto-and Endo-parasites control regime. Vaccination against PPR, HS, FMD and Enterotoxaemia. Enhancement of vaccine production capability. Surveillance of PPR, orf, brucellosis, goat pox and blue tongue. Investigation on abortive and respiratory diseases. Control of plant poisoning .

3. Feeding • • •

Develop technologies for utilization of agri and forest byproducts for enhancing productivity. Develop efficient feeding packagesin different eco-zones. Economic utilization of existing alpine/high altitude pastures by promotion of sedentary commercial flocks (paddocking, ranching system).

4. Management •

Develop and disseminate improved housing, sanitation, biosecurity measures.

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5. Promotion of goat value chain enterprises • • •

• • •

Promote development of collection centres, holding yards and slaughter houses in appropriate (strategic) locations. Facilitate for linking smallholders with formal goat market/trading system and processing industries. Institutionalize market information system (MIS) - collection and analysis of data and dissemination of market information on goat and goat products. Promotional investment support for product diversification (dried meat, Himalayan Chevon) /Slaughter slab as per business plan. Implementation of Meat inspection and Slaughter House Act Promotional support for packaging industry development, hide and skin and fibre.

Explanation of farm categories by flock size: 1) Terai and mid hills a. Smallholder: up to 15 breedable doe b. Semi-commercial (medium): 16-49 breedable doe c. Commercial: more than 50 breedable doe

2) High mountains: Sinhal a. Smallholder: up to 15 breedable doe b. Semi-commercial (medium): 16-49 breedable doe c. Commercial: more than 50 breedable doe

Chyangra a. Smallholder: up to 50 breedable doe b. Semi-commercial (medium): 51-100 breedable doe c. Commercial: more than 100 breedable doe NB. For cooperatives, number of breedable doe should be 250 for getting commercial status.

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POLICY DIALOGUE ON KEY STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATION FOR: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR GOAT ENTERPRISES IN NEPAL BACKGROUND To draftt and formulate key policy and strategic recommendations, several rounds of discussion meetings were held in DLS, NARC and Heifer International immediately after the national workshop at Gokarna Forest Resort during September 27-28, 2012. Key policy recommendations thus drafted were presented during January 13, 2013 to policy makers from the Ministry of Agricultural Development in the presence of all stakeholders of the national workshop. Mr. Shyam Poudyal, Program Director of Central Livestock Training Directorate, DLS made a presentation of the draft policy recommendations under the Chairmanship of Dr. Dil Bahadur Gurung, Executive Director of NARC. After his presentation, the floor was opened for discussion. Followings were the comments and suggestions: 1. Mr. UC Thakur, DDG, Department of Livestock Services (DLS) suggested giving emphasis on breeds and breeding and recommendation for introduction of suitable dairy breed. 2. Dr. BK Nirmal, Chief, NLBC, Pokhara opined to put more thrust in artificial insemination and embryo transfer for promoting dairy and meat type of goat breeds especially in Siwalik regions; control of zoonotic diseases; mechanism to establish identification and traceability of animals and manure management for promoting organic fertilizer. 3. Dr. Ram Krishna Khatiwada, DDG, Department of Livestock Services stressed on the mandatory requirement of import permit while importing germplasm of superior genetic materials, animal sera, antigens and other animal products. 4. Dr. Damodar Sedai, Regional Director of Central Development Region, emphasized on the need of farm registration for better traceability of animal diseases and animal movement. Besides, he also suggested revisiting on the categories of farm size based on animal population. 5. Dr. HK Manandhar, Director of Planning and Coordination, NARC suggested the floor to spell out the goal, status and the level of goat production after providing incentives to the farmers as 50% of the key policy recommendations are focused on providing subsidies. Furthermore, he was curious to know whether it is feasible to develop goat breed with low cholesterol. 6. Dr. Devendra Gauchan, Chief, SARPOD stressed on the need to increase investment on R & D for developing goat breeds for milk, meat and fur type. 7. Dr. SP Neopane, Executive Director, LI-BIRD, emphasized on the need of establishing elite herd in Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for both exotic

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8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

as well as indigenous breeds that ultimately will help in import substitution and export oriented production in the long run. Mr. Devendra Yadav, Chief of National Pasture and Animal Nutrition Centre suggested to focus more on the use of leased and community lands for growing forages and agricultural by-products to fulfill the nutritional demands of the goats. Dr. Keshav Premy, Program Director, Livestock Market Promotion, DLS drew the attention of the floor on promoting skin processing facility inside the country as one of the potential sectors as raw hides are exported for processing. Dr. Min Nath Poudyal, Chief, Outreach Division, NARC suggested to provide complete Package of Practices (POP) for goat farming which is one of the most economical and viable options for employing youths. Non-resident Nepali (NRN) could play significant roles in the commercialization of goat enterprises. Mr. Jalan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Sana Kishan Bikas Bank Limited expressed his commitment that about Rs. 1,50,000,0000 would be invested as loan @ 9% interest for uplifting 22,000 goat raising farmers. He further stated that Nepal Rastra Bank is positive about loan flow for aspiring goat farmers to reduce the import of 4-5 lakhs goat annually from neighbouring countries. Dr.Amar Shah, Project Director, High Mountain Agri-business and Livelihood Improvement (HIMALI) Project emphasized the need for developing location specific breeds. For example, Sirohi for mid western region. Dr. Bhoj Raj Joshi, Director, National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI) drew the attention of the audience that sheep development programs are in shadow and hence he hinted that government should equally develop sheep friendly POP. Dr. Prabhakar Pathak, Joint Secretary, MoAD (Chief Guest) thanked the organizer for formulating the draft policy recommendations and expressed his commitment for the implementation of the final recommendations. Like rinderpest eradication, road map should be prepared for the eradication of PPR with the involvement of multiple stakeholders. The zoonotic disease caused by Brucella melitensis is posing serious threat to human health and needs united efforts to control its spread to human. Mr. Jeevan Khatiwada, President of the Goat Marketing Cooperatives informed the floor that dressing percentage of Indian goat is higher than Nepalese goat as the wastage of Nepalese goat is around 40-45%. He requested for the development of suitable technologies to maximize the dressing percentage in Nepalese goat. Dr. Shubh Narayan Mahato, Country Director, Heifer International Nepal mentioned about the time bound nature of the formulated strategies and stressed on the need of research, development and non-governmental organization for the successful commercialization of goat enterprises. He also explained the floor about the current 5-years long project- Small Holder Livestock Value Chain

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(SLVC) Project doing 80% works in goat with the aim of replacing 30% import substitution of goat. 17. Dr. Nar Bahadur Rajwar (Director General, DLS) congratulated the organizers for continuously pursuing policy meets after the workshop was held three months ago. He further emphasized on the need to develop suitable Nepali breeds such as Nepali Boer, Nepali Jamunapari, and Nepali Barbari through appropriate breeding technologies. 18. Dr. Dil Bahadur Gurung, Executive Director and the Chairperson of the Policy Dialogue, thanked the presenter and the policy drafting committee. He highlighted the need for allocating about 33% weightage to policy without which superior genetic stock also cannot express their full genetic potentials. He also suggested forming breed releasing/registration committee comprising of experts from NARC, DLS and private sector.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS National Goat Development Strategies and Outcomes

1

Nar Bahadur Rajwar

Potential of Goat (Capra hircus) Enterprise in Nepal

7

Tek Bahadur Gurung

Goat Production for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth: Lessions Learned and Future Strategies Shubh N Mahato, Krishna P Paudel, Tirtha R Regmi, Prakash Karn, Neena Joshi, Keshav P Sah and Peetambar Kushwaha

12

Community-Based Small Ruminant Breeding: What Does it take to Implement? Aynalem Haile, Tadele Mirkena, Gemeda Duguma, Maria Wurzinge, Johann Solkner, Markos Tibbo, Okeyo Mwai and Barbara Rischkowsky

13

Potential and Performances of Goat Breeds and Future Breeding Strategies for Commercialization of Goat Production in Nepal Bhola Shankar Shrestha and Prakash Kumar Pokharel

14

Existing Production of Indigenous Goat Breeds and their Enhancement Potential 23

Shreeram Prasad Neopane

Fodder Management Strategies and their Challenges for Commercial Goat Production in Nepal: Potentials and Challenges 24

Ram P Ghimire

Package of Practice for Year Round Forage Production for Commercial Goat Farming in Different Agro-Ecozones Dinesh Pariyar, Kishor K Shrestha and Rudra Paudyal

42

Goat Feeds and Feeding for Different Age Groups in Different Management System Chet Raj Upreti, Devendra Yadav and Sujaya Upreti

56

Health Management of Goats in Different Production Systems of Nepal Bhoj Raj Joshi, Upendra Man Singh and Ram Pukar Thakur

64

Peste Des Petits Ruminants: Epidemiological Status and Control Approaches Adopted in Nepal Vijay Kant Jha, Damber B Singh, Kishan Chand Thakuri and Suderson P Gautam

73

Threats to Goat Enterprise from the Emerging Diseases by the Trades of Animals and their Products: Strategy to Restrict their Entry in the Country Doj Raj Khanal, Bodh Prasad Parajuli and Vijay Chandra Jha

74

Housing and Management of Goat Farming Systems in Nepal 78

Chet Raj Upreti

Models of Commercial Goat Enterprises and their Economics Rajendra Prasad Bhar and Krishna Prasad Rijal

79

Constraints and Potential of Goat and Sheep Production under Transhumance Management System in the High Mountainous Regions of Nepal 92

Luma Nidhi Pandey and Resham Gyawali

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Constraints in Goat Marketing and Strategies for improving Marketing Network and linkages Keshav Prasad Premy and Madhav Prasad Aryal

102

Accelerating Agriculture Commercialization in Nepal: Experience from PACT 114

Yogendra K Karki and Ganga Dutta Acharya

Goat Meat and Pashmina Promotion in HIMALI Project 115

Krishna Prasad Sankhi

Goat Meat Promotion through Livestock Credit Program in SKBBL Dan Bahadur Singh and Krishna Prasad Lamichhane

126

Goat Meat Value Chain in Nepal: Current Status and Key Interventions Krishna Prasad Paudel, Braj K P Shah, Kamal Raj Gautam, Shubh N Mahato, Tirtha R Regmi and Neena Joshi

133

Prospects and Constraints in Pashmina Production and Future Strategies for Pashmina Value Chain Megh R Tiwari, Prakash K Pokharel and Damodar Neupane

150

Goat Development Programme in Nepal: DLS Experience Rudra Prasad Paudel, Krishna Prasad Rijal, Shankar Pandey and Narayan Prasad Basaula

165

Socioeconomic Dimensions of Goat Farming: Strategies for R&D in Nepal Yuga Nath Ghimire, Devendra Gauchan, Megh Bahadur Nepali and Dinesh Babu Thapa Magar

176

Goat Research Initiatives at IAAS Nepal Mana Raj Kolachhapati, Nirajan Bhattarai and Naba Raj Devkota

182

Goat Production and Management by Small Holder Farmers: An Experience of Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme 190

Devendra Prasad Yadav and Prakash C Tara

Adoption of Improved Goat Management Practices through Farmers Field School Peetambar Kushwaha, Keshav Sah, Tirtha Raj Regmi and Shubh N Mahato

198

Genetic Diversity of Nepalese Goat Populations Genetic Resource Based on Microsatellite Markers 199

Neena A Gorkhali, H Jianlin and Suman K C

Enhancement of Productivity on Goats with Economical Supplementation Swoyam Prakash Shrestha, Babu Lal Kunwar, Meera Prajapati and Doj Raj Khanal

200

Clinical Investigation of Moldy Grain and Fodder Poisoning in Goat in Kathmandu Valley 205

Kedar Karki

Retrospective Analysis of Goat Disease in a Government Research Farm Narayan Paudyal, Chetman GC, Jagannath Banjade and Deokant Chaudhary

209

Therapeutic Efficacy of Various Drugs against Sarcoptic Mange in Goats Ramesh Prasad Sah, Keshab Prasad Dhungana, Yamuna Kumar Shrestha, Manoj Kumar Shah, Purna Bhadra Chapagain and Buddhi Ram Acharya

214

Constraints for Technology Adoption in Goat Farming In Nepal Megh B Nepali, Devendra Gauchan and Yuga Nath Ghimire

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221

Current Status of Goat Farming at Fattepur, Bara Ajeet Kumar Jha, M Prasad Sah and Anisur Rahman Ansari

222

Genetic Potential of Native Goat (Khari) at RARS Lumle Yamuna K Shreshtha, Manoj K Shah, Buddhi Ram Acharya, Purna B Chapagain, Keshav P Dhungana And Ramesh P Sah

229

Effect of Feeding System on Growth Performance of High Hill Goat 233

Birendra Khanal

Growth Potential of Khari Goat with Different Nutritional Management in the Eastern Hills of Nepal Ritesh P Shah, Sanjaya K Jha and Bhesh B Bhandari

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Performance of Boer Crossbred Goats in the Conventional Raising Systems in Mid-Hills of Nepal: A Research Note Dipak Adhikari, Devi P Adhikari, Ram P Ghimire, Purna R Upadhaya, Parkash K Pokharel and Dil B Gurung

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Status of Mid-Western Khari Crossbred Goat (Khari X Jamunapari): A Case of Surkhet Valley Sarose Sapkota, Prakash K Pokharel, Pankaj K Jha and Raju Kadel

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Goat an Enterprise: A Cooperative Model Shiva Hari Ghimire, Ram Prasad Ghimire, Devi Prasad Adhikari and Rudra Raj Khanal

List of Participants Group Formation for Discussion Research and Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal Workshop 2069 Workshop Programmes Policy Dialogue on “Key/Strategic Recommendations for R&D of Goat Enterprises in Nepal" General Recommendations

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261 268 272 275 279 284 285

Proceedings of the National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal- 2013

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Policy Paper

NATIONAL GOAT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND OUTCOMES Nar Bahadur RAJWAR Director General, Department of Livestock Services, Harihar Bhawan, Nepal E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Goat rearing is an important component of mixed farming system contributing significantly to the Nepalese economy. It plays a pivotal role in income and employment generation, livelihood enhancement, and food and nutrition security of the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Realizing the importance of goats at national level, Department of Livestock Services-as an apex body to look after the livestock development- has given due attention since last forty years. Several programs like goat growth axis development, passing on gift (goat), leasehold forestry and livestock development program, poverty alleviation through goat farming and ultra-poor targeted goat distribution have been implemented in various eco-zones and developmental regions of the country. This has lead to an annual increment of 3.6 percent in goat population and 3.4 percent in goat meat in the last 10 years. The average flock size of goat has increased to 1-3 to 4-5 heads and establishment of commercial farm owning 200 to 500 goats is also taking momentum. However, efforts in the past were oriented primarily towards the poor and subsistence farming system. These approaches seem inadequate to cater the ever increasing demand of goats in the county. Therefore, DLS has reoriented its program in multiple directions targeting the subsistence farming in one hand and promotion of commercialization on the other. Similarly, mobilization of community groups and cooperatives, capacity building, development of community based goat resource centers, intervention through package of practice, conservation and utilization of indigenous goat genetic resource at government farm and community level, introduction and evaluation of promising breeds in collaboration of NARC are some strategies adopted for overall goat development. The outcome anticipated to achieve are import substitution of goat and goat meat, fulfillment of internal demand, commercialization, livelihood enhancement and national economic development. This paper highlights on strategies being undertaken by DLS, anticipated outcomes and way forward for overall goat sector development in the country. Key Words: National strategies, Participatory approach, Commercialization, Instiutional Growth

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Proceedings of the National Workshop on Research and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal-2013

INTRODUCTION Goats contribute to the livelihoods of millions of rural poor in most of the developing countries of the Asia and Africa, where 95% of the world’s goat population is concentrated and also the majority of world’s poor live. Goats can efficiently survive on available shrubs and trees in adverse harsh environment in lands with low fertility where no other crops can be grown. The goat is also known as “Poor man’s cow” all over the world. Since goat can be sold at any time, it is popularly known as living bank; or live ATM. Goat is a multifunctional animal and plays a significant role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small and marginal farmers in the country. It provides meat, milk, manure, fibre and power for the transportation.In addition to this, goat has religious and ritualistic importance in many societies. The goat meat/chevon is accepted by all communities.

Number (000)

10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Year

Figure 1. Showing trend of goat population The population of goat for last 10 years is in increasing trend. The annual growth rate of Nepal is 4.01% (Figure 1) while the world growth rate is 2.1%.

Importance of goat in national economy Goats shares about 20% of the total meat production of the nation. However, it is not being fulfilled from domestic production. A large number of live animals are imported annually from India mostly for slaughter. It is estimated that some US$ 37.5 million is spent each year on the import of goats from India, although informal trade is likely to make this amount much higher. This data represents the import of approximately 5 lakhs head of goats (Figure 2) constituting approximately 15% of the goat market. Huge


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import of goats is further aggravating the negative trade balance in the country. This has in one hand caused large drain of money out of the country; while on the other hand, people are compelled to consume unhygienic goat meat imported from neighboring countries. Nepal being an agricultural country, goat plays a major role in the farming system as they provide a potential source of animal protein as well as household cash income and thus has a significant place in national economy. However, the productivity of goat is still poor due to unscientific management practices, improper breeding, lack of nutrition and problem related to health and marketing. About 51% household are rearing at least one goat and most which are of low productivity. This low productivity is mainly due to lack of suitable breeding policy, lack of nutrition and different health problems.

500000 450000 Number of goats

400000 350000 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000

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2006

2007

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Figure 2. Showing import of live goats from India (Source: Central Livestock Quarantine Office, Kathmandu) Commercialization in goat is utmost importance for socio-economic development of farmers and for which novel strategy is needed in order to overwhelm these circumstances.

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Major programmes adopted for goat development The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has been implementing different types of goat development programs in the district as listed below: i. Goat growth axis development ii. Passing on gift iii. Commercial goat farming for poverty alleviation iv. Leasehold forestry and livestock development program v. Poverty alleviation through goat farming vi. Ultra-poor targeted goat distribution vii. Commercial goat production program viii. Disadvantaged/marginal group focused program ix. Up-scaling program x. Goat resource center development Third Livestock Development Project (TLDP) of DLS continued Passing on Gift Programme in 19 districts. According to DLS strategy on goat development, Community Livestock Development Programme (CLDP) has been working with the poor and marginalized 42,072 households mainly through Passing on Gift Programme in 22 districts. These farmers have been organized into 3,874 groups which are further federated in to 708 committees. Among other goat programs implemented by DLS, the Passing on Gift Programme is considered one of the effective and efficient programs for the poorest among the poor target groups to whom DLS provided the intervention packages. Simultaneous adoption of Passing on Gift Programme is on operation by nongovernment organizations and other sectors.

Major outcomes • • • • •

The annual increment of goat population is 3.6 percent and goat meat production is 3.4 percent in the last 10 years. The average flock size of goat increased: from 1-3 to 4-5 heads per household. Establishment of some commercial farm owning 200 to 500 goats. Cash income of beneficiary households increased after the implementation of goat raising programs. Women and under privileged/disadvantaged groups have been gradually gaining confidence in the society.

Strategies The efforts in the past were focused primarily towards the poor and subsistence farming system. These approaches seem inadequate to cater the ever increasing demand of goats in the county. Therefore, national goat development policy is needed to reorient the strategies in multiple directions targeting both subsistence farming and promotion of commercialization. Goat programs are not sufficiently focused in a holistic way. Only


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single component, goat distribution is given more importance. The need of systematic approaches and package of practices for the farmers for effective and economic rearing of goats are necessary. Followings are the general issues to be addressed for goat development:

•

Breeding issues Selection of elite bucks and artificial insemination Buck exchange and buck distribution need to be implemented strictly to overcome in-breeding. Zoning is necessary for better production. Recommendation of goat breeds according to different ecological zones and development regions to obtain optimum production. Recommendation of appropriate models for subsistence and commercial farming.

•

Nutrition issues Developing a year round forage program allowing as much grazing as possible throughout the year and strategic use of expensive concentrate feeds. Cultivation of fodder crops and planting of leguminous fodder trees in the field, field bunds and community forest. Production of supplementary feed for goat to utilize grains not fit for human consumption, agricultural by-products and other unused biomass. Increased opportunities to the people for forestry resource management under the community, private and leasehold forestry programs and the biodiversity conservation program.

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Health issues PPR control through vaccination. Strengthening of quarantine system. Effective control of parasites through regular deworming and construction of dipping tank in the community. Control program for other emerging diseases like blue tongue and CCPP.

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General management issue Improved housing system and other management

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Marketing issues Collection centre development. Establishment of goat market network. Market information to be provided to the farmer. Proper management of Haat bazaar

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Besides these general strategies, following activities are needed for successful development of goat enterprises: Strengthening of goat resource centre. Special support to farmers involved in transhumance system through provision of training on management and veterinary services. Attracting farmer to establish commercial goat farming through providing subsidy, loan, and custom tax free for importing new technology in the country. Insurance policy for goat farmers. Special strategy need to make to attract remittance for investing in goat farming. Value chain approach in goat production to involve all stakeholders. Promotion of dairy goat breed with special emphasis on goat cheese production Establishment of slaughter house to supply wholesome and hygienic meat to consumer with the implementation of slaughter house and meat inspection act. Promotion of goat skin for its commercial value. Chyangra breed promotion for increase productivity of Pashmina Conservation of indigenous genetic materials of goat. Development of adaptation strategy for coping with climate change. Coordination among government, NARC, academic institutions, NGO’s, INGO’s, farmer association, cooperatives and other stakeholder. Coordination among academia, NARC and DLS is necessary for research and development Research based on farmers' needs.

CONCLUSION Goat being a multifunctional animal producing milk, meat, skin and hair plays a significant role in the economy of Nepal. Goat programmes focused for subsistence farming need to be directed for commercial farming towards import substitution. Being member of WTO, increases in production with quality goat meat, Pashmina, skin have great potential for exporting. For the development of goat there is a need of coordination among related stakeholders.


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Supplementary Paper

POTENTIAL OF GOAT (Capra hircus) ENTERPRISE IN NEPAL Tek Bahadur GURUNG Principal Scientist & Director, Livestock and Fisheries Research, Nepal Agricultural Research Council Singh Durbar Plaza, Kathmndu, Nepal E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper describes the brief account on the potentiality of goat enterprise in Nepal. Goat enterprise is a multidimensional subject covering meat, dairy to wool production, marketing and processing dimensions etc. At present, except few, majorities of goat meat production, marketing, distribution is traditional and subsistence type. However, considering the importance, existing practices, breeds, market demands of goat products there is huge potentiality of development of goat enterprises in Nepal. It is recommended that since goats are well suited to the dry and arid areas, therefore, the mega scale goat production program should be initiated first in mid and far western development regions. Key words: Mega scale goat production, mid and far western regions, breeds, demand

INTRODUCTION Goat (Capra hircus) is one of small ruminants which have been closely associated with human livelihood since time immortal. Goat meat is one of most eaten food (Burgraff 2007) having ever increasing demands of its products in the world. Most goat breeds in Nepal might have similar lineages especially in areas having similar ecological zones to India and China. However, there are at least four types of indigenous goat breeds identified in Nepal (Khanal et al., 2005; Shrestha, 1996) such as Chyangra, Sinhal, Khari and Terai goat, other breeds Jamunapari, Barbari, Kiko, Beetal, and Saanen have been introduced and crossbred (Upreti and Mahato, 1995; Neopane and Sainju, 1995). Terai and Khari goat represent about 20% and 56%, respectively (Gorkhali et al., 2011). Recently, the goat has gained the reputation of one of the most important livestock commodities for poverty reduction, livelihood enhancement, food and nutritional security in many countries (Smith et al., 2004) including Nepal. Probably, it is associated with simplicity in maintaining the goat herd comparing other livestock commodities especially to landless and resource poor farmers (Arya and Chander, 2002). Similar to India, in Nepal also in general, majority of farmers involved in goat farming are poor, marginalized and subsistent. However, gradually additional dimension in goat husbandry are emerging up with hope of rapid commercialization perspectives. The goat

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keeping practices ranges from stall feeding, semi stall-feeding to migratory systems depending on agroecological zone of terai, hill, arid and alpine pasture regions. The goat husbandry has several advantages for obtaining meat, milk, manure, wool, pack etc to human kind for their use. In general the goat population is considered large in Nepal (Gorkhali et al., 2011), but still far below than the demand. To fulfill the internal demand of goat meat, a conservative estimate showed that 0.5 million heads of goat worth of 2.6 million US$ are imported from neighboring countries every year, indicating there is huge market demand of goat for meat purpose in Nepal. One of the main reasons of this trend could be that becuase goat meat is acceptable as food to all religious groups of Nepal. There is no barricade for consuming goat meat except the 'Limbu' ethnic communities, who do not accept the goat meat. The temporal trend of annual goat meat consumption is interesting in Nepal, with a large chunk of goat meat demand increasing after the monsoon in the beginning of the autumn during the festival times about for a month in the beginning of Dasain, the biggest festival in Nepal to the end of Tihar (nearly in between October and November) every year. During this festival time the consumption of goat meat drastically increases because in every household, in general the goat are sacrificed for religious purpose and meat are consumed as 'Prasad' (holy food) offered by the God. Because of the festival demand in these months huge transaction of goat can be seen throughout Nepal nevertheless either in village, town or cities or across the borders. This is the high time when thousands of goats are imported from China and India to supply in Nepal. Many villagers are sold out there stock of goat during this festival time due to crunching demand of other household goods for celebrating the festivals. The goat meat demand persists throughout the year in the country. Only to be self sufficient in goat meat supply to fulfill internal demand goat enterprises need to be developed in the country. Since goat husbandry is a time old practice and every farmers having a herd of 3-5 goats, its further intensification and enterprise need to be supported that such a single household should be capable of holding 2-3 times more goats. Generally, the performances of indigenous goats are poor in terms of daily live weight gain (44 gm per day); most of the breeds have poor kidding rate, kid survival and disease resistance (Khanal et al., 2005; Neopane and Sainju, 1995). These hinder the production, productivity and profitability in goat keeping. It is anticipated that the huge internal demand of goat can be fulfilled by transforming the existing subsistence husbandry into enterprise level. Since the transformational process requires tackling several issues and problems associated to technical, financial, policy, social and several other aspects. For example, initiatives on goat artificial insemination technology, pasture management, introduction and cross breeding of new breeds, infrastructure development, investment


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and goat enterprise endevours in mid and far west development regions. Moreover, challenges associated with climate change such as diseases like PPR, bluetongue also needs to be addressed (Khanal et al., 2011) for better production and productivity. Considering these issues on goat husbandry, my aim in this paper is to suggest preliminary strategies on improvement of productivity, production and profitability to farmers and value chain, so present subsistence goat farming could be transformed into self sustaining goat farming enterprises.

GLOBAL SCENARIO OF GOAT PRODUCTION AND NEPAL According to Devendra (2010) the total global goat population estimated in 2007 was about 851 million from 1156 breeds. This gives a rough estimate that Nepal only produces about 0.978% of the total goat meat production from 0.346% of Nepalese goat breeds comparting to the world. It is estimated about 66% of global goat breeds are found in China, India and Pakistan (Devendra, 2000). In all countries including China, India and Pakistan the goat population has increased substantially that other farmed animals. India ranks the first goat milk (Arya and Chander, 2002) and second most goat meat producer of the world. India has reportedly 20 known goat breeds (Dixit et al., 2012). In China 24 goat breeds are used for production, including milk, meat, wool etc. The population of the goat was 140 million in 2008, additionaly, China is known to have other 25 species not been included in “The Sheep and Goat Breeds in China,” such as the local goat breeds and the introduced breeds (Zhang, 2013). The advantages with China and India for goat production are their huge and wide territory. In general, the countries having wide areas have been seen to be more successful in industrial scale goat meat production such as Australia. Proabably such wider areas provides plentiful of grazing lands and support natural food supply for goats. Recently, Australia has been emerged as one of the global goat meat exporter (amounting 100 million tons in 2007) in many countries of the world (Burgraff, 2007).

WAY FORWARD FOR GOAT ENTERPRISE IN NEPAL It is clear that there is huge market demand of goat products which provoking continuosly the enterprises development in Nepal. However, to harness this attribute of increasing goat production and allied enterprise development, priority in policy formation would also be the pre requisite. So initiatives on commercialization and mega goat farming enterprises could be brought up, especially from mid and far western development regions. To attain the transformational impact, there should be focus on following recommendations. • • • • •

Development of more productive goat breeds. Product Diversification of goat products (such as organic Himalayan 'chevon'. Improvement in feeding management and artificial breeding technique. Develop eco-friendly mega goat enterprises. Develop high value products for exports of goats products in international

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• • • • • •

markets. Formal Deceleration of Goat hub: Mid and Far West Regions of Nepal for mega goat industry. Establishment of National Goat Research Systems. Further characterization and documentation of unlisted goat breeds other than four documented breeds. Community Resource Mapping (e.g. promotion of goats in nearby oak forests), surplus water sources for establishment of farm and slaughter houses. Goat production and health management calendar. Climate change issue and invasive weeds in the pasture lands.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thanks to Dr. D. R. Khanal, Senior Scientist for suggesting critical remarks on this paper. I extends my since thanks to all Senior and Principal Scientists of Nepal Agricultural Research Council for providing support during the prepration of this manuscript. I am also thankful to Director General, Dr. Nar Bahadur Rajwar, Country Director, HEIFER International Dr. Shubh Narayan Mahato, Secretary Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, Executive Director of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Dr. Dil Bahadur Gurung, Joint Secretary Dr. Prabhakar Pathak for support and encouragement.

REFERENCES Arya, H. P. S and Chander, M. (2002). Goat production by landless and small scale farmers in North Indian Plains, 17th Symposium of the International Farming Systems Association. Burgraff, W. (2007). Australian meat production and exports by state, Department of Agriculture and Food,Western Australia Baron-Hay Court SOUTH PERTH WA 6151. Corinne, I. D., Ghanem, A. M. and Hamadeh, S. K. (2008). Adaptation strategies of small ruminants productionsystems to environmental constraints of semi-arid areasof Lebanon, European IFSA Symposium, 6 - 10 July 2008, ClermontFerrand (France). Devendra, C. (2010). Concluding synthesis and the future for sustainable goat production, Small Ruminant Research, Pp. 89 (2010) 125–130, Consulting Animal Production Systems Specialist, 130A Jalan Awan Jawa, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Devendra, C. (2001). Small ruminants: Imperatives for productivity enhancement improved livelihoods and rural growth - a review, paper presented at the 1st National Small Ruminant Congress at the Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Phillippines, 24-25 May 2001.


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Dixit, S. P, Verma, N. K., Aggarwal, R.A.K., Rana, J. and Sharma, A. (2012). Genetic diversity and relationship among Indian goat breeds based on microsatellite markers, Small Ruminant Research, 105 (1): 38-45. Gorkhali, N., Shrestha, R., Shrestha, B. S. and Pokharel, P. K. (2011). A review on impact of climate change on livestock breeds and breeding system: In: Proceedings of consultative technical workshop on Climate change: Livestock and Vulnerability in Nepal (Eds) T. B. Gurung, P. K. Pokharel and I. Wright (2011), Pp.156. Khanal, D. R., Shrestha, S. P. and Singh, U. M. (2011). Vulnerability of livestock to diseases in relation to climate change: In: Proceedings of consultative technical workshop on Climate change: Livestock and Vulnerability in Nepal (Eds) T. B. Gurung, P. K. Pokharel and I. Wright (2011), Pp. 48-53. Khanal, R.C., Rasali, D. P., Dhaubhadel, T. S., Joshi, B. R. and Karki, N. P. S. (2005). Comparative performance of indigenous Khari and Khari x Sinhal goats raised on station in Nepal, Journal of Biological Sciences, 5 (2): 124-128 Neopane, S. P and Sainju, A. P. (1995). Performance of Kiko crossbreed goats in the mid hills of Nepal. Promotion of animal production through research and development. In: Proc. 2nd Nat. Anim. Sci. Convention, Lalitpur, 7-10 August. Nepal, Eds. Pariyar D, T. S. Dhaubhdel, P. B. Chemjong & C. R. Upreti, Nepal Ani. Sci. Assoc., Pp. 82-84. Smith, T., Godfrey, S. H., Butterly, P. J. and Owen, E. (2004). The contribution of sheep and goats in alleviating poverty: communicating messages from research: In: Proceedings of the third DFID Livestock Production Programme link project (R7798) workshop for small ruminant keepers, Kenya, 4-7 February 2003. Natural Resources International Ltd, Aylesford, Kent, UK. Shrestha, N. P. (1996). Transhumant sheep and goat production systematic and their productivity at Guphopokhara site. In: Proc. 1st Nat. Liv/Fish. Res. Workshop. Nepal Agricultural Research Council. Nat. Ani. Sci. Res. Institute, Pp. 272-282. Upreti, C. R. and Mahato, P. S. (1995). Study on the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of indigenous goat breed (sinhal) at Karnali Region: In Promotion of Animal Production through research and development. In: Proc. 2nd Nat. Anim. Sci. Convention, Lalitpur 7-10 Auguest. Nepal, Eds. Pariyar D, T S Dhaubhdel, P. B. Chemjong and C. R. Upreti, Nepal Ani. Sci. Assoc., Pp. 82-84. Zhang, Y. (2013). The Current Situation and Development of Goats in China, Country Representative, College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei The INTERNATIONAL GOAT ASSOCIATION (IGA), Downloaded: 13th April 2013. http://www.iga-goatworld.com/The-CurrentSituation-and-Development-of-Goats-in-China_a119.html

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GOAT PRODUCTION FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: LESSIONS LEARNED AND FUTURE STRATEGIES Shubh N MAHATO, Krishna P PAUDEL, Tirtha R REGMI, Prakash KARN, Neena JOSHI, Keshav P SAH and Peetambar KUSHWAHA Heifer International Nepal E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The premise of Heifer International Nepal, approaches, development tools, and the outcomes and impacts of program on goat development in the last 15 years were reviewed to identify gaps in goat development strategies and approaches. As of June 2012 Heifer Nepal has assisted 70,000 families with more than 70% engaged in goat farming to transform their livelihoods through a community-led approach. It describes the process of social capital formation in two dimensions – structural and cognitive; structural being objective and externally observable in form of groups, cooperatives, and their institutions, and their rules and procedures. The cognitive dimension comprises more subjective and intangible elements of attitudes and behavioral norms, shared values, reciprocity, and trust. Heifer’s theory of change and unique practice of “Passing on the Gift” reinforced by its 12 Cornerstones prepares community to adopt knowledge and skills in technical spheres of goat production. Communities are rich in structural cohesion and cognitive attitudes. Impact studies reveal that the average yearly income gain by a household that can be attributable to Heifer Nepal was estimated to be US$565 and increased assets by US$1,749 in five years. Overall, the average cost per household to (Heifer Project Internatinal) HPI-Nepal to provide its services including animal gifts and training was estimated to be $371 resulting in a return of $10 on each dollar invested. The role of social capital with focus on women empowerment is the key to bringing such impacts on poverty reduction, increasing in income and assets, food security and nutrition, and environment care. The application of innovative tools namely: farmers’ field schools on improved goat management, community participation in genetic improvement of goats and tools for integration of smallholders and their institutions in the national food web adopted by Heifer are discussed with major focus on strategies, approaches and technical aspects of the project on “Strengthening smallholder enterprises of livestock value chain for poverty reduction and economic growth in Nepal”.

Key words: Poverty reduction, food security, community participation


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COMMUNITY-BASED SMALL RUMINANT BREEDING: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO IMPLEMENT? Aynalem HAILE1, Tadele MIRKENA2,3, Gemeda DUGUMA2.3, Maria WURZINGER3, Johann SOLKNER3, Markos TIBBO4, Okeyo MWAI5 and Barbara RISCHKOWSKY1 1

International Centre for Agricultural Research in the dry Areas (ICARDA), PO Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria 2 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 3 BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria 4 FAO, Regional Office for the Near East 11 Al Eslah El Zerai St., Dokki, PO Box 2223, Cairo, Egypt 5 ILRI, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Genetic improvement of livestock in developing countries remains a challenge. Withinbreed selection programs based on proven approaches from the North and importation of exotic breeds for breed replacement and/or crossbreeding have often failed. There is consensus among livestock breeders that new thinking and approaches are needed. One such approach that has recently stimulated global interest is a community-based breeding strategy. Programs that adopt this strategy take into account the farmers’ needs, views, decisions, and active participation, from inception through to implementation, and their success is based upon proper consideration of farmers’ breeding objectives, infrastructure, participation, and ownership. Designing a community-based breeding program is much more than genetic theories and increased productivity. It is a matter of infrastructure, community development, and an opportunity for improved livelihood of livestock owners through productive and adapted animals and markets for their products. The steps followed in designing and implementing community-based breeding program include characterization of the production system and the breeds, assessment of constraints to access to inputs and market services, definition of breeding goals, assessment of alternative breeding strategies, and implementing of the most appropriate and acceptable breeding strategy. Methods such as participatory rural appraisal, formal surveys, choice experiments, ranking of animals from own flock and ranking of animals of other farmers, and simulation studies are used. Few examples of successful community-based breeding programs implemented elsewhere are discussed.

Keywords: Genetic improvement; community-based breeding; participatory approach

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POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCES OF GOAT BREEDS AND FUTURE BREEDING STRATEGIES FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF GOAT PRODUCTION IN NEPAL Bhola Shankar SHRESTHA and Prakash Kumar POKHAREL Nepal Agricultural Research Council E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Four indigenous goat breeds namely Chyangra, Sinhal, Khari and Terai have been characterized and registered are found in mountains, high hills, hills and Terai regions respectively. There is also possibility that some other breeds/ strains exist in the country which needs to be further explored. Of the four native breeds, Sinhal has been reported to be the heaviest one and it has also been reported that goats from western regions are heavier as compared to the goats from eastern region. For genetic improvement of native goats, many exotic breeds namely Jamunapari, Beetal, Barbari, Sirohi, Saanen, Alpine, Toggenburg, Damascus, Mamber, Kiko and recently South African Boer goats have been introduced and cross breeding programme initiated. Later on, for the hill condition, Khari goat has been found to be more productive (meat output/doe/annum) due to its prolificacy and selective breeding within Khari goats for genetic improvement has been recommended. Further, crossbred of Jamunapari goats in the hill region with more rainfall have observed to be not suitable, whereas its suitability in drier regions have not been studied or reported. Though many goat breeds have been introduced, extensive studies for their suitability in our condition have not been fully explored. Farmers’ preferences for exotic breeds/ crossbred are mainly influenced by the larger body size and butchers preference has been due to higher dressing percentage. It is imperative that still research has to be focused on identifying suitability of different goat breed/crossbreed for different ecological regions and production management for facilitating commercial production in the country. The possibility of genetic improvement through selection has yet to be explored on other native goat breeds also. In this paper, the performance and potential of native and crossbred goats under different systems have been reviewed and future breeding strategies for commercialization of goat production have been discussed emphasizing for meat, milk and Pashmina production separately.

Keywords: Goat breeds, genetic improvement, Khari, Sinhal, Chyangra, Terai, Pashmina


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INTRODUCTION Goats are important source of income for resource poor and marginalized people of the country, and it has been prioritized as the animal species having potential for poverty reduction. Consequently, the government and many non-governmental organizations have goat components as income generation activities in their programme. These animals are handy source of cash to quench household needs, especially during a crisis, a popular approach amongst poor communities in the rural parts of the country. About 51% of the households in the country are keeping goats mainly for meat although other products/ byproducts such as manure, hair, hide and milk also has economic value. In the mid and far Western high hills, goats kept along with sheep in a migratory system of management are also being used as pack animals to transport household goods. Despite having a large population of about 9 million goats in the country, there are still a substantial number of live animal imports to fulfill the needs of the urban market, which reflects the poor condition of our production system. The annual off-take rate is poor largely associated with poor feeding, breeding and health management leading to high kid mortality and poor growth rate. Furthermore, the scattered and small scale of production has led to collection difficulties and butchers’ preference for exotic goats due to their higher dressing out percentage has compelled the traders to import goats from the neighboring countries especially India. Comprehensive study on suitability of exotic or crossbred goats under different ecological zones has yet to be done whereas for the hill condition, Khari goats has been found to be more productive and selective breeding has been recommended for genetic improvement. Commercialization of goat production and development of package of practices including identifying suitable breeds have been the current need for substituting huge live goat import in the country.

CURRENT GOAT PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN NEPAL Goat management system in the country has been found to be influenced by the geographical location and prevailing climate, availability of feed, human resources, tradition and market. Goats in high hills and mountains (Chyangra and Sinhal) of Nepal are generally managed under migratory system along with sheep (Bhyanglung and Baruwal). The migratory management of small ruminants is practiced in almost all of the northern districts of Nepal adjoining to the southern flank of the Himalayan massifs. This system is adopted for about 65% of the national sheep and about 35% of the goat population (LMP, 1993). In this system, mixed flocks of sheep and goats (composed of the animals belonging to many owners) are reared on seasonal migration throughout the year, grazing on the fallow crop fields and forest undergrowth during the winter and on the alpine pastures during the wet summer months. The remaining populations of goats (Khari, Terai and crossbred with exotic goat breeds) are particularly managed under sedentary system of management in the lower hills and Terai of Nepal. These goats are generally grazed throughout the day time in the nearby forest, fallow land and roadside and are housed during the night. Tethering of goats

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throughout or particularly during crop season is also practiced. Despite high demand and supply gap, the goat production in the country is mostly subsistence which needs to be transformed in to commercial production to fulfill the national demand. Lately some enthusiastic entrepreneurs are coming forward for commercial goat production to tap the available opportunity. In the present context, as more restriction is being imposed on access to natural resources, it is imperative that the goat production system be transformed gradually into stall fed management system, which would be also equally important from the environmental conservation aspects.

Figure 1: Goat research and development farms Figure 2: Goat Population distribution

MAJOR GOAT BREEDS In the world, around 350 goat breeds have been identified and characterized of which 146 are found in Asia. Nepal has 4 distinct goat breeds with possibility of existence of some other breeds/strains. These goat breeds (Chyangra, Sinhal, Khari and Terai) have been registered under FAO World Animal Genetic Resources. Khari is the predominant goat breed (more than 50% of goat population) which is found across the hills of Nepal and in some places it is also known as Aule goats. Within Khari breed, variation in coat color, body weight and protein polymorphism have also been reported. Sinhal, the heaviest indigenous goat breed of Nepal is the second most abundant goats (Kharel and Neopane, 1998). They are found in the high hills and mostly kept under migratory system of management. Chyangra goats found in the mountain region has limited population ( $50,000 $40,000 + Level 2 grant 50%of cost For business development > $50,000 with total cost over $50,000 Maximum $250,000

% 80 80

50

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Business contribution Amount % 650 20 ` $10,000 20

$10,000 + 50 50% of cost > $50,000

PROJECT DISTRICTS AND BENEFICIARIES Selection of the Project area (Table 2) used the following criteria as directed by the Steering Committee and ADB: (a) classified by Government as mountain district (Department of Soil Conservation, 1997); (b) reasonable accessibility; (c) classed as least developed or intermediate developed (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2009); (d) existing agricultural products and value chain with development potential; (e) adjacent districts with similar value chains; (f) interest expressed by district stakeholders; (g) complement other initiatives (e.g. rural infrastructure, agro-tourism); and (h) avoid duplication with other donor projects. Table 2. Project Area - Representative Products and Districts

Development MidRegions Western Jumla, Districts Mugu, Humla, Dolpa Wool, meat, Agrofruit, products vegetable, seeds, MAPs, forest products

Western

Central

Eastern

Mustang, Manang

Rasuwa, Dolakha

Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha

Wool, meat, fruit, vegetable, MAPs, agrotourism

Dairy and cheese from yak and highland cattle, meat, MAPs, forest products

Yak cheese, meat, fruit, vegetable and potato seed, MAPs, agrotourism, forest products

Agribusiness grants eligible enterprises, individuals, groups and associations, community forestry and rangeland enterprises, cooperatives and agribusiness located in the project

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districts, or agribusinesses and development of the value chain based outside the project area participate through business linkages with high mountain producers, such as contract farming, supply and marketing agreements, input supply, and investing in collection and processing facilities. About 600 agribusiness developments have been targeted from agribusiness grants. Seven thousand five hundred (7500) equivalent full time jobs will be created by participating enterprises with $6.4 million in wages by 2017. Poor and disadvantaged groups will, mostly benefit indirectly through labor and contract farming, and often in the longer term, i.e. after demand and services have improved due to the initial intervention. Impacts calculated on representative agribusiness models are $20 millions of economic production and 7,500 jobs. The project might support 600 grants, between a $2500 and $250,000, which on average benefit 10-20 households directly from each project and translates as 4500-9000 households or 22,500 to 45,000 people. Viable enterprises operated by women and disadvantaged groups (DAGs) will be given priority to achieve a 50% composition target. Women and DAGs will be fully included in project promotion campaigns and women’s groups and enterprises will have equal access to all project benefits, including access to business planning and agribusiness grants, demonstration partnerships and community forage and community forestry activities. Disadvantaged groups will receive training to enhance their employment prospects.

IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT The Project will be executed by Ministry of Agriculture Development (MOAD) with the overall implementation responsibility of Department of Livestock Services (DLS). The Agro-enterprise Center (AEC) of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) will deliver its services as an implementing agency for Mountain Agribusiness Development Component (Component 2). The PMU will be responsible for overall implementation of both components 1 and 2, and coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the project. For each of the 10 districts, the MOAD will assign the DLSO Chief Officer or DADO Chief Officer as District Project Coordinator (DPC), depending on the predominant value chains. DLS will assign limited responsibilities to its four Regional Directorates (Mid-western, Western, Central and Eastern) for coordination of training and technical services, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, in addition to line agency functions between center and district. Consulting services “package one”, will provide project management consultants for the PMU, district NGO staff and NGO management. Consulting services “package two”, will provide agribusiness capacity development support in the project.

VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT OF PASHMINA AND CARPET WOOL


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On the basis of value chain study, wool is taken as the collective term for both wool and hair from sheep and goat, used predominantly in the production of carpets and pashmina respectively. Ministry of Agricultural Development estimates the number of Chyangra goats to be around 360,000 or 4% of all goats in Nepal. Goat farming is mainly a women domain as many men migrated to urban areas for work due to the lack of sustainable business activities in high-mountain areas. Pashmina is a key export industry for Nepal, drawing significant revenues and worldwide interest. Nepalis known internationally for its exquisite hand-woven Pashmina. It is third largest export-oriented industry in Nepal, behind carpets and garments. The Chyangra pashmina processing sub-sector consists of 544 manufacturers that produce final Pashmina garments for exports (Pashmina Enhancement and Trade Support Project, 2011). All of the manufacturers are located in the Kathmandu valley and of which, 200 are members of the Nepal Pashmina Industry Association (NPIA). The 544 enterprises employ more than 20,000 people directly. About 61% workforces are women and 39% are male employees; 20% of all enterprises are owned or run by women entrepreneurs. Most of the project districts particularly Dolpa, Mustang and Manang are appropriate for the value chain development of wool on the basis of their agro-ecological suitability and the presence in the high altitudes of the desired breeds of sheep and goats. Currently, almost all the raw material for the production of high grade pashmina and carpets comes from abroad with 80% from New Zealand and 20% from Tibet. This means there is a complete disconnect in the wool value chain between production and processing. With Nepal joining the WTO there is a provision that if Nepali produced goods are to be sold abroad they must contain at least 8% of locally produced raw materials, the pressure is now focused on trying to increase wool production in Nepal. An important focus of the project will be on Chyangra goat farming by providing up to 80% grants to Nepalese entities that are interested to invest in farming development activities and pashmina processing plants. The current problem is the very poor quality of the locally produced wool, and the fact that there is no organised system of collection and marketing. Furthermore, the wool business is however hampered by many other problems, namely: (i) the declining fertility and degradation of the high altitude pastures due to overgrazing, mismanagement and climate change, with the consequent need to adjust stocking rates to the carrying capacity of the pastures; (ii) the out-migration of the youths who would otherwise have been involved in herding the livestock; (iii) no organised collection of the inner coat of the

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“Chyangra” goat breed (for pashmina), where the goats also need to be kept above 3,000 masl for this inner coat to grow (often not the case); (iv) the decline in the breeds of goats, and sheep (Figure 1) in particular as a result of inbreeding, with the urgent need for a breed improvement programme. The development of the wool value chain is therefore seen as a considerable challenge, where change will possibly be brought about in the medium to long term. This will require the concerted effort of all stakeholders including the private sector who will need to satisfy WTO requirements for the export. Based on the problems stated above the HIMALI project has identified a total of six important leverage points for the value chain development wool. These are: (i) support to GoN for livestock breeding, (ii) support to communities in rangeland management, (iii) support to agro-vets and farmers in animal health, (iv) support to farmers in post harvest processing of wool and pashmina; (v) support to carpet and pashmina industries in provision of quality raw material from Nepal (WTO ruling), and (vi) improved legal framework and support to textile industry. The primary focus of support will be the urgent need to improve the production of quality wool at the production end of the value chain; this would involve the initiation of a breeding and livestock improvement program including also improved health and nutrition issues. Secondly, it will be important to improve processing at the local level so that either locally produced finished products or quality processed wool and pashmina are available in sufficient quantities for use by the main processors elsewhere in Nepal.Third important aspect will be the support from government in improving the legal framework for the industry, and also for the project to assist private sector in undertaking a market study of the international trade in wool and pashmina goods. The primary beneficiaries in wool value chain improvement program will be the farmers involved in small ruminant rearing, especially those involved in local sheep and Chyangra wool textile production and those involved in the supply of improved quality raw material for the carpet and pashmina industries of Nepal. Other beneficiaries are private sectors involved in these industries.

REPRESENTATIVE AGRIBUSINESS MODELS Under Component 1, agribusiness grants finance capital items for approved agribusiness plans including: (i) nurseries and plantations for community forestry, rangeland and forage, and medicine and aromatic plants (MAPs); and (ii) generally small-scale facilities and equipment, typical for product collection and storage, processing and value addition, grading and quality analysis, packaging and dispatch. Representative models (Table 3) have been developed based on the ideas suggested by stakeholders of Jumla, Mustang and Solukhumbu districts.


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Table 3. Representative Model of Wool VCD facilities under Component 1 Type of Facilities Wool Collection and Primary Processing Centre

Agribusiness role Center for wool: wool collection, primary processing (scouring, drying, bailing)

Infrastructure and equipment • Collection, storing building • Wool scouring unit

Wool Collection and Primary Processing Centre The Centre will have facilities for shearing, grading, scouring, carding, drying and bailing of the raw wool. The main process after collecting the wool is cleaning. Chemical detergents are used to wash the wool in washing machines, and naturally dried before it is bailed to reduce volume. Further processing of the wool shall take place elsewhere. The size of the main processing centre building will be approximately 15m x 50m, with internal partitions for temporary storing section after arrival, grading section, scouring section, drying area and bailing section and storing before dispatch. The facility will also contain, waste disposal/incineration units, outside storage sheds, water storage, supply units and parking. The scouring unit will consist of a boiler and a washing machine. The processing will use considerable volume of fuel for boilers and water for washing purposes. The structure model for wool collection and primary processing centre is attached (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Showing flock of sheep and goat in HIMALI Project area

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Figure 2. Typical layout of wool collection and primary processing centre


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MEAT VALUE CHAIN IN HIMALI PROJECT Value chain development of sheep and goat meat in high mountain region is another prioritized commodity of the HIMALI Project. An important focus of the project will be on Chyangra goat farming by providing up to 80% grants to the farmer groups, cooperative and other private entities that would like to invest in goat and sheep farming development activities and meat processing businesses. The project encourages the entities for the establishment and operation of livestock collection centers and live animal markets using the agribusiness grant. Similarly the project has included the hygienic meat establishment activities including dry meat production and marketing, construction and operation of animal slaughter places and slaughter houses. Village goat slaughter paces/slaughter houses are necessary for hygienic supply of fresh meat to the local market. The facility consists of meat shops with cold storage, slaughter facilities, waste disposal and its management, water supply system and pens for small and large ruminants. As a model, the project has proposed the slaughter of 30 small ruminants per day maximum and of building size 15m x 20m in high mountain districts.

Output 2: Mountain agribusinesses have knowledge and access to improved production technologies and value addition To achieve Output 2, the Project will (i) upgrade Agriculture and Livestock Service offices in project districts; (ii) upgrade MOAD technology centers; (iii) facilitate value chain technology demonstrations and public-private-partnerships at research stations and development farms facilities; (iv) develop village nurseries for forage, community forestry, and breeder seed based on community plans for livelihood climate adaptation; (v) provide training and study tours for Project Management Unit (PMU) and District Project Coordinators including activities of the linked climate adaptation technical assistance (TA); and (vi) provide training to partner farmers for inclusive agribusiness.

Capacity upgrade of Sheep and Goat Research Programme (SGRP), Guthichaur The project under Component 2 will upgrade the capacity of Sheep and Goat Research Programme located at Guthichaur in Jumla (Table 4) to produce high quality breeds, and to operate primary processing demonstration technologies in partnership with producers.

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Table 4. Role of HIMALI Project in upgrading SGRP Station Agribusiness role Technology demonstration Location partnerships Center for wool and pashmina: Guthichaur • shearing, wool washing, Sheep and • wool collection, processing carding and de-hairing, bulk Goat packing for transport • wool sheep breeding Station, • sheep wool breed improvement • animal health Guthichaur, • forage production • grazing and forage Jumla Rehabilitation and new construction of NARC buildings at Sheep and Goat Research Programme (SGRP), such as training hall and accommodation/dormitories are proposed. Improvement of existing sheep sheds, construction of new feeding trial sheds, lab and dispensary unit, hay storage sheds, dipping tank, wool shearing yard are also proposed. Similarly, grazing pastureland fencing and existing office/quarters improvements are also proposed. For the establishment of new wool primary processing unit to be commissioned as a demonstration unit and later be executed under PPP model, the facilities for wool sheering, grading, washing, carding, drying and bailing units are proposed. The proposed primary processing centre is responsible for wool cleaning, drying and bailing for shipment. Further processing of the wool shall be done at other facilities elsewhere. The size of the main processing centre building will be approximately 15m x 50m, with internal partitions for temporary storing upon arrival, grading, scouring, drying, bailing and storing sections before dispatch. The facility shall also contain waste disposal/incineration units, outside storage sheds, water storage, supply units and parking. The scouring unit will consist of a boiler and a washing unit. The processing will use considerable volume of fuel for boilers and water for washing. The proposed processing centre will be built within the premises of SGRP where acquisition of land and resettlement is not necessary. Linkages with Other High Altitude Countries There are many similarities between the high altitude districts of Nepal and neighbouring China (Tibet) and other parts of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, namely, Pakistan, NW India, Sikkim, Bhutan and Mongolia. It is important to draw upon lessons learned from other similar projects in the region and establish links with stakeholders across border. Nepal has a lot to gain from these collaborative actions and it will be especially important in the value chains for livestock products like wool and yak cheese (known as Ragya Yak cheese in Tibet), and MAPs. Currently, there is a good market in Tibet for Chyangra pashmina and high altitude herbs. In the latter case, ICIMOD has the MAPPA program focusing on MAPs.


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The Pashmina Enhancement and Trade Support (PETS) Project’s ultimate goal is to contribute to export growth and market diversification of Chyangra pashmina, thus bringing about increased incomes, an improved trade balance and overall development. The PETS project approach includes capacity development of NPIA to undertake a supply chain analysis at farm level in remote mountainous regions (mainly Upper Mustang that is only accessible by foot), as this was a major concern of all stakeholders. Hence, there can be good synergistic action between HIMALI and PETS projects.

REFERENCES Central Bureau of Statistics (2009). Districts of Nepal, Indicators of Development. Kathmandu. Department of Soil Conservation (1997). Land System Classification. Kathmandu. Pashmina Enhancement & Trade Support (PETS) Project (2011). Kathmandu. Project Administration Manual (2011). High Mountain Agribusiness & Livelihood Improvement Project, Kathmandu.

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GOAT MEAT PROMOTION THROUGH LIVESTOCK CREDIT PROGRAM IN SKBBL Dan Bahadur SINGH and Krishna Prasad LAMICHHANE Sana Kisan Bikas Bank, Ltd, Subidhanagar, Kathmandu E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Goat (Capra hircus) is the main source of chevon in Nepal after buffalo, which provides 52,809 metric tons of meat annually (MoAD, 2010/11) and shares 19% of total meat production in the country. Nepal has about 9.18 million goats which play an important role in employment and income generation, food and nutritional security and poverty reduction. Despite of large population of goats, the regular urban demand and the demand during Dasain and Tihar festivals generally met with importation of live goats from the neighboring countries. The data show that about 500 thousands live goats worth of 4 billion rupees are imported annually to meet the demand. With the objective of substituting importation of meat animals by promoting meat-oriented livestock business in the country, Sana Kisan Bikas Bank Limited (SKBBL) has started livestock concessional credit program with a total credit of Rs 1.5 billion received from the Government of Nepal. By the end of Fiscal Year 2011/12, a total of 9733 families of small farmers affiliated with 189 cooperatives working in 37 districts received a total loan of Rs 531.8 million for goat raising. Through the livestock credit, 64073 goats were bought by the farmers to run the goat enterprise. It is estimated that with these number of goats, more than 71 thousand additional meat goats could be supplied every year which is 15 percent of annually imported goats. Furthermore, these numbers of goats can supply 646 metric tons of meat annually. Along with the credit facility, a number of trainings on goat husbandry and village animal health workers have been carried out to disseminate the knowledge and to deliver the veterinary services in the communities.

Key words: Chevon, import substitution, Sana Kisan Bikas Bank (SKBBL), Village Animal Health Worker

INTRODUCTION About two third population of Nepal is involved in agriculture and its contribution in national GDP is 33 percent (ADB, 2010). Livestock production is an important sector of Nepalese farming systems in which 80 percent of rural people are engaged in livestock related activities and it accounts for 27 percent of agricultural GDP. Livestock provides milk, meat, draught power, manure, fibre and hides. The share of livestock products comprised of 62.6 % for milk, 32.4% for meat and 5% for eggs (CLDP, 2008).


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With 9.18 million goats in Nepal, goat farming plays an important role in rural employment, food and nutritional security, poverty reduction and income generation. The population of domestic ruminants is comprised of 41% goats, 33% cattle, 22% buffaloes and 4% sheep. The annual average growth of goat population from 2001/02 to 2005/06 and from 2006/07 to 2010/11 has been 2.76 % and 4.36 %, respectively (Table 1). The annual growth rate of goats has been the highest compared to other domestic ruminants raised in the country. In addition, about 55% of households are keeping goats, which clearly show the importance of goat rearing in Nepal. 9500000

Number of goats

9000000 8500000 8000000 7500000 7000000 6500000 6000000

Year

Figure 1. Showing growth trend of goat population Table 1. Annual change in goat population

Fiscal year

Population of goats

2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 Average 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Average

6478380 6606858 6791861 6979875 7153527 7421624

Source: MoAD, 2010/11

7847624 8135880 8473082 8844172 9186440

Percent change compared to last year 1.98 2.80 2.77 2.49 3.75 2.76 5.74 3.67 4.14 4.38 3.87 4.36

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Goat is the main source of meat (chevon) after buffalo with 52,809 metric tons (MT) of goat meat production in 2010/11. Of the total annual meat production in Nepal (277,625 MT), 60.5%is from buffaloes, 19% from goats, 13% from chicken, 6.5 %from pigs and the remaining 1% added by sheep and ducks (MoAD, 2010/11). Goat meat is the meat of choice and relished by all ethnic groups in day to day events and during religious sacrifices. Furthermore, rise in population growth, expanding urbanization, increased income level and the people's preference for the non-vegetarian diets are also contributing for increased demand for goats. As a result, the demands for goats and the market price of goat meat have also rapidly been increasing of late. Despite of the large population of goats, the regular urban demand and the additional demand for goat meat during Bada Dasain and Tihar festivals generally met with importation of live goats from neighboring countries largely from India. The data compiled by the Central Quarantine Office, Kathmandu show that nearly 476 thousand of live goats worth NRs. 4 billion are imported annually to meet the demand. The data regarding annual importation of live goats has shown that the import has increased by 19.4 percent in 2008/09 and 43 percent in 2009/10 compared to previous fiscal years; however importation of goats in 2010/11 nearly remained the same as compared to last fiscal year (Table 2). The annual growth of goat meat production reached the maximum 5.93% in the year 2010/11 compared to previous year's 2.84% (Table 3). Some projections have shown that the demand for animal protein will increase by fifty percent, especially in developing countries and Nepal is no exception. A report of the FAO shows that Nepal is the second highest consumer of meat after Pakistan in the South Asia region. The annual per capita consumption of meat in Nepal is 10 kg compared to 12 kg in Pakistan, 6.5 kg in Sri Lanka, 5 kg in India and 3 kg in Bhutan and Bangladesh. The report says that the "Nepalese are the second most avid meat eaters in South Asia after Pakistan." And it further adds "during Dashain they feast like there is no tomorrow." These statements highlight a very high demand of goat meat during Dashain festival in Nepal.

Table 2 Annual import of live goats Fiscal year Number of goats

Percent change compared to last year

2004/05 270,151 2005/06 279,101 3.31 2006/07 275,259 -1.38 2007/08 279,098 1.39 2008/09 333,305 19.42 2009/10 476,623 43.00 2010/11 476,104 -0.11 Source: Central Animal Quarantine Office (2010/11)


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The Agriculture Perspective Plan (1995) of Nepal recognized a target of 14.4 kg for per capita meat production by the year 2014/15 and this has been attained by 10.4 kg in 2010/11(MoAD).

Table 3 Goat meat (chevon) produciton in last five years FY Goat meat (mt) Annual Growth% 2006/07 44933 2007/08 46570 3.64 2008/09 4.08 48472 2009/10 49851 2.84 2010/11 52809 5.93 Source: MoAD, 2010/11

WORKSING MODALITIES OF SKBBL Disbursement of livestock credit SKBBL has been established in the year 2001 with the objective to support small farmers providing wholesale credit through Small Farmers' Cooperatives Limited (SFCLs) for uplifting their economic and social status of small farmers and deprived people living in rural areas. There are 291cooperatives affiliated with SKBBL functioning in 373 VDCs of 43 districts and are supported by eight area offices of this bank located in different parts of the country. Altogether 230 thousand small farmers' families are receiving the services provided by SKBBL. Recently, the government of Nepal has focused on boosting meat production in the country and promotion of livestock production was realized to substitute the massive import of meat and meat animals. With a credit from government of Nepal, SKBBL has started an animal husbandry promotion program to increase meat production in the country since the year 2010/11. The Government of Nepal has provided NRs. 1 billion in 2010/11 and NRs.500 million in 2011/12 to extend credit for meat oriented livestock raising enterprises at a concessional interest rate through SFCLs and other similar Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) with an objective to promote 18 thousand farm families. Altogether 189 SFCLs have demanded the livestock credit worth NRs 1.8 billion and the Bank has approved Rs 1.43 billion until the end of FY 2011/12. A total of 17,941 farm families affiliated with 186 cooperatives functioning in 38 districts have received the livestock loan worth Rs 1.1 billion. Through this amount of loan, farmers have purchased 64,073 goats, 11,117 pigs, 5203 buffalo calves and 7390 she buffaloes to initiate livestock business and to increase meat production in the country. The total investments on livestock credit include 48.2% in goat rearing, 43.2% in buffaloes and calf rearing, and 8.5 percent in pig raising enterprises.

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Livestock credit for goat meat promotion Until mid-July 2012, 9,733 farmers from 179 SFCLs of 37 districts had received a credit of Rs 531.8 million for goat rearing by which 64,073 goats were purchased (Annex 1). The interest rate of livestock loan has been fixed to 9% per annum for the farmers. Farmers purchased 38,444 breeding does, 6,407 bucks, 6,407 yearlings and 12,815 kids. The flock size of goats per household varied between 5 to 20 for which the credit ranging from rupees 50 thousand to 200 thousand were provided at 9% of annual interest rate. The farmers largely used the loan amount for acquiring the breeding stocks, for renovation of existing goat sheds (Figures 2-4) and for other inputs.

Animal Health Workers (VAHW) training Improvement in goat nutrition, breeding, health and management are most fundamental to enhance the commercial goat production. Farmers have frequently confronted a number of problems in goat rearing such as diseases, parasites and other management limits for which required services are either inaccessible or inadequate. Thus the higher losses of goats due to diseases and other problems have led to unprofitable goat farming. Therefore, mobilization of village animal health workers (VAHW) could be very useful for animal health care and other required services. The services of VAHWs in the villages have been found very valuable in improving the productivity and survivability of domestic animals. Keeping this in view the VAHW training for 75 members, one from each SFCL has been carried out in the year 2011/12. Tutorial sessions on livestock insurance were also covered during the training. After the completion of training, all of these VAHWs have been providing veterinary and animal husbandry services and helping livestock security undertakings in the villages.

Farmers training Farmers training on improved animal husbandry techniques were carried outin 176 SFCLs for about 7000 farmers during the year 2011/12. The training course included goat, buffalo and pig management as well as the community based livestock insurance procedures.

Community based livestock insurance program About one-third of total credits disbursed by SFCLs to their members are invested in livestock enterprises. Livestock rearing is a profitable business; however there is always a risk of losses due to diseases, parasites and other problems, therefore, a community livestock insurance program managed by SFCLs themselves has been initiated. Five percent of the cost of livestock is deposited as a premium by farmers and the same amount as a grant provided by the government to create an insurance fund in SFCLs. This fund is utilized to pay for the services of village animal health workers and for the compensation to farmers as and when required. Till the end of fiscal year 2011/12, 66,401 animals, worth Rs 1.25 billion owned by 40,480 farmers were insured and Rs 62.8 million collected by the farmers and the equal amount have been provided by the


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government to establish the insurance fund in SFCLs. To date a livestock insurance fund of 113 million rupees has been established by 187 SFCLs. This fund covers insurance of all animal production enterprises including goat and pig production.

Output predictions Newly purchased flock of ten goats on an average consisted of six breeding does, one breeding buck, one yearling and two kids. The average productive performance of goats were estimated and assumptions were made for important traits like kidding interval of 8 months (1.5 kidding per annum), litter size of 1.5 kids per kidding, single kidding in first year, adult mortality 5% , and kid mortality (up to 4 months) 10%. Annual culling of does by 20%, breeding bucks by 33% was considered. The average live weight of goats assumed to be 20 kg for yearlings and, 22 kg for breeding does and 25 kg for adult breeding bucks. The production projections reveal that with the newly purchased goats a minimum of 58 thousand in second year and 71 thousand from the third year onwards will be produced annually (Table 4).

CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS As per the projections, the number of live goats supplied is about 15% of the total annual goat import. The livestock credit program will be continued in forthcoming years; hence, the growing of goat production with the credit facilities will have a significant contribution in import substitution. The projections show that during second year of goat rearing business, 523 MT of goat meat worth Rs 261 million, on third year and onwards 646 MT of goat meat worth of NRs 323 million will be produced annually. The livestock credit with a concessional interest rate to small farmers has an important contribution in raising goat meat production as well as substituting the annual live goat imports in the country. The female goats purchased by the farmers were generally of local Khari, Terai and crossbreeds and the breeding bucks were either of local or crossbreed. It was observed that rearing of one breeding doe in Terai or middle hills on an average yield 15 kg of goat meat annually with the presentlevel of nutrition, management and genetic potentials of goats.

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Table 4 Projections of live goats and chevon production nd

Particulars Number of breeding does Number of kids born Number of kids bought Total kids Mortality in kids @ 10% Total kids Male kids Replacement of breeding bucks Saleable bucks Female kids Replacement of breeding does Saleable yearlings Number of culls Does Bucks Total

Number 42609 57522 12815 70337 7034 63303 31652 2114 29538 31652 10652 21000 8522 1602

2 year Saleable Live goats weight (number) (mt)

rd

Chevon Number (mt)

3 year onwards Saleable Live goats weight (number) (mt)

Chevon (mt)

42609 86282

28061

561

253

19950

399

180

8522 1602 58134

170 32 1163

77 14 523

86282 8628 77654 38827 2114 36713 38827 10652 28175 8522 1602

34877

698

314

26766

535

241

8522 1602 71767

170 32 1435

77 14 646

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Jalan Kumar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Jhalendra Bhattarai, Senior Manager of Sana Kisan Bikas Bank, Limited for their valuable contribution in completion of the paper.

REFERENCES Annual Technical Report (2010/11). Central Quarantine Office, Kathmandu. Davis, R. J. (2008). Quality Improvement and Certification along the Meat and poultry Value Chain in Nepal.Submitted to Community Livestock Development Project. MoAC (2010/11). Agri-Business Promotion and Statistics Division, Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture. Sana Kisan Bikas Bank Ltd at a glance (June 2012). Subidhanagar, Kathmandu. Statistical Pocket Book (2010). Central Bureau of Statistics Ramshahpath, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal.


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GOAT MEAT VALUE CHAIN IN NEPAL: CURRENT STATUS AND KEY INTERVENTIONS Krishna Prasad PAUDEL, Braj K P SHAH, Kamal Raj GAUTAM, Shubh N MAHATO, Tirtha R REGMI and Neena JOSHI Heifer International Nepal, Hattiban, Lalitpur E-mail:[email protected] ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to map existing value chains and develop strategies for increasing production/productivity and strengthening the stake of the smallholders’ institutions in the goat value chain. The study area comprised eight randomly selected districts from mid-western, western, central and eastern regions. Methodology included review, surveys, focus group discussions, direct observations, interactions workshops and qualitative and quantitative analysis using a value chain framework. Goat value chain activities are mapped for Narayani-west and Narayani-east sectors. Total supply of goat meat from domestic production and import is 61,375 MT, domestic production contributing 52,809 MT (86%) and the remaining from import. Of the 3.34 million heads annually off-taken for meat from domestic production, about 75% is consumed at the villages and the remaining 25% supplied to formal markets. In addition 429,802 live goats were imported from India between mid-April 2011 and mid-April 2012. Disaggregation of imported goats by purpose and end market destinations reveals 99.5% is for slaughter in towns and cities and remaining 0.5% (2,250 heads) for breeding. Also 15,000 does are exported annually from Kakarbhitta to India. Mean cost of production of goat meat was NPR 283.74/Kg (range 150-298/Kg). Case studies reveal that some efficient farms had a cost of production as low as NPR 150.0/Kg. This efficiency is achieved through supplemental feeding, flushing, improved housing and selection. Most important intervention to reduce cost of production therefore, is to adopt improved goat management practices targeting breed-specific live weight and selling before 12 month age. Costs incurred and profit shared by value chain actors across the chain is presented. The competitiveness of Nepalese goats appears comparable based on freight on board price (NPR. 355.0/Kg meat) of imported and farm-gate price of Nepalese goats (NPR. 376/Kg meat). Production and marketing strategies are suggested in production, collection, transportation, end-market management and consumer levels.

Key words: Goat meat, Valu chain, supplemental feeding, flushing INTRODUCTION This study was undertaken with the aim to document prevailing goat value chains, identify gaps between end market demand and supply, and suggest how smallholder goat

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producers can be engaged in the goat supply chain to meet the market demand and contribute to import reduction. The focus remains on increasing the economic scale of operation and building trust among consumers, traders and producers along the vertically linked actors. Additional focus is given to convergence of the actors’ common interests for building/reinforcing the horizontal relationships. The study describes various interventions to expand and strengthen mutually-beneficial, vertically-linked goat value chain enterprises from smallholder production farms to end market consumers.

Goats sub-sector in Nepal: Nepal had a goat population of 6.9 million in 2001 which now has reached 9.19 million (ABPSD, 2011) with compounded annual growth of above 2%. About 49.8 % of the households (2.79 million of the 5.6 million) of the country keep goats with an average holding of 3.3/household. Further disaggregation of households with goats reveals that about 32.2% of them keep 1-2, 42.2% keep 3-5, 18% keep 6-9 and the remaining 7.5% keep 10 or more goats (CBS, 2012). Goat contributes 20% to the national meat production and has a share of 12% in the total Livestock GDP. A typical smallholder farmer earns NPR 15,000-20,000 annually from selling their goats (NLSS, 2012).

METHODOLOGIES AND APPROACHES The study area comprised Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Baglung, Nawalparasi from Narayani-west; and Chitwan, Mahottari and Jhapa from Narayani-east. A value chain analysis framework for goats was constructed and applied. The existing goat value chains are mapped by two geographical regions based on differences in the marketing systems of live goats and their linkage to end markets. Narayani- east (NE) sector where live animal markets (Haat Bazaar) are in operations and import is not significant, and Narayani-west (NW) sector where live animal Haat Bazaars are not yet in operation and the marketing chain include import in the supply chain. Methods used included reviews, collection of primary data from surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), interaction meetings and validation workshop. A total of 69 producers, 36 collectors, 15 traders, 3 processors, 2 importers, 10 market management committee, 36 butchers and 53 consumers were interviewed and their information analyzed. A SWOT analysis for market, production and socio-economics was undertaken to document the existing situation and find out measures for further development in the national perspective. The study looked into relationships among farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, traders’ associations, processors’ associations, and any existing collaborative agreements between small and medium sized processors. The goat import figures were verified by reviewing retrospective records at the customs and veterinary quarantine offices of Nepalgunj, Krishnanagar and Belahiya and direct observations on the consignments delivered during the field visit.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Demand and Supply Situation of Goat Meat The current total supply of goat meat is 61,375 MT with domestic production contributing 52,809 MT (86%) and import 8,566 MT. It is estimated that 3.34 million


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goats are slaughtered annually for meat and for sacrifice in religious events. This number yields about 52,809 MT of meat with an average carcass weight of 15.8 kg/goat. A crude estimate based on income elasticity reveals that the total demand for goat meat in the country is about 70,307 MT, leaving a gap of 8,932 MT. This is equal to a need of 565,300 additional goats annually. Part of this gap is met by import of frozen lamb and mutton by institutional consumers (mainly big hotels). The demand for goat meat is growing at a higher rate than its in-country production and is majorly associated with increase in income of the urban population. To meet the increasing demand for goat meat, there is increasing import of live goats from India and occasionally from Tibet. Thus, the trend in production and consumption of goat meat is expected to increase in the future and its growth will be higher than the country’s present human population annual growth rate of 1.35%.

Import: Quarantine records reveal that the import figure for 2005/06 was 274,814 live goats which rose to 475,853 in 2010-11 (DLS, 2011). Central Animal Quarantine Office revealed that 429,802 live goats were imported from India in the last 12 months (mid April 2011 to mid- April 2012. The highest number of goats is imported from Krishnanagar custom point followed by Nepalgunj, Belahiya, Manang, and Rani Biratnagar. The estimated meat supply from the imported Indian goats during last 12 months (mid -April 2011 to mid-April 2012 is about 7,736 MT (with an average carcass weight of 18.0 kg/goat). About 30,000 hill goats (Chyangra) were also imported from the Tibetan region of China, which contributes about 360 MT in the goat meat market (average carcass wt. 12kg/Chyangra). Further disaggregation of imported animals reveals that the total number of imported breeding animals is 2,250, equaling approximately 0.5% of the total import. In the domestic market, there is also the export of Nepalese nannies with kids (15,000 /annum) from Kakarbhitta Quarantine Check-post. Urlabari, Damak and Shanischare are the Haat Bazaars locations for this export route. No evidence of formal goat export was available from other customs points in the Narayani-east sector and so is the case in NW sector.

Market Demand: The majority of the goat meat produced in villages is used for local consumption, irrespective of caste and religion. This study reveals that in a typical nonvegetarian family of 6, a sizable portion of goat meat (13.32 kg/annum or 2.22 kg per capita/annum) is consumed in rural areas. More than 90% households in rural areas are non-vegetarian. The mean goat meat consumption/family is lower in the Terai region (5.20 kilo) possibly due to availability and cheaper prices for poultry meat, whereas it is the highest in hilly region where goat consumption was found as high as 45.20 kg/family/annum. The mean annual meat consumption among sampled households is 14.38 kg/annum/family. Further disaggregation by region revealed that the annual meat

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consumption was 16.8, 14.4, 13.2, 11.25 kg/family in eastern, central, western and midwestern regions, respectively. Consumers’ surveys reveal that on average an urban family consumes about a kilo gram more of goat meat than does a rural one. Cost of Goat Meat Production (CoP) The overall CoP of the study area (pooled) remained at NPR 283.74/kg meat. The CoP was the highest in Narayani-west sector (NPR. 294.32/kg dressed meat). There is no significant variation in unit price of feed resources and labor costs across sectors. Lower costs and differences in forage and fodder costs and vet services in Narayani-east sector can be attributed to technological awareness including increased awareness and adoption of disease control; and the common grazing practice at the common property resources. The other major factor for this difference is attributed to type of housing material (bamboo, hard wood (Sal), mud and stone. Case studies reveal that Heifer self-help group members trained in improved goat management had cost of production as low as NPR 150.0/kg of meat produced (Table 1), however, all farmers are not equally efficient as they do not monitor input, outputs and productivity. This efficiency is achieved through improved feeding, flushing, housing management and breed selection, and can be seen in the achievement of above 90% twinning rate and attainment of market-weight before 12 months of age. There is potential of smallholder farmers to achieve this level of productivity. Table 1. Cost of production of Goat Meat (NRs./kg) based on case studies in five farms Shaktikhor Khudunabari Shaktikhor Tulshipur Tulshipur Places SemiItems/ System Grazing A Grazing B Intensive A Intensive B Intensive Feed cost Forage and fodder cost Vet. services cost Labor costs Other costs Depreciation

48.38

30.38

61.91

119.17

77.36

26.85 17.59 59.07 1.23 13.31 166.43

0.00 4.97 122.34 1.10 15.22 174.021

57.77 18.92 130.22 2.70 26.67 298.19

11.93 7.59 147.31 1.68 10.11 297.79

10.57 3.61 51.26 0.73 6.34 149.88

Total costs Source: HPIN Field Survey, 2012

Goat marketing system There is no organized live goat marketing system in the country, except weekly live animal markets in the Narayani-east sector. The domestic goat marketing at the producer level is totally at the individual contact basis in both the regions (NE and NW). The


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locations of weekly Haat Bazaars are confined to NE regions only. In general, individual producers drive their animals to be sold to Haat Bazaars in NE sector while collectors travel to individual farmers’ houses and bargain for purchase in the NW sector. Major markets for domestic and imported goat meat are Kathmandu valley, followed by Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bharatpur, Janakpur and Butwal. From these bigger markets there is a further supply of live goats to smaller local markets, including district headquarters, which fulfill the gap in demand on top of the supply of goats from the surrounding goat production clusters of the respective districts. For example, the district headquarters of Baglung receives about 1,860 imported goats from Pokhara on top of 2,100 goats from its interior goat production sites. The highest number of imported goats was traded in Kathmandu, followed by Biratnagar, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Barhatwa, Sanischare and Sakhuwa bazar, whereas, the domestic goat consumption was found highest in Kathmandu followed by Biratnagar, Pokhara, Birtamod, Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Tulsipur, Baglung and Bharatpur terminal markets, respectively. In 18 major markets studied, a total of 969,789 goats were traded including both imports and domestic production. Out of this total, 567,049 were from domestic production and 402,740 from import. Among the visited markets, the highest percentage of shortfall in domestic production was found in Pokhara (83.61) followed by Butwal (79.85), Bharatpur (67.96), Nepalgunj (67.46), Kathmandu (58.7), Baglung (46.97), Biratnagar (11.38) and Surkhet (2.98). The total gap in supply for the study area was 41.53%. In the NE, existing Haat Bazaars have played vital role in the establishment of collection centres. The existing facilities in Barhathawa-Sarlahi: Sanischare and Birtamod-Jhapa; and Kalaiya-Bara are in the process of rehabilitation with the help of local government bodies and development agencies under the public private partnership model. These weekly markets need to be supported by bigger wholesale goat markets at the centre point around weekly Haat Bazaars. Price Information System: Overall price received by the farmers at their farm gate in the study area was NRs. 376/kg meat. The major price determination factor for the producers and local traders at farm gate level is the ongoing retail prices of goat meat at the local market or nearby major consumer market, whereas, for the regional and central traders of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bharatpur, terminal market prices are usually determined by the quantity of supply and demand in the market from various sources, including import. Despite the legal provision to slaughter unproductive female goats, there are no differences between the prices of he-goat and doe meat across various domains due to the practice of mixing of meats by the retailers for higher profit margins. Exceptions were observed in Pokhara and Bharatpur where she-goat meat was also traded as a brand for relatively cheaper price. Goat Value Chains Analysis The goat value chain engages various actors that include service providers, input suppliers, goat producers, traders, meat processors and retailers and consumers. Beside this, there are numerous organizations which provide support and services to the value chain actors and assist in the development and enhancement of the same. The value chain

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actors involved in study area in both domestic and import processes can broadly be categorized in four groups based on period, coverage of the area, nature of the service and objective of the participation (public sectors-institution, NGO's, CBO's, projects, vet services, private sector), which have shared the risks and opportunities along with linkages.

Horizontal/vertical linkages/relationship among the actors and the governance: Among input and service providers: Their roles depend on objectives of the institution and the scope of the work. Community animal health workers (CAHW) and para-vets are providing services to farmers. However, roles of DLSO in technical backstopping and strengthening CAHWs and private service providers are not adequate. Farmers to farmer: Social capital in terms of behavioral transformation is strong. However, ties and co-working between/among groups for expanding production and initiating collective marketing is lacking. There is a knowledge gap in advantages of timely and collective marketing, and selling takes place at the individual level with fewer opportunities for price transparency and bargaining. Networks of SHGs and cooperatives with a focus on goat production and marketing are almost non-existent. Among self-help groups and Cooperatives: There are wide range of farmers’ groups and cooperatives, however, their network to ease and scale up input supply, production management and marketing of goats is not streamlined for collective efforts. Each farmer is working at an individual level except for the use of breeding bucks in groups. No collective marketing efforts existed except in two cooperatives, Dhakeri in Banke and Shaktikhor in Chitwan Collectors to collectors: This is mostly seasonal self-employment enterprise with rapid turnover. This horizontal relationship is very weak and is the limiting factor for expanding trade volume from a particular location. However, the relationship is strong with regards to how they can exploit farmers for price bargaining. The usual practice is to visit a farmer repeatedly offering less than what the first collector offered for the same animal with the intention of fatiguing the farmer and forcing him/her to sell for a lower price. All of the collectors usually prefer lump sum pricing instead of purchasing goats on a live weight basis. There is an informal allocation of villages among collectors as well to ensure availability. Traders to traders: This horizontal relationship is quite strong, mostly with engagement of persons of familial relations both at the collection point of supply and at the end market place. This familial relation ensures trust in transaction and payment. The efforts on expanding trade are not conspicuous, persons engaged in this trade are relatively stable, and no mistrust among traders is seen. They have a negotiated trade agreement with goat transporters (public bus transport and trucks). One such negotiated deal can be seen in bearing the mortality losses occurring during transportation. Traders and transporter will bear 50:50 losses in case a goat dies during transportation. This


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arrangement ensures proper care of goats by bus/truck staff. This signifies business acumen in practice - a valuable VC innovation for a win-win situation. Among meat entrepreneurs: Most of the market places and district headquarters have a meat entrepreneurs association. This body is mostly for dealing meat selling issues with municipalities and local governments. There are examples of their involvement in improving the quality of meat retail shops collectively by approaching specific projects and municipalities. Entrepreneurial efforts to improve meat quality, reduce adulteration, and minimize malpractices are lacking/weak. Among consumers: Consumers are interested in hygienic meat, however their understanding of quality and preferences are different (e.g., many consider meat with skin intact better). Collective efforts for demanding regulatory mechanisms, supervision and even complaint mechanisms are not in existence. Consumers’ forums are not effectively engaged in improving qualitative aspects of goat VC process. Vertical value chain linkages Input suppliers and farmers: Service provision on a payment basis exists in most of the Terai and mid-hill districts and farmers are ready to pay service providers for the service they receive. However, transactions on credit have interrupted service frequency and quality. Extension by service providers with intent to expand business is not yet established. In many areas, farmers still do not have access to veterinary health services. Supply of drug and vaccine and forage and fodder seed / sapling is still not adequate. Farmers and collectors: Lack of trust, inconsistency, repeated visits for excessive bargaining, and even mishandling of animals with intent to pose internal injury (farmers from Banke reported that collectors approach and damage internal organs such as the kidney, causing the goat to get sick within a few days and then the same collectors visit a second time to purchase the same animal) are farmers concerns. No preferences for a long-term relationship appeared. Instantaneous benefits remained the intent from both parties in the deals. Collectors generally refuse to buy on a per unit live weight basis. Collectors and traders: Each collector has a preference to a trader for repeated business deals. Traders provide some float cash to collectors in advance and this is the strongest factor for this relationship and trust. However, as turnover is quite high among collectors, complaints of default in payment were also reported from both actors. Traders and Meat entrepreneurs: Importers and traders have a trading place in end markets; therefore, a kind of sustainable business deal occurs in these places. Traders can make a good guess of how many animals to deliver in the next consignment. No defaulter or grievances appeared. Meat entrepreneurs of Butwal, Narayanghat, generally state their requirements in advance to ensure delivery. Such an arrangement was not required for Pokhara and Kathmandu, as demand is always higher than the supply. No complaints of payment failure were reported.Meat entrepreneurs and institutional consumers: These entrepreneurs play the role of meat processors and also as a local

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collectors depending upon the situation and nearness to Haat Bazaars. They procure, slaughter and sell goat meat to households or institutional consumers Meat retailers and consumers: Adulteration and quality issues faced by consumers are the major gaps. The vertical value chain of goat import from India is well-established and efficient. There are about 11 traders in the whole import value chain. These traders have at least one local partner in their business and are operating through registered firms in Kathmandu and Pokhara. They also have satellite branches at Belahiya, Krishnanagar and Nepalgunj. The private sector import trade is running as a formal sector and has no hindrance from any agencies, probably because an informal institutional arrangement is also set for its smooth operation. However, importers’ have complaints on security and hindrances from Indian agencies.

Domestic Value Chain Analyses Import value chain: In terms of supply to end markets, the import value chain integrates into the Narayani –west value chain as it converges at the level of the traders who supply live goats to major urban areas (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Narayanghat, and Butwal). Out of the total importers’ cost, live weight loss in transportation from India to Kathmandu accounts 40 per cent followed by transport (18%), unseen expenses (15%) such as black market currency exchange, customs (13%), feeding (4%), interest on capital (3%) and labor (3%). Similarly, out of the total cost of meat processors or retailers, shop rent shares (28%); followed by depreciation (19%), labor (18%), holding (10%), local transportation (9%) and water and electricity (4%).The costs related with weight loss in transportation and unseen expenses can be minimized through policy advocacy and market interventions such as establishment of holding stations at strategic locations. Establishment of holding yards at end markets with all required facilities shall reduce individual holding costs. The value additions in imported goats are presented converting the truckload consignment into per unit meat in Kg. It indicates that FOB share is 59% of the total value chain followed by importer’s cost (13%), importer’s profit (12%), meat processor’s cost (4%) and meat processor’s profit (12%). Desired interventions (holding yard establishment and currency exchange facilities) in the import value chain shall reduce importers costs whereas meat retailers’ resettlement in organized meat markets shall reduce shop rent shares and consequently avail more profit margins to producers and great relief to consumers.


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DomesticRegional,Intra

India Export

Local Community

Nep algu nj-M

PKR WD

Birat naga r EDR.

KTM CDR.49.16

Sani schr e-

Oth er Mkt-

District d Collector

Goat Export

Farmers

Individual Farmers

Group Farmers Feed &Forage45.24%

Agro-vets/Pvt.

Labor-39.62%

GOs

Vet service3.89%

NGOs

Housing6.10%

Breed

Other-5.15%

Resourc e Farms

Goat -Collection, Market Centre,

Import Mutton

Line Ministry MoAD, Supportive Ministries, DLS, DLSO

Frozen Packaging

Local Processing by Meat Retailor

Projects, Cooperative, NFC

Goat

Meat Retailor/Fresh House

Meat Entrepreneur Association, Transport entrepreneurs,

Institutional Customers Entrepreneurs

Individual Customers

Service Providers

Private Sector, Banks,

CoP53.18%

Consumer: End Market;100%

Local Trading Share: 6.01%

Regional Trading share: 9.76%

Meat Processing Cost: 3.58%

Meat Retaiiler Profit10.12%

Farmers Profit17.36%

Chart 1. Goat Value Chain Map –Overall

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Losses accounted in entire value chain: In the entire domestic GVC, the major loss accounted is reduced body weight during transport and transit holding. Recording of body weight of 11 goats at Chhinchu at 15:00 hours and again at Pokhara upon delivery next morning revealed that on average, 3.0 kilo per goat body weight loss was observed, out of which, one kilo is estimated to be a recoverable if enough rest, water and fodder and forage are provided to them at the end market holding yard. Dehydration appears to be the major factor, followed by stressors associated with mode of transportation, distance of the end market, rest in transit (which was lacking in this case), and feeding and watering provisions. This may be attributed to the congestion and unhealthy practices of transportation. It has been observed that only a four hour rest is provided in transit at Chhinchu after collection from the villages and then the animals are transported in buses to Pokhara. The weight losses are higher in bus transportation (up to 3 kg from Chhinchu to Pokhara) as compared to the other means of transport, such as mini-truck or pickups where congestion is minimised. Out of this total weight loss, the share of the local collector is about one kg and that of the trader is about two kg. In the entire import value chain, about two kg live weight loss per goat occurs which is lower (though distance is longer), than that of the domestic value chain. The relatively less body weight loss in import chain may be due to enough rest (24 hours), feeding forage/fodder and watering in transit. The percentage share of the transportation loss accounts for about 40 per cent of the traders cost. According to the importers, apart from this direct transportation loss, there are indirect and hidden costs associated with vet certification and taxes imposed by various local authorities enroute including informal charges from police and customs officials. Such expenses are also included in the analysis.

Competitiveness of Nepalese Goat Meat Sector: There was a huge difference in (cost of production) across various domains, systems, and households; marketable age and productivity/doe/annum influencing CoP the most. The lowest CoP under semiintensive system was NPR 149.88. This was achieved from regular flushing practices and the goats had a higher twining percentage. The overall farm gate prices of the study area was NPR 376.00 352 for the Narayani-west and 400.00 for NE sector. Similarly, the mean farm gate price/Kg of meat by systems was similar for all the three systems considered. Survey findings indicate that the consumers, as well as meat retailors, prefer local goats over imported ones when available. Despite better carcass yield of Indian goats (65 %) over Nepalese goats (62%) with skin intact, this preference is apparent. The competitiveness of the Nepalese goat over Indian goat is also evident from the fact that Nepalese farmers are receiving higher farm gate prices (NPR 376 /kg meat) than the FOB cost (NPR 355.56 / kg of meat) of import.

Proceedings of the National Workshop on Research and Development pment Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal Nepal- 2013

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Interactions with various stakeholders revealed vealed that the preference for import of Indian goats is not due to price difference but the he availability of goat goats in required quantities at one place with similar age and weight. Traders raders are willing to opt for domestic business if an assured supply in the required quantity tity at one place and time is available within Nepal. In addition to this, harassment imposed by In Indian regulators and associated unseen costs provide an opportunity to promote a domestic production program with development of proper linkages among goat meat stakeholders and value chain service providers. Further discussion with the import port traders indic indicates that if the trading volume is increased, there is an opportunity to export goats to nearby Indian urban markets as meat price in these adjoining Indian towns ns is higher by NPR 50.00 than the nearby local Nepalese markets. Chart2

None of the trading places other than a few regular Haat Bazaars (Mahendranagar, Sakhuwa and Shanischare) have a scale of collection enough for a truck load. For this reason, all traders are forced to use the bus us transportation system to distant markets. T The most important concern of traders also relates to security. The majority of the traders were reluctant to do their business at public blic sector prescribed/developed venues because of inadequate infrastructural facilities andd weak financial security concern concerns.

Transportation: Mostly night buses forr long distance and day buses for short distance were the most preferred means of transportation ortation to the end markets. Local transportation of goats in small quantities in jeeps (30-440 goats) is also practiced. Recently, one of the traders from Pokhara had bought two wo tier medium and small trucks for goat

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transportation (mainly from Surkhet/Kohalpur to Pokhara and Kathmandu) but he has faced threat from bus owners. One of bus owners of Surkhet had removed two back seat rows (8 seats) of his bus and had made a three-tier closed compartment for transportation of 36 goats because of the higher fare he receives from transporting goats. Bus passengers had objections to this system, but have little say as no regulatory mechanisms exist. It was noted that goat transportation by bus is not a humane practice as it lacks sufficient space to rest compared to designed modes of transportation (three tier trucks used by importers). Over feeding of whole grain with salt was also observed as a malpractice to reduce transportation weight losses, thereby trading off meat quality. Acidosis from excessive grain feeding is known to increase lactic acid content in meat. The loading and unloading practice of goats from the bus cabins where goats were kept was also not humane. Too much stress during transportation is known to deteriorate meat quality due to biochemical changes that stress-related hormones bring about in animals.

Consumers’ concerns: Rural and urban consumers differed in their attitudes/perceptions. Rural consumers - many of whom were also producers - were less bothered by mixing practices of the meat retailors. Urban consumers’ concerns centered around improvement in hygiene and sanitation of retail meat shops, preferring slaughtering in front because of fears of possible adulteration. The willingness to pay more for improved hygiene and sanitation conditions could not be substantiated as only 11% of the respondents expressed their will to pay more. Only 25 % of consumers expressed their willingness to pay more for choice cuts of meat. About 80 % of consumers were in favour of fresh meat and meat with skin, whereas 20 % favoured skinless, frozen meat. These consumer attitudes/perceptions are mainly arising from ongoing traditional habits and from concerns that retailers mix she-goat meat in the bulk. Nepalese goats were preferred over Indian goats by most of the consumers due to lean meat and flavour of the former. Enabling policy and Programs: In Nepal there is no government policy specifically related to goats, but the policy related to livestock development and agribusiness promotion covers some goat development policy issues. Government periodic plans have been recognized goat as a potential program for income generation of rural people, and provisions are in place for its promotion. At present, Agriculture Development Strategy for the next 20 years and the Food and Nutrition Security Plan of Action (FNSPA) for 10 years are underway and will accommodate goat development and marketing strategies. The two most important policy issues related to transportation and marketing are 1) hurdles and double taxation by local governance and other service providers and 2) difficulties with obtaining a health certificate from a veterinarian at market places and during off-office hours.


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Policy issues related to production systems appear adequate except for the higher interest farmers must pay for the loans they borrow for goat farming. Interest on loans for goat farming is subsidized in India. Quality and accessibility of veterinary service is farmer’s major concern. 1. Interventions Recommended Proposed short, medium and long-term interventions from Heifer’s program perspectives are summarized in table 2 below: The infrastructure development and management for goat collection and trading may be an enterprise in itself where the private sector can invest, but for its promotion and support the public sector may provide unused land on a long term contract in the urban as well as rural areas along with soft loans from financial institutions. Table 2. Problem and recommended interventions in goat meat value chain Production problems No Recording for enterprise evaluation Low twining percentage Low birth wt. in twins Malnutrition in Kids

Mal-nutrition in Kids and Khasi High prevalence of Parasitic infection High prevalence of PPR Low herd performance Scarcity of feed & fodder Lack of fodder and forage in lean season Over aged Khasi sale practice Scarcity of breeding Doe and Buck

Recommended interventions Goat Herd Recording

Enterprise Records

Timespan Short-term

FFS- Doe Flushing

Twining percentage

Short-term

FFS- Pregnant Feeding FFS-Lactation, Feeding, selection of does with good mothering ability FFS-Kids Feeding

Kids Birth weight Kids growth rate

Short-term Short-term

Kids growth rate

Short-term

Morbidity and mortality % Morbidity and mortality % All above indicators Unproductive goat sold

Short-term

Availability of forage

Short-term

Live wt. at sale

Short-term

Doe and Bucks available

Short-term

FFS-Strategic drenching FFS-Strategic vaccination FFS-Selection of best doe FFS-Culling practice Promotion of fodder and forage production FFS-Forage conservation FFS-Sale under 12 months with targeted body weight Establish goat breeder farms

Indicator

Short-term Short-term Short-term

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Marketing problems Lack of trust between farmers and collectors in price negotiation Inadequate price information Lack of trust between farmers and collectors in price negotiation Traders reap high profit

Absence of Haat Bazaars in WDR, MWDR and FWDR Inadequate facilities in HaatbBazar of CDR and EDR Poor state of goat transportation and high weight loss. Hence high costs Absence of hygienic meat availability at DHQ + daily Haat Bazaars Higher cost of live goat transportation (18.25 % share of TGVC in NW sector Socio-economic problems Inadequate awareness among consumers about benefits of meat without skin Lack of meat Inspection for safe and hygienic meat processing

Marketing activities and tools Support weighing machine purchase and sell on unit live weight price Support and establish MIS select and train support youth as goat collector Establish, Train and Finance Collectors Alliance

Indicator Functional Weight Machine Functional MIS

Short-term

Collectors from community

Short-term

Alliance formed, equipped & functional

Short-term + Mediumterm Short-term + Mediumterm Short-term + Mediumterm Short-term + Mediumterm Short-term + Mediumterm Mediumterm + Long-term

Support and finance to establish weekly / Biweekly Haat Bazaars (PPP) Support and finance to strengthen Haat Bazaars (PPP) facilities and Management. Support and finance to encourage specific goat transport

Construction of infrastructure with facilities

Technical and Financial Support + Training

Establishment of slaughter slabs and Meat shop (PPP) at one place Number of private slaughter houses with retail show room & functioning state Indicator

Support and facilitate Establishment of regional slaughter house and processing in private sector Socio-economic activities and tools Support and facilitate creation of awareness among consumers Support and facilitate GoN to amend and implement Slaughter Act

Timespan Short-term

Construction of infrastructure with other facilities Transportation loss + trader Group transportation

Increase demand for skin free hygienic meat Enforcement of Slaughter Act visible

Timespan Short-term Med-term Long-term Short-term Med-term Long-term


Lack of entrepreneurship in goat farming and breeding

Number of person trained and adopted goat enterprise to economies of scale

Short-term Med-term Long-term

Goat development policy endorsed by Cabinet NB: Short-term = 3 years; Medium-term = 6 years; Long-term = 10 years

Short-term

Lack of goat sector development policy

Implement trainings and facilitate goat enterprise for potential farmers as breeder farmer to achieve economies of scale Support and facilitates goat development policy

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors extend their sincere gratitude to Heifer International, and Heifer Nepal Management for providing resources and entrusting them to carry out this important study. The study team is highly grateful to all the farmers, entrepreneurs/traders /processors and staff from Regional Directorate of Livestock Services, Animal Quarantine Offices, Heifer Nepal Regional Offices and District Livestock Service Offices for their cooperation and active engagement in providing useful information, sharing facts and figures and for their cordial accompaniment during the study. The authors duly acknowledge appreciable and timely involvement and cooperation of stakeholders, enumerators, partner NGOs officials and Heifer group and cooperative members; therefore, extend sincere thanks to all of them.

REFERENCES ABPSD (2011). Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture, MOAD, GoN. CBS (2002). Central Bureau of Statistics, GoN 2002. CBS (2006). Central Bureau of Statistics, GoN 2001/02. DLS (2011). Records from Department for Livestock Services, GoN, Annual Progress and Livestock Marketing Promotion Technical report (in Nepali), Directorate of Livestock Marketing Promotion Services 2066/67, and DLSOs of the respective districts. NLSS (2012). Nepal Living Standards Survey 2010/11. NPCS (1995). Agriculture Perspective Plan, National Planning Commission Secretariat.

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Annex 1 Districtwise loan disbursement for goat rearing SN Districts Number of Number of goats Loan disbursement farmers purchased (Rs in thousand) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Morang Sunsari Dolkha Jhapa Bara Rauthat Saptari Dhanusha Sarlahi Siraha Mahottari Udaypur Dhading Kabhre Nuwakot Chitwan Makwanpur Rupandehi Nawalparasi Kapilbastu Arghakhanchi Gulmi Palpa Kaski Tanahu Lamjung Gorkha Baglung Parbat Syangja Dang

32

Surkhet

33 34 35 36 37

Banke Bardiya Pyuthan Kailali Kanchnpur Total

494 305 229 819 241 159 167 684 346 56 63 176 1,918 56 20 871 419 235 207 124 117 83 21 129 57 49 50 21 27 33 355 216 65 461 119 220 121 9,733

3251 2005 1510 5392 1588 1047 1100 4503 2281 366 416 1161 12627 366 130 5733 2756 1547 1364 815 769 547 135 848 377 322 329 137 179 219 2340 1425

26983 16642 12533 44754 13180 8690 9130 37375 18932 3038 3453 9636 104804 3038 1079 47584 22875 12840 11321 6765 6383 4540 1121 7038 3129 2673 2731 1137 1486 1818 19422

428

3552 25182 6482 12035 6599 531,806

3034 781 1450 795 64,073

11828


Figure 1. Wether goats production by smallholders

Figure 2. Better shelters for goats

Figure 3. Green fodder supplied to goats

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PROSPECTS AND CONSTRAINTS IN PASHMINA PRODUCTION AND FUTURE STRATEGIES FOR PASHMINA VALUE CHAIN Megh R TIWARI1, Prakash K POKHAREL2 and Damodar NEUPANE3 1

National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI), Khumaltar 2 Animal Breeding Division, Khumaltar, Lalitpur 3 Swine and Avian Research Program, Khumaltar, Lalitpur Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

ABSTRACT Goats, thought to be one of the earliest domesticated ruminants in the race of human civilization have a multi-dimensional, economic, and socio-cultural significance for the Nepalese farmers. Chyangra goats are found in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nepal above 2400 masl. Chyangra goat is not getting due consideration from public and private institutions as result of which productivity and population of this breed is dwindling rapidly. The goat population of Nepal is estimated to be 9.18 million with average grwoth rate of 3.93% per annum since 1997 to 2011. Of 9.18 million goats, Chyangra population is estimated to be around 1% with 0.36 million (MOAC, 2011) and are found in 16 mountain districts of Nepal. Chyangra goats are found in various colours- black (35.95%), black and white (4.5%), white (21.3%), brown (17.9%) and red (20.35%). Average birth weight, weaning weight, six months weight, nine months weight, 12 months and adult weight is recorded 1.7; 9.5; 11; 13.8; 20 and 25 kg, respectively with average daily gain 40-50 gm. Mostly, Chyangra is raised under migratory system (74.5%) followed by sedentary (25.5%). Average pashmina yarn production per animal is recorded 197.43 gm per annum, and total production of the country is 40 MT per annum. Inbreeding, winter feed scarcity, predators, poisonous plants, lack of pasture, feed and shelter problems of shepherds, lack of manpower, diseases and obstacles given by Tibetans are major constraints for Chyangra production. In fiscal year 20010/11, country exported Pashmina products (shawl, stole, sweater, muffler, glove, pullover and shocks) worth of NRs 1635.62 million to 13 countries of the world. A future strategy of Pashmina value chain has been discussed in this paper. Key words: Chyangra, Pashmina, Nepal

INTRODUCTION Livestock are more dominant in the hills and mountains than in Terai (APP, 1995). Livestock sector contributes nearly half of the total agriculture income (47%) in the mountain livelihood (NASA, 2008). Cattle, buffalo, yak, sheep and goats are the major livestock of mountains and the major sources for livelihood. More importantly, yak cheese and Chyangra Cashmere (now called "Chyangra Pashmina") are the high value


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livestock products with niche characteristics as they have unique blend and qualities. These products have high market potentials, both within and outside the country. Goats, thought to be one of the earliest domesticated ruminants in the race of human civilization have a multidimensional, economic, and socio-cultural significance for the Nepalese farmers. Chyangra goats are found in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nepal above 2400 masl. Goat population of the country is estimated to be 9.18 million with average grwoth rate of 3.93% per annum (1997-2011). Of 9.18 million, Chyangra population is estimated to be around 1% that is 91,865 heads (MoAC, 2011).Chyangra is a mountain goat originating from Tibet and is mainly reared in the northern borders of the country. They are smaller, not prolific and hardy with a long hair coat. They are used for meat (tastier than other meats), pashmina and as pack animals. Body color varies from pure white to pure black with mixed patch of different colours. Its adult body weight around 30 kg. They have been reared in situ condition by farmers; however, not getting due consideration from public and private institutions, as result of which productivity and population of this breed is dwindling, hence, there is area to be addressed (Neopane and Pokharel, 2008). Pashmina refers to the very short inner coat of the Himalayan goats. Pashmina is high quality wool renowned for its fine, soft, fabric, lightweight and warmth. Pashmina fibres are normally 12 to 17 micron thin. Pashmina production of Chyangra is varied from 170 to 200 gm per animal per year, which is very low and could be enhanced up to 350 gm per animal per year under ideal feeding, breeding and health management. Around 400 MT pashmina yarn annually needed to fulfill the demand of pashmina products. The domestic production of pashmina (40 MT including outer and inner coat) is not able to address the demand, thus, country is importing pashmina yarn around 70% from China, 20% from Mongolia and 10% from other countries for which huge amount of money is spent. The British Queen Elizabeth II, other big celebrities and movie stars abroad played significant role in for its popularity by creating awareness of the product which probably led to the increased demand of pashmina shawl (ITC, 2007). At present, 764 pashmina industries are located at Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Makwanpur, and Chitwan districts and providing employment for 19246 peoples. The pashmina industry has grown with increased demand from the world markets. The successful practice of Chyangra farming provides an employment opportunity to rural women and men throughout the year (NPIA, 2012). Therefore, to make pashmina industries economically viable and to address the rules of WTO; there is urgent need to focus on Chayngra goats for pashmina production as well as import substitution.

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CHYANGRA POPULATION Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Rasuwa, Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasava, Sindhupalchok, Jumla, Kalikot, Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, Dolakha and Taplejung districts are the potential districts for Chyangra production. An attempt was made to collect information on Chyangra population and pashmina production in aforesaid districts through personel communication. Based on personel communication, Chyangra population of the country was gathered which is presented in Table 1. Farmers of rest of the districts import Chyangra from Tibet one two months prior to festivals like Dashain and Tihar for sale. Therefore, government institutions are not taken into consideration for recording permanent population. Furthermore,there might be few population which are negligible hence thay are not counted by the government institutions. A survey carried out by Tiwari (2059) in Mustang, Manang, Mugu, Humla and Dolpa districts showed that Chyangra population is decreasing year by year due to reciprocal breeding between Chyangra and Sinhal goats, predators, diseases, parasites, shepherding problems, poisonous plants, lack of pasture and fodder, winter feed scarcity and restriction of animal grazing in Tibetan plateau. Table 1. Chyangra population of Nepal

SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total

District Mustang Humla Bajura Dolpa Bajhang Manang Darchula Dolakha Taplejung

Population 51190 11350 9281 8000 5641 4841 270 200 200 90973

Source: DLSO of respective districts, 2012

HERD COMPOSITION Average livestock holding per households of mountain region and Nepal is compared and given in Table 2.


Table 2. Livestock heads / holding SN Region Cattle Buffalo

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Yak/Nak/Chauri Goat

Sheep

1

Nepal

3.8

2

6.2

3.9

6.4

2

Mountain

3.9

1.9

9.9

5.9

14.4

Source: CBS, 2007

PRODUCTION SYSTEM Usually, two types of livestock raising practices are followed in high altitude areas. They are transhumance migratory system and sedentary raising system. Most of the farmers (74.5%) are keeping their animals in migratory system. In this system, herd of yaks, chauries, sheep, goats and horses migrate from one place to another throughout the year. Livestock move together in an annual cycle according to their requirement and grazing ability at different altitudes. Livestock are kept for a very short period near the settlements. However, it is the opportunity for the herders to renew their relation with the village communities after spending some months in isolation in the alpine areas. On the other hand, villagers will get chance to manure their lands. In sedentary raising system (24.5%), animals are kept in shed during night and are taken out for grazing during daytime. These animals graze on the communal or private pasturelands around the villages. In winter, animals are kept on moving from one cultivable land after harvest to another in search for feed.

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE The production performance of Chyangra is given in Table 3 and 4. Most of the kidding in high mountain occurs in Baisakh (66.6%) followed by Kartik (33.4%). The Chyangra goats are found in different color, however, black color is dominant (35.95%) followed by white (21.3%), red (20.35%), brown (7.9%) and black and white (4.5%). White colour is most preferred by the pashmina industries due to easiness of dyeing than other colors. Average birth weight of Chyangra is recorded 1.9 kg, which reaches 9.5 kg in weaning (4 months), 11 kg in six months and 20 kg in 12 months. There is no significant difference between sexes. The adult weight is recorded 25 kg (2-2.5 year). Similarly, average pashmina production per animal of one year onward per year is recorded 170200 gm. There is also no significant difference between sexes.

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SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Table 3. Production performance of Chyangra Traits Body weight, (Kg) Birth weight 1.9 Weaning weight (4 months) 9.5 Six months weight 11 Yearling weight 20 Adult weight 25 Slaughter weight (2.5 – 3 yrs) 25.09 Pashmina, gm /year/ head 190- 200 Source: Neopane and Pokharel, 2008

At present, pashmina production of Nepal is recorded 40 MT (including inner and outer coats) per year and importing 400 MT of pashmina yarn mainly from China, Inner Mongolia and India. With goat population 72,779 (over six months of age), it is likely that we can produce around 14.56 MT of pashmina (at 200 gm/year/goat) each year in Nepal itself. Furthermore, if production performance of pashmina is increased from 200 gm to 350 gm then we can produce 25.47 MT per year which also does not address the national demand of pashmina. With the productivity of 350 gm pashmina per goat per year, Chyangra herd should be increased from 72779 to 114286 to meet the national demand. Likewise, as per rule of WTO, to write the trade name of pashmina "Made in Nepal" we must produce at least 8% of total raw materials (pashmina yarn) inside the country. For this sake, we have to maintain 160,000 Chyangra with productive performance of 200 gm per animal per year and 91429 animals with 350 gm pashmina per animal per year. Since, thickness and length of the fibers depend on the goat breed, the geophysical and climatic conditions and animal health conditions, country's pashmina production can be increased with the selective breeding among native herds, introduction of the superior male and doe. Similarly, better health care and feeding; and expansion of the new flocks in other potential districts will have significant impact on total pashmina production. Likewise, inner coat of Boer goats with 100% blood level are also potential for pashmina production. Therefore, an attention should be given in expansion of Boer goats in different agro-ecological zones of the country.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE The reproductive traits of animals are important to maintain the farm systematically and make the farming enterprise a profitable business. The reproductive performance of Chyangra as presented in Table 5 reveals that Chyangra female goat reaches age of puberty in 404 days and male starts his first service at the age of 405 days. Similarly, Chyangra females give first birth at the age of 556 days with kidding interval of 354 days. Likewise, kidding size at birth of Chyangra goat recorded one kid with 1.9 kg weight which reached 9-11 kg at weaning age of 4 months.


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Table 4. Production potential of chyangra for pashmina yarn

SN

Particular

Number

1 2 3 4 5 6

Chyangra population No. of Chyangra sorn each year (20% under 6 months) Pashmina production in MT @ 200 g per goat per year Can be increased up to MT @ 350 g per goat per year Total annual national demand of pashmina, Mt No. of Chyangra needed to produce 400 MTs pashmina annually @ 200 gm/year No. of Chyangra needed to produce 400 MT pashmina annually @ 350 gm/year 8% of 400 MT (WTO requirement) No. of Chyangra needed to produce 32 MTs pashmina annually @ 200 gm/year No. of Chyangra needed to produce 400 MT pashmina annually @ 350 gm/year

90973 72779 14.56 25.47 400 200000

7 8 9 10

114286 32 160000 91429

FORAGE AND FODDER SITUATION Mountain livestock production is mostly forage base and concentrate is offered for few breeding, lactating, growing and weak animals only. Available data indicates that there is a feed deficit of about 33 percent in the country and this deficit is more severe during winter season (December – April) when there is very limited availability of green and other feeds. Upreti and Shrestha (2006) have reported 31 percent shortage in dry matter to feed existing livestock population; overall feed deficit in the country is estimated to be 34.7 percent (TLDP, 2002). It was estimated that 5038 MT dry matter (1548 MT TDN) is required for feeding livestock of the mountain regions, where as the availability was only 1030 MT TDN (Yadav and Devkota, 2005). This negative feed balance has resulted into the low productivity of the livestock and seasonality in production. Though, there appears to be adequate (surplus - 5.76 times) feed in alpine pasturelands (APPSP, 2005); livestock either cannot graze on these pastures for long due to their short stoppage at the mountain crest during mid winter or cannot have access on the major portion of the pasture due to the difficult terrain and locations. Therefore, it is evident that feed scarcity is as severe in mountain as in other two regions.

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Table 5. Reproductiveperformance of Chyangra

SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Traits Age at puberty Age at first service Weight at first service, Kg Age at first kidding Kidding interval Litter size at birth, No Litter weight at birth, Kg Litter size at weaning, No Litter weight at weaning, Kg Gestation length

Days 404 405 18.5 556 354 1 1.9 0.7 9-11 145-150

Source: Neopane and Pokharel, 2008

BREEDING SYSTEM In mountain region, inbreeding problem is most prevalent that is causing low productivity of animals. It is due to unawareness of farmers on breeding. Therefore, following breeding strategy need to be adopted for genetic improvement of mountain Chyangra goats: Step 1: To avoid inbreeding effect in both production and reproduction traits, select the best bucks out of 10 to 20 bucks. The following should be the selection criteria: • The buck's sire and dam should be unrelated • The buck's sire and dam should attain the body weight of atleast 17 kg at 6 months of age. The reason for selection on the basis of body weight at 6 months of age is that the genetic correlation of body weight at 6 months of age with that of 9 and 12 months of age is highly positive (Neopane, 1997) • Age of first kidding of the buck's dam should not be delayed by 18 months of age • The dam should be free from reproductive disorders such as repeat breeding and abortion • The dam should have enough milk for kids • The dam having twining ability • The buck must have two equal sizes testicles • The buck should not have bulging stomach which may hinder the active service • The buck should be of pure breed Step 2: The ratio of selected buck and dams for breeding should be 1:25 or less. Selected buck should be mixed with does in the November - December and April-May for breeding purpose. To have the better conception rate in the does, both buck and does should be flushed with better nutrition one month before the start of breeding.


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Step 3: The average age at puberty is around 13 months and gestation period of doe is 5 months. It means the buck’s offspring will be ready for first conception after 18 months. As this time, the buck is either sold or replaced by another unrelated buck after 18 months of its service to prevent the chances of inbreeding.

ANIMAL HEALTH District Livestock Service Office, Jomsom, Mustang (2006) reported prevalence of parasites, diseases and problem of poisonous in that district which is given in Table 6. Kid mortality was observed higher in winter season due to cold climate, milk deficit and lack of forage. For controlling parasites and disease and others, farmers were getting service from nearby Livestock service centers, sub centers and district headquarters. Dipping against external year, drenching against internal parasites has been regular practice of farmers. Diarrhea, pneumonia, mange and cough were recorded during winter and early spring seasons.

Table 6. Prevalence of diseases SN Parameters Percent affected 1 Kid mortality 20 Diseases and parasites 1 External parasites 92.63 2 Internal parasites 2.43 3 Diarrhea 0.18 4 Pneumonia 0.16 5 Mange 4.05 6 Cough 0.55 Total 100 Source: DLSO, Mustang, 2006

Poisonous plants There are many kinds of poisonous plants available in alpine pasture and near by pasturelands where usually farmers graze their animals. According to the DLSO, Mustang Dhukcha is the most prevalent poisonous plant that is available in pasturelands in winter as well as summer months. Adult animals are more prone to poisoning than others. Bhote salt and sorrel is most effective than mustard oil, salt and Jimbu for treatment of Dhukcha poisoning.

MARKETING There appears to be large variation in price of the livestock products across the country and it is more pronounced in mountains than in other regions. Pashmina is example of the existing anomaly in pricing. Nepalese farmers are selling high quality pashmina to the Tibetan collectors from NRs 400 to 2000 per kg due to unawareness about pashmina, and the same product after minimal processing is bought by Nepalese Pashmina

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Industries on NRs. 8000-10000/kg. Weak market information systems, low level of awareness among the farmers are the key factors aggravating this gap. It has also been affected by the remoteness and isolation of the mountains from rest of the country. Live animals are used for local consumption and sold out during Dashain and Tihar in nearby markets. The cost of live animals is varying as per demand.

PASHMINA PROCESSING The pashmina making process includes the following steps:

Wool collection First, the wool from Chyangra is collected. The pashmina wool is collected every spring. Then the soft fine pashmina is separated from the thick coarse hair. In addition, both the soft pashmina and thick coarse hair is taken for their further process.

Spinning The pashmina wool is collected every spring, and is spun by hand. The yarn is spun on a spinning wheel locally known as ‘Charkha’. At present, the use of hand spun pashmina wool yarn has been replaced by imported machine spun yarn.

Weaving Handlooms are still used to weave pashmina products instead of the power looms as flimsy pashmina wool can be damaged by it. Weaving is done with a shuttle carrying the soft pashmina wool through the silk warp. It takes about 4 days to weave a single pashmina shawl. Pashmina with silk are woven with silk running the length of the weave, and pashmina on the width of the weave.

Fringes and designs The attractive and excellent fringes and beautiful designs in pashmina shawl will be different from the others. Fringe and designs add extra beauty to pashmina shawl and other pashmina products. The making of distinctive pashmina fringe and designs is an interesting stage of shawl making. Because the fringe and design making process is artistic and delicate process it takes hour to fringe and design each pashmina shawl or any other pashmina product by experts.

Dyeing Dyeing is also done by hand and each piece individually. Dyers with immense patience and generation of experience are the one who dye the pashmina shawls, stoles, mufflers, scarves, blankets and other pashmina products, as even the smallest negligence reflects on the quality of the product. Only metal and azo free dyes are used, making the shawls and other pashmina products completely eco friendly. The pure water used for dyeing pumped up from deep beneath the surface. Dyeing is done at a temperature just below boiling point for nearly one hour. Pashmina exceptionally absorbent, and dyes easily and


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deeply. In this way a fabulous pashmina shawl, stole, scarf, muffler, sweater, blanket and other pashmina product is made. Since a making of pashmina products is a pain staking, artistic and time-consuming process therefore the quality and the price of pashmina products are incomparable to other garments and fibres.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PASMINA YARN The accepted international standard for pashmina yarn includes anything less than 19micron thickness, at a minimum of 30 mm in length. No standards are set for a maximum length. Standard physical properties of pashmina yarn are given in Table 7. Table 7. Standard for Pashmina fibre

Parameter Thickness Length of the fibres Shape of the diameter

Standard 11 - 19 micron 25 - 50 mm Round and oval shaped

VALUE CHAIN OF PASHMINA The flow chart (Figure 3) shows the value addition in the different stages of pashmina products production. The pashmina yarn that has been imported by pashmina industries directly or by importers accounts 50% of the total cost of production and are imported from China, Mongolia and India. Dyeing materials generally imported from New Zealand by importers account around 11% of total cost. Importers supply dyeing materials to pashmina industries with their value addition. Then pashmina yarn undergo to production floor where weaving, fringes and designs, dyeing and packaging are done manually by labourers. The processing cost including the overhead of industries is around 7% of value addition and labour cost accounts for 16% value addition. The final products for the markets are in the form of shawl, stoles, sweater, muffler, glove, pullover, blanket, shocks, scarfs and others. There exist two ways of reaching pashmina products to markets through agents, buyers and brokers or specialized importers abroad where they include 16% of value addition in the form of interest and profit. The schematic value chain diagram is given below.

EMPLYOMENT GENERATION Pashmina sector is labour intensive; however, the full-time employment is low for this sector than others.There are 764 pashmina industries functioning in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Makwanpur and Kavrepalanchok districts of Nepal and producing valuable pashmina products. These industries are providing an opportunity of employment for 19246 peoples. Out of 19246, number of male is 8912 and female is 10334 which accounts 46.3% and 53.7% of total employment, respectively. Apart from these, many units operate informallyat cottage level, without registration. It is estimated that these units employ 5000 people. If the favorable conditions prevail and external

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market demand is revived, the present production could easily be doubled, thereby creating employment for an additional 5000 people (NPIA, 2012). Exporters of yarn abroad (50% of the total cost)

Importers of yarn and dying materials

Suppliers' abroad (Dyeing material 11% of the total cost)

Procurement industry Other consumption material suppliers

Labour work force (16% of total cost

Production floor Weaving, processing, quality control and packaging (finishing and overhead 7% of total cost) Packaging materials suppliers

Agents / buyers / brokers (Interest and profit 16% of total cost)

Specialized importers abroad

Figure 3.Showing pathways for value addition IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PASHMINA YARN Now, pashmina yarn is being imported from China, Mongolia and India. The quantity of pashmina yarn import is increased by 700% from the base year of 2004/05 to 2009/10 (Table 8, Figure 4). In fiscal year 2004/05, import was of worth NRs 96.23 million and reached NRs 674.23 million in 2010/11. Similarly, export of pashmina products is increased by 157% from the base year 2004/05 to 2010/11. The export of pashmina products in fiscal year 2004/05 was of worth NRs 1042.46 million and reached NRs 1635.62 million in fiscal year 2010/11, however, it was highest in fiscal year 2008/09 (NRs 1818.89 million). The pashmina products of Nepal has got trade mark in 81 countries of the world, however, main pashmina products importers are USA, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Belgium, Italy, South Korea, Hungary, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Canada, Netherlands and United Kingdom (ITC, 2007).


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Table 8 Import of pashmina yarn and export of pashmina products SN

Fiscal Year

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

Import NRs. Million 96.23 92.58 NA 191.82 219.48 674.23 NA

Export NRs.Million 1042.46 1106.53 1246 1206.45 1818.89 1317.06 1635.62

Figure 4: Import and export of Pashmina

The standard size of different pashmina products demanded by importers is given in Table 9. Table 9 Standard size of pashmina products Products Blanket Shawl Half Shawl Stoles Mufflers and Scarfs Cut Piece

Standard size, (Inches) 54" x 108", 45" x 90", 45" x 72", 56" x 96", 52" x 110" and 60" x 100" 36" x 81" and 36"x 80" 28" x 80" 22" x 72", 28" x 78", 28" x 72", 24" x 72" and 20" x 72" 16" x 72", 18" x 78", 18" x 65" and 12" x 60" 3 meter or above

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DISCUSSION Based on different studies on Chyangra goats following measures could be done for enhancing the pashmina from Chyangra goats. Way Forward • Replace low productive animals • Selective and cross breeding could be done to avoid inbreeding • Create awareness among the farmers on importance of pashmina so that there is potentiality to increase the productivity and production of Chyangra pashmina • Some of the pasture lands which has not been explored can be explored through the construction of trails • Rangeland policy is in offing, therefore need to activate or create • Pashmina possesses high value and are in high demand in the markets, therefore, pashmina yarn is being imported in large quantity from the China, Mongolia and India • Pashmina entrepreneurs are eager to collaborate and invest in promotion of Chyangra so need to trap them • Summer greens can be conserved and utilized during winter Challenges • Chyangra can be raised in remotest trans- Himalayan region only • Pashmina producing Chyangra are less in number however, Boer is also potential for Pashmina • Low reproductive efficiency of the herds and low productivity • Lack of commercial farming of Chyangra goats • Lack of pashmina collection and marketing system and lack of market and market information network • No road connectivity to these regions and difficulty in delivery of the inputs and transport of the products • Steppe, temperate and sub alpine pasturelands overstocked. • Lack of the technology to improve pasturelands and few technologies that have been developed has not been well adopted in the field • Inaccessibility in some of the pasturelands • Weak coordination among the stakeholders (Researchers, extension workers, farmers and pashmina industries) • Lack or limited research done • Scarce forage resources, especially during winter • Lack of entrepreneurship and lack of awareness among the local communities


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CONCLUSION High altitude livestock production has not got adequate attention in the past despite ofits potential forcontributing more in mountain livelihood and national economy. Through the co-ordinated efforts of the stakeholders backstopped by sufficient technological interventions, high altitude livestock development would get the momentum. Forage production and productivity enhancement need special focus followed by the breed improvement and marketing of the mountain niche products. These products fetch premium value and have the comparative advantage. Pashmina, as a valuable fibre being produced by Chayngra goat, should be marketed properly in order to help the farmers derive greater economic benefit. Fodder banks should be established to supply fodder to the goats during lean periods. A properly managed and well-planned breeding programme should be adopted to enhance the performance of Chyangra goats. Field progeny testing should be taken up to produce good quality proven bucks that can be used to improve the local goat population.

REFERENCES APP (1995). Agricultural Projects Service Centre, Kathmandu and John Mellor Associates, Inc. Washington D.C. APPSP (2005). Agriculture Perspective Plan Support Programme.A study on import substitution of carpet wool in Nepal. Anon (2006). Annual Progress Report, District Livestock Service Office, Jomsom, Mustang, Nepal. CBS (2007). Central Bureau of Statistics, National Planning Commission, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal. DLSO (2012). District Livestock Service Offices of respective district. Personnel communication FAO (2010). Developing Livestock Raising in High Altitude Areas. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.UN Complex, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal. ITC (2007). Export Potential Assessment in Nepal. International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO, Market Analysis Section, in collaboration with the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC) of Nepal, Pp 32-40. MoAC (2010/11). Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Agri-business Promotion and Statistics Division, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal. Neopane, S.R. (1997). The genetics of productivity traits in a Nepalese hill goat herd. A thesis submitted to the University of London in partial fulfillment of the requirements governing the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Neopane, S.R. and Pokharel, P.K. (2008). Indigenous Goat of Nepal. Animal Breeding Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. NPIA (2012). Nepal Pashmina Industries Association, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal.

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NASA (2008). Nepal Animal Science Association. A report on analyzing the current situation of rangelands of Nepal, Department of Livestock Service (DLS), Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal. Tiwari, M.R. (2059). Identification of breeding strategies for goat improvement in high hills and mountain of Nepal. Final Technical Paper (HARP 91/99). Sheep and Goat Research Program, Guthichaur, Jumla, Nepal. TLDP (2002). Third Livestock Development Project.Forage Seed Production Mapping Upreti, C.R. and Shrestha, B.K. (2006). Nutrient contents of feeds and fodder in Nepal. Animal Nutrition Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Khumaltar. Lalitpur, Nepal Yadav, J.L. and Devkota, N. R. (2005). Animal nutrition and fodder production (in Nepali language). Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuwan University, Rampur Chitwan, Nepal, Pp. 72-75.


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GOAT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN NEPAL: DLS EXPERIENCE Rudra Prasad PAUDEL1, Krishna Prasad RIJAL2, Shankar PANDEY3 and Narayan Prasad BASAULA2 1

Community Livestock Development Project, DLS, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur 2 Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office, DLS, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur 3 Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Goat farming is an integral component of Nepalese agriculture system contributing 14.25% to the Livestock GDP and 3.24% on agricultural gross domestic produdct (GDP). Currently, about 51% of the households in the country are raising goats with 4-5 goats holding per family. Goat is considered as one of the valuable commodities focused for meat production as handy cash-crop. Besides, goats provide other products like manure, hide, fibre and milk additionally. Comparing the trend in 2000/2001 and 2010/2011 goat population has been increased by 3.6% and goat meat production by 3.4% and annually on average. Consumers’preferences on goat meat (Chevon), rapid change of food habit of people and urbanization have swiftly increased the demand for goat meat. Goat meat shares about 19% of the total meat production in the country equivalent to 52809 metric tons of meat which is second largest share after buffalo meat. In Nepal, goat development activities have been accelerated since 2031 BS (1974) from Sheep, Goat and Wool Development Project in Mustang under Department of Livestock Development and Animal Health. Since then, goat sector development activities have been continuing through different programmes and projects. Recently, Department of Livestock Services (DLS) is implementing goat distribution and support programmes for poverty reduction, employment creation, food and nutritional security, particularly targeting pro-poor, disadvantaged and marginalized communities. These programmes have shown positive impact on their livelihood. Goat has been proved to have multiplier effect, due to which, other development agencies are also promoting goat development activities in line with DLS. There is significant increment of goat population, however improved technology, scientific management, expansion and strengthening of goat resource centers and commercialization would be the pre-conditions for increasing goat productivity and bridging the gap between demand and supply. Key Words: Chevon, Commodity, DLS, Commercialization

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INTRODUCTION Goats, one of the earliest domesticated ruminants in the race of human civilization, have a multidimensional economic and socio-cultural significance for the Nepalese farmers. Goat farming as an integral component of Nepalese agriculture is mainly for meat production in all parts of the country contributing about 19% to total meat production. Department of Livestock Services and many other development institutions and agencies are implementing goat distribution as a predominant activity for poverty reduction. Therefore, goat farming has been a technical entry point of programs of several organizations. Goat farming is the basis of rural livelihood, especially for marginal communities of remote area. Goat is considered as handy cash-crop. It is a popular species accepted and managed by all section of society, poor to rich, child to old and all ethnic groups. Agriculture absorbs about 75% of Nepal's labor force and more than 51% of households (HHs) are involved in the goat sector. Goat is kept for meat purpose as major and also for milk, manure, hide, fiber and as pack animal. All agro-climatic zones of Nepal are suitable for goat farming. About one-third of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes from livestock sector, among which, goat subsector contributes 14.25% in livestock GDP and 3.24% in agricultural GDP. Chevon is the most preferred meat in Nepal. Rising per capita income, growing urbanization and unfolding globalization are boosting the demand for high-value chevon. In Nepal, total demand of goat meat is 60823 metric ton (mt) whicle the domestic production is 52809 mt and about 0.5 million live goats are imported annually. Despite this importation, still there is a deficit of 8014 mt (13.2%) of goat meat. In high hills of Nepal, goats are managed under transhumance system and in mid-hills and terai region; they are managed either under complete stall feeding or semi-stall feeding. High demand for goat and its products with potential of good economic returns have been deriving many progressive farmers, businessmen, professionals, ex-servicemen and educated youths to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale. Now, it is shifting from subsistence farming to commercialization. History of Goat Development in Nepal Goat Development in Nepal Commenced in Rana regime (2001 BS or 1944 AD) after establishment of Bheda Briddi Farm in Chitlang. The farm started dairy goat production after the introduction of 20 Saanen goats from Israel in 2023/24 BS (1966 AD). Sheep, Goat and Wool Development Project (2031 BS or 1974 AD) helped government farms for strengthening the resource of breeding animals and Pasture/forage seeds in Mustang, which is taken as the milestone in the goat development sector. Prithvi and Araniko Highway Goat Development Programs (2032 to 2035) had focused on extension programs including farmer’s training, deworming, vaccination, forage development and marketing. In the year 2032 BS (1975 AD), Barbari goat had been introduced in


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Panchkhal of Kavre and Jamunapari in Tupche of Nuwakot district from India; but the extension of these breeds could not be effective due to lack of strategic plan and expertise. Thereafter, Central Goat Development Farm had been established in Bandipur in 2033 BS (1976 AD) with the objective of establishing goat resource centre of different breeds (Saanen, Jamunapari and Khari) in a single place. Livestock Development Project (1st and 2nd phase) focused on infrastructure development, strengthening of veterinary laboratories, establishment of District Livestock Service Offices, forage/pasture resource farms (Gaughat, Ranjitpur, Janakpur). Goat Development Farm was established at Budhitola in 2040 BS (1983 AD) for strengthening of goat resources of mid-western and far-western region. Nepal adopted privatization policy after the end of Panchayat regime. In 2050, Chitlang Sheep-Goat farm was handed over to Makawanpur meat processing company limited for 10 years, but due to unsuccessful management of the private sector, the farm was seized by the government and again restarted after one year. Department of Livestock Services (DLS) started to implement Breeder Farmers' programme in different regions/districts in 2053. Poverty reduction and semi-commercial goat development programme from DLS had been initiated in 2057/58. After that in fiscal year 2059/60, Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office (CSGPO) was established under the Directorate of Livestock Production (DoLP) for further strengthening and promotion of sheep and goat development activities. In the F/Y 2060/61 BS (2003 AD), Third Livestock Development Project (TLDP) started Goat Passing on Gift (Bakhra Paincho) program in 19 districts. Further, the program has been continued by Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) in 22 districts from the fiscal year 2061/62 till now. With the objective of improving environment and livelihood of ultrapoor, Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Program (LFLP) initiated goat development activities since the F/Y 2062/63. Directorate of Livestock Production (DoLP) started Growth Axis Goat Development Programme in 2 districts (Makawanpur and Dang), and Eastern Mountain Livestock Development Programme in 5 districts (Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu and Okhaldhunga) in the F/Y 2062/63. Successively, DoLP initiated upscaling of commercial goat farming program in F/Y2063/64; addressing landless, ultrapoor farmer target livestock development program and Rural Youth Self-employment Livestock Development Program in the F/Y 2064/65. CLDP initiated Goat resource Development Program in 2065/66. The same program followed by the Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office (CSGPO) after one year and thereafter Food Security Promotion Project extended the program in additional districts. Existing goat management system In the livestock sector, goats, being a valuable and renewable resource, occupy an important position. Goats are traditionally raised under either stationary or migratory system. Several times, the stocking density on rangeland far exceeds its carrying capacity. This scenario forces the flock-owners to migrate with their flocks for

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sustenance. This migration may be temporary (of short duration to neighboring locations) or permanent where flocks spend most of the time on migration, usually to long distances. Though with the changing times and availability of diverse occupations, there is a decline in the number of pastoral nomads, this system is still the main occupation of a large population in the high hills. Migratory goat-rearing is very common in the economically weaker sections of society in the tribal hilly areas of Nepal. The tribes extensively practise migratory pastrolism. They migrate from foothills of the Himalayas to high altitude alpine ranges during the summer months and to foothills and plains during the winter season. Although, it is quite difficult to make an exact estimate of the migratory goat population in the region, it has been reported that these constitute less than 17 percent of the total goat population. In intensive goat rearing systems, feeding is based on the nutrient requirements of the animals and the nutritive value of feeds with the formulation of a ration which meets the daily requirements of the animals. Under these conditions feed intake of goats can easily be measured and available feedstuffs can be given in quantities needed to maintain good body condition. Goats in intensive systems may rely on large quantities of crop residues or on small quantities of roughage and crop residues with higher quantities of concentrates. The use of concentrates is justified only if local meat and milk prices are high. With semi-intensive and particularly extensive systems of management supplementing grazed roughage which varies in quantity and quality is a problem. In temperate climates, there is usually adequate pasture and supplementation arises only when there is overstocking or when the time of kidding is changed. In high lands as well as in the tropical, semi-arid and arid regions, the production of roughage is seasonal and varies widely both in quantity and quality. Under these conditions, grazing goats respond to energy, protein and phosphorus supplements when grazing on poor quality roughage. And same rule applies with vitamin A when animals subsist on dry roughage for more than 4 months. Stocking rate must be decided according to the animal carrying capacity at the worst time of the season, unless supplementary feeding is available at times of roughage scarcity. Goat and Meat Production Status Nepal has recorded a total goat population of 9.18 million during the year 2010/11. The average annual increment of the goat population in the country is 4.26 %. The largest concentration of goats is topographically in the hills (50.6%) and region wise in the central (27.6%) and eastern (26.7%) development regions in F/Y 2010/11 (Table 1).


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Table 1. Goat population by ecological region Topographical Goat population regions 2000/2001 2010/2011 Mountain 892,465 1200239

34.48

Average annual Increment 3.45

Hill

3,491,777

4657279

33

3.3

Terai

2,094,138

3328920

58.96

5.89

Total

6,478,380

9,186,438

42.60

4.26

% Increment over 10 yrs

Table 2. Goat population by development region Development Regions

Goat population

% Increment over 10 yrs

2000/2001

2010/2011

Eastern

1,680,199

2455506

46.14

Average annual Increment 4.61

Central

1,771,491

2540402

43.40

4.34

Western

1,218,664

1747275

43.38

4.34

Mid western

1,251,496

1591405

27.16

2.72

Far Western

556,530

851850

53.06

5.31

Total

6,478,380

9,186,438

42.60

4.26

Table 3. Distribution of goat breeds by agro-climatic zones (2010/11)

Breeds of Goat

Agro-climatic zones Goat Population Percentage(%)

Chyangra

Mountain

91865

1

Sinhal

Mountain

1469830

16

Khari, Jamunapari cross

Hill

5144405

56

Terai, Jamunapari Cross Barbari cross

Terai

Total

2480338 9186438

27 100

Comparing the trend from 2000/2001 to 2010/2011, goat population has been annually increased by 4.21 % and goat meat production by 3.41% on average.

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Proceedings of the National Workshop on Research esearch and Development Strategies for Goat Enterprises in Nepal Nepal-2013

7.00 6.00

Annual Growth rate (Populatio n)

5.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00

Figure1. Growth rate of goat population aand meat production in Nepal In Nepal, during the last 7 years period ((F/Y 2062/63 to 2068/69), live goat import for meat purpose seems in increasing trend in the F/Y 2064/65, 2065/66 and 2066/67 with the annual increment 1.4%, 19.4 % and 42.9%, respectively. In the last 2 years, it has been decreased by 0.1% and 13.7 % gradually. ually.

-13.7

2068/69

Y

2067/68

e

2066/67

a r

-0.1 42.9 19.4

2065/66 2064/65

1.4

2063/64

-1.4 %

2062/63

279101

Figure 2. Trends of Goat Import in Nepal al Goat Development Programs under DLS LS Department of Livestock Services (DLS) S) has initiated goat distribution and support programs for poverty reduction, employment yment creation, food and nutritional security particularly targeting pro-poor, disadvantaged aged and marginalized communities.


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Table 4. Programs under DLS since 2057 S.N

Program and districts

Period (Years) 2057/58 to 2065/66

1

Semi-commercial goat farming program for poverty alleviation in 33 districts by DoLP

2

Goat Passing on Gift (Bakhra Paicho) program initiated in 19 districts by TLDP and taken over by CLDP, extended in 22 districts.

2060/61 To 2067/68

3

Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme (LFLP) - IFAD funded programme conducted in 22 districts

2062/63 To 2067/68

4

Growth Axis Goat development program in 3 districts (Makawanpur, Dang and Gulmi) by DoLP

2062/63 to 2067/68

Main Achivement HH coverage : 9176; Goat Distribution : 45,823 ; Goat Passing on Gift : 13183 ; Poverty alleviation of targeted ultra poor households; Employment creation; Initiation of commercial farming in private sector Household coverage :71506 ;Group Formation : 6377; Goat distribution : 214518; Women participation : 70.5 %; Inclusion of Janajati:28 %, Dalits:34%; 25% farmers doubled the goat herd size within 2-3 year period; Commercialization has been increased.; Concept of community-based goat insurance introduced; Goat farming thru’ cooperatives started; Goat pass-on program has significantly contributed for developing “Goat Resource Centers” Distribution of 65880 goats and 3493 bucks; Per year earning about NRs.16,000.00 ; 17 Goat cooperatives established in Kavre, Chitwan, Gorkha and Salyan (from COCIS); Representation of women, dalits, janajatis, and the poorest in key positions (Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary) is 36%, 12%, 32% and 24%, respectively; The goat herd size had increased from average of 3 goats/HH to 5 goats/HH; More than 90% of users saved money in group saving and credit schemeswith an average value of NRs. 18/HH/month; About 76% of LFUGs have mobilized their savings into internal loans for income generating activities;36 Village Finance Associations have been registered involving 365 LFUGs and benefitting 3004 users with a total collection of about NRs. 7.4 million. HH coveregae : 1238; Group formation:62; Women participation : 724

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5

6

7

8.

9

11


Eastern Hill Livestock Development Program in 5 districts (Bhojpur, Khotang (Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbhu and Okhaldhunga) Up-scaling of Commercial Goat Farming Program in 10 districts (1st phase: Nuwakot, Gorkha, Sarlahi, Parsa, and Dang; 2nd phase: Salyan, Bardia, Sindhupalchowk, Bara and Dhankuta) by DoLP Goat Development Program for landless ultra-poor farmers in 5 districts (Saptari, Dhanusa, Rupandai, Dang and Kailali) by DoLP Rural Youth SelfEmployment Promotion Livestock Development Program in 13 districts Establishment of Goat Development Farms: Chitlang and Budhitola as goat Resource centres Community Goat Resource Centre Development Program in 9 districts by CLDP, CSGPO and Food security Promotion Project

2062/63 to 2067/68

HH coverage:1910; Women participation: 1193; Goat stock increased to 9424; Revolving fund established; Income generation increased

2063/64 to 2067/68 (1st phase) 2067/68 and onward (2nd Phase)

HH coverage : 2250; Commercial goat farming initiated for production of meat goats; Breeder farmers increased for production of genetically improved breeding goats

2064/65 to 2067/68

Beneficiaries: 1055; IncomeRs.10000/year per family increased; Increment in forages in the program area

2064/65 2067/68

2001 (Chitlang) and 2040 (Budhitola) 2065/66 2067/68

Beneficiaries: 1988 (Female 36%); 60% children – access to school; Malnutrition decreased ;Capacity enhancement & youngsters encouraged to work in Nepal Goat Develoment Farm, Chitlang : Breed resource : Sannen Cross (Milch breed); Goat population : 145 Goat Development Farm, Bdhitola : Breed resource : Khari ;Goat population : 230 * see Table no 5


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Table 5. Community Goat Resource Centre Development Program S. N

District and Place

Establishe d F/Y

Involved Household s

Present total Goat Stock 1576

Established by

1

Saptari (Mahuli)

2066/67

161

2

Udaypur (Sundarpur)

2066/67

50

3

Sindhuli (Dadiguranse)

2066/67

69

771 (Last year) 1061

4

Makawanpur (Namtar, Bhainse)

2067/68

96

4665

5

Kailali (Godawari, Sahajpur)

2067/68

60

2235

6

Surkhet (Kunathari)

2068/69

100

3600

7 8

Tanahun (Manung) Banke (Mahadevpuri)

2065/66 2065/66

146 200

750 2500

Livestock development service Program (CSGPO) Livestock development service Program (CSGPO) Livestock development service Program (CSGPO) Food security Promotion Project (CSGPO) Food security Promotion Project (CSGPO) Food security Promotion Project (CSGPO) CLDP CLDP

9

NawalParasi (Deurali)

2065/66

100

2168

CLDP

Achievements From the contribution of different programs and projects under DLS, institutional structure has been developed along with development of human resources. The goat development programmes empowered farmers socially and economically. Farmers are becoming well known about the goat husbandry technology through different trainings, exposure, breeds and management programmes due to which they are capable of adopting improved goat management practices. The demand of forages, forage seeds and fertilizers is being increased, to meet the increased demand, DLS has established Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office (CSGPO) under Directorate of Livestock Production and the overall issues of goat husbandry is being dealt from CSGPO. The grazing on community forests and communal lands has been controlled and tendency on stallfeeding has been increased. The goat flock size per household is being increased. The increasing demand of meat has been fulfilled from goat production and goat import in the fiscal year 2011/12 has been dropped by 13% as compared to the import in 2010/11 and similar decrease in coming year has been expected. The commercialization in this industry has been initiated in recent years.

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LESSON LEARNED •

• • • • • • • •

• • • •

There was lack of proper social mobilization component on Goat Passing on Gift program. However, the social mobilization and community based program was successful in CLDP programs. The most seen beauty of Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme is capacity enhancement and forage development before goat distribution. In some programmes, the expected productivity could not be achieved due to improper management and low genetic potential of foundation stock. Weak Follow up program is taken as drawback. Ultra-poor, marginalized communities became the target of the goat programs. It is very difficult to transefer new technology. Commercial goat farming is not focused yet. Short duration goat exchange program is proved to be ineffective due to not fully understanding the benefit from goats in short period. Weak intra/inter-coordination among goat stakeholders and development agencies. Lack of quality goat resource centres, resulting farmers and middle men ilegally importing breedable goats from neighbouring countries which causes outbreak of diseases. Production and market network development could not be institutionalized. Migratory goat herd management is not in full action as per the requirement. Goat health services in mid and high hills is still unsatisfactory. The production of pashmina and its export has got less importance.

RECOMMENDATIONS The achievements and lesson learned from goat development program of Department of Livestock Services has proposed following recommendations for further development of this sector: • • • • •

• • •

There is need of national livestock development strategy with focused programs for goat sector. The goat farmers’ network/association arethe necessities. Work needed to increase in production performance through genetic improvement. Indigenous goat genetic resources should be conserved, promoted and better utilized. The huge demand of quality bucks and does can be supplied only through expansion and strengthening of goat resource centers from the modality of public private partnership. Small holding per household should be upgraded with incentives and supports to commercial farms. There is need of intensive health care support programs. Goat production and market network establishment should be integrated.


• • • • • • •

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Market information system should be strengthened. Community/field based research programs should be incorporated by research stations as their outreach programs. Prolific and economic breeds should be made available for commercial farmers. Extension of goat development programs should be formulated on the basis of ecological belt. Policy should be formulated to access community land for forage development and grazing their stocks. Winter feed crisis should be addressed by forage/pasture development and feed technology adoption. Plantation of fodder species in boundaries of cultivated land which is not utilized for crop production (1/3rd of cultivated land remains unutilized).

REFERENCES Annual Technical Report (2011). Central Sheep and Goat Promotion Office, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur. Annual Report (2010). Community Livestock Development Project, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur. Annual Progress Report (2012). Department of Livestock Services, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur Programme wise Report in District Level (2012). Directorate of Livestock Production, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur. Annual Progress Report (2011). Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Program, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur. Annual Progress Report (2012). Central Animal Quarantine Office, Budhanilakantha, Kathmandu.

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SOCIOECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF GOAT FARMING: STRATEGIES FOR R&D IN NEPAL Yuga Nath GHIMIRE, Devendra GAUCHAN, Megh Bahadur NEPALI and Dinesh Babu THAPA MAGAR Socioeconomics and Agricultural Research Policy Division (SARPOD) Nepal Agricultural Research Council E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Goat farming is being increasingly realized as an important intervention strategy for rural poverty reduction, gender and social inclusion in Nepal. Considering agro-climatic suitability and soaring demand of goat meat in domestic market, goat farming is gaining its importance as a potential source of employment and income in the country. As this sector is scale neutral and is suitable both for commercial enterprise and for small scale farming with limited capital, country’s agenda of inclusive growth and development involving rural women, poor and marginal farmers can be addressed with its use. In recent years, a number of government and non governmental agencies have been working for the development of this sector. With this effort, a number of goat production technologies have been developed and different models of technology uptake and scaling up have been in practice. However, changes in demographic map of the country by increasing out-migration and resource use conflicts with other land uses have challenged the conventional goat keeping and management in the village. With this background, this paper discusses technology needs and its development, and existing practices on technology uptake and scaling-up mechanism undertaken by various actors. Key words: goat, socioeconomics, constraints, technology needs; R &D strategy.

BACKGROUND The goat production accounts for one of the most important domestic products in the country. It ranks 12thfor its contribution in national GDP. The country observed trade deficit in goat trade during 2008/09 (Table 1). The trade statistics illustrates that the country’s demand is met through importing huge number of animals mainly from India each year. Main time of goat meat consumption is Dashain in Hindu culture, which is celebrated generally in the month of October. As the country is Hindu dominant, a large number of animals and poultry birds are demanded in Nepali market. Goats are specially preferred to the taste and preferences of the people. In 2012, around 73,000 goats and 16,000 sheep were imported to the Kathmandu valley only to be slaughtered for the Dashain festival.


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Goats are mainly collected from Salyan, Surkhet, Kohalpur, Nuwakot, Janakpur, Ramechhap, Dang and Dhading districts, whereas Lucknow, Haridwar and Rajasthan are major sources of Indian goats. According to the Ministry of Agriculture Development, 29,000 live sheep, 370,400 live goats and 59,810 live buffalos were imported in 2011, most of them during the Dashain festival. Goat meat is consumed throughout the year in the country. Table 1. Goat trade in Nepal Economic sector Number

Value (NRs.)

Import

2,21,282

19,52,48,758

Export

3, 512

22, 91, 433

Deficit

2, 17, 770

19, 29, 57, 325

Source: Nepal Foreign Trade Statistics, 2008/09. The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies A time series study of goat production from 1996/97 to 2010/11 revealed a continuous growth of goat meat production in the country at an annual linear growth rate of 1231 MT (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Growth in goat meat output in Nepal Source: Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture (2011). Ministry of Agricultural Development, Government of Nepal

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A fifteen year data from 1996/97 to 2010/11 on goat meat production illustrates an upward sloping output curve with an annual growth rate of 1231 MT (Figure 2). This all shows that import, domestic production, consumption and price of goat meat have been rising in Nepal. Therefore, goat enterprise is very potential for providing employment to rural youth and for import substitution. Role of goat in meat production and its profitability Goat, buffalo, chicken, pig, sheep and duck are major sources of meat in the country. Their contribution in meat production has been illustrated in Figure 2. Goat is the second most important source of meat after buffalo. The country produces 52809 metric tonnes of goat meat per year. 167868 (60%)

52809 (19%) 36085 (12%) 17923 (7%)

Buffalo

Goat

Chicken

Pig

2722

218

Sheep

Duck

Figure 2. Meat production in 2009 in Nepal Source: Statistical Information on Nepal agriculture 2010/11, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Agribusiness Promotion and Statistics Division Profitability of goat has been established by recent studies. Goat keeping has a benefit cost ratio of 1.3 at producer level (FAO, 2010) and the overall average profit was Rs. 866.6 per animal per year for goat (Thakur, 2005). Although, it rank 12th in AGDP, its potentiality is far ahead than other sectors. Challenges to goat production in Nepal Despite its high profitability and potentiality, the sector faces new challenges. Resource use conflict with community forest user groups, low cost production technologies, and choice of appropriate technology delivery model are some of the major challenges of goat keepers in Nepal. A case study of Baradi of Tanahun district was taken to clarify issues related to the above mentioned challenges.


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Migration The village is characterized by high migration of youths. In the village, farmers who have enough grazing lands and forage crops to supply green fodders to goats, flock size have been found unchanged for the last five years. Those farmers who have dependency on public lands for grazing and have insufficient forage growing areas, flock size have been found reduced. At the beginning, the goat producers’ group comprised 29, but later decreased to 26 due to internal migration, a migration behavior to move to the adjoining accessible areas in search of new employments. Conflicts in resource use Next challenge refers to the resource use conflict between goat keepers and Community Forestry (CF) user groups after enactment of Community Forestry Governance Structure of forest resource management and conservation of forest resource management. The Forest Act, 1993 and Forest Regulation, 1995 provide a clear regulation of the CF and the process of handing over forest to the local communities by forming users groups (Kafle, 2012). Previously, villagers used to allow migratory sheep and goat to graze in their community land and forest. In turn shepherds had to keep their animals in their farm land during night time so that land gets manured (Nepali et al., 2004). The CF user groups started to impose penalty in the form of cash if grazed enroute which created the obstacles to the shepherds in the absence of owners. Community forestry approach also includes community development activities along with above mentioned conservation activities. The user group supports to poor, women, and disadvantaged groups in the community in two ways: firstly, by CF land allocation for forage crops and cultivation of non-timber forest products; and secondly, by lending loans for income generation activities like goat keeping, pig keeping and vegetable farming (Paudyal et al., downloaded on 21st Sept, 2012) and also distributing goats and helping establish revolving fund. For example, CF has alloted grazing land which provides 50% forage needs in Baradi. The village farmers harvest fodders of kut shimal, khasru, saaj, botdhangro, and bhimal from community forest. However, grazing was prohibited in community forest after its establishment. Selection of appropriate model of dissemination Along with these farmers’ level constraints, developmental organizations also faces decision problem for selection of appropriate model of scaling-up technology. Here, we are concentrated in major three such models representing three cases: i) models used by Third Livestock Development Project (TLDP)/Community Livestock Development Project (CLDP) representing models used in national level projects under the Ministry of Agricultural Development, ii) models used by Department of Livestock Services (DLS) representing governmental organizations and, finally, iii) the model used by Heifer International representing models used by International Non-governmental Organizations.

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TLDP/CLDP adopted a model in which three goat kids are given as grant to farmers which they have to return after 18-22 months. Approach used by DLS is distinct in that it provides, if flock size is more than 20, a weighing machine, Rs. 7000 for buying breeding buck, Rs. 2500 for shed construction and free distribution of forage seeds and training. Heifer International adopted a “Pass on the Gift” approach, a unique model in which participating farmers are given a goat kid along with knowledge and skills which they have to pass on at least one female offspring to the neighbor who has received training from Heifer International. The neighbor too will pass on the one female kid to another neighbor, and so on. Thus, this is a self sustaining community approach. Ways ahead • Improving forage and fodder availability utilizing community land to address the problem of migration. • Developing goat breed suitable to stall feeding and husbandry system to address the resource use conflictwith community forestry user groups. • Identify cost effective technology delivery models for inclusive growth among available alternative technology delivery models. • Design appropriate business model and provide financial and technical support for rural youth. • Priority to goat forage in community forest plantation and improvement program. • Different R& D strategies needed for subsistence and commercial context. • For commercial system, breeding goals need to focus on high meat yield with organic production system. • The subsistence production system should focus on local adaptation and multiple livelihood functions. • For mountain goats, R& D need to focus on both meat and fibre yields and quality for export purpose. • Labour saving technologies appropriate to smallholder goat production to be developed and promoted.

REFERENCES FAO (2010). Market-led Quality Meat Production and Processing. GoN (2065). Guidelines for Community Forest Development Program. Department of Forest, Government of Nepal. Government of Nepal (2010). Nepal Foreign Trade Statistics, 2008/09.Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal. Nepali, M.B., Timilsina, C. K. and Joshi, K. R. (2003). Socioeconomic study on migratory sheep and goat in relation to the effects of community forestry. In: Proceedings of the 5th National Animal Science Convention. Nepal Animal Science Association (NASA).


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Nitu, K. (2012). Community Forestry and Rural Livelihood (A case study of Forest dependent community; Sundar Community Forestry Users Group, Makwanpur District of Nepal) Submitted to Asian NGO Coalition (ANGOC) Submitted by Global Alliance of Community prepared by Nitu Kafle. Downloaded on 21st Sept., 2012. Poudyal, A.S., Poudel, R. P., Kandel, B. and Saha, A. K. (2012). Community Forestry for Poverty Alleviation: Social Inclusion and Sustainable Forest-Management Initiatives: A Case Study from Sundar Community Forest, Morang District. Thakur, N. C. (2005). Production and marketing of live buffalo and goat in Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Agri. Economics, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Pp. 105.

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GOAT RESEARCH INITIATIVES AT IAAS NEPAL Mana Raj KOLACHHAPATI1, Nirajan BHATTARAI1 and Naba Raj DEVKOTA2 1

2

Department of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology Department of Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT In spite of several attempts made in improving overall productivity of goats in Nepal, satisfactory outcomes are yet to be achieved. Indeed continued works at several stakeholders’ level with the specific research agenda would help in developing overall package and practice of goats. This review paper is based on the research activities carried out at IAAS, Tribhuvan University Nepal that are related to the production, breeding and nutritional management of goats in general. The main objective of this paper is to share the research and development initiatives carried out at IAAS with their major outcomes for broader benefits. Various literatures including journals, proceedings, research reports, annual reports, and master and doctorate theses related to general management, genetic potentialities, forages and pasture development and feeding and health care were reviewed. It has been well realized that comprehensive scientific outcomes on goats rearing are yet to be developed through coordinated research efforts whereas available and tested facts and research findings are more on basic productivity increment through selection, cross breeding and nutrition management.

Key Words: Goat, Genetic Potentiality, Reproductive Performance, Non-genetic Factors

INTRODUCTION A large number of rural households raise goats with a flock size varying from 3 to 5 heads per household for sustaining their livelihood. MOAC (2011) indicated that the population of goat in Nepal increased with an average annual growth rate of 3.23% from 1997 (6.08 million) to 2011 (9.19 million). About 30 breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and poultry are recorded and more than 40% are considered to be at riskin Nepal (Neopane, 2004). The indigenous breeds of goat are widely distributed and are found in all geographical regions of the country and undoubtedly evolved through a process of natural selection that favored adaptation and survival rather than production. Goats are an important and indispensable component of crop-livestock mixed farming system in Nepal. Nepal consists of altogether four indigenous breeds of goat including Chyangra, Sinhal, Khari and Terai that inhabit in mountain, high hills, mid hills and terai


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region of the country, respectively. Nepalese hill goat (Khari) is a well recognized goat breed across the mid hill region of Nepal from east to west. Goats in the Terai and midhills are kept for meat production, whereas in the high hills and mountain region they are mainly kept for meat and mohair. Goat production in the Terai and mid-hills relies on browsing and grazing whereas in the highlands/mountains it is based on transhumance systems. Crop residues are the major feed resources. Usually, goats receive little to no supplementary feeding and minimum health interventions at the farmers’ level in Nepal. In spite of several attempts made by the various stakeholders in improving overall productivity of goats in Nepal, satisfactory outcomes are yet to be achieved.Thus, present paper includes various research initiatives at IAAS. For instance, this paper has tried to demonstrate a broader picture of research activities at IAAS regarding to the overall production, productivity, genetic potentialities, feeding and nutrition, fodder and forage development, and veterinary and health status of goat in Nepal. Furthermore, it has tried to show a direction of research thirst for developing goat development strategy in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Various literatures including journals, proceedings, research reports, annual reports, master and doctorate theses researches in goat breeding, feeding, general management and health were reviewed mainly aiming at consolidating their findings within a single paper. Conclusions of this study were made mainly based on the findings of previous studies reviewed for the preparation of this manuscript.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Breeding/genetic potentialities Several studies by Parajuli (2012), Bhattarai (2007), Sapkota (2007), Pandey (2007), Kolachhapati (2006), Shrestha (2002), and Kunwar (2000) at IAAS revealed that there were number of attempts to study and improve the breeding/genetic potentialities of indigenous Khari and Terai goats. Attempts have also been made to study the effect of various non genetic factors (including location, parity, genetic group, sex of kids, birth type, season of conception and kidding) on productive and reproductive efficiency of goats with the help of least square analysis using Harvey (1990) computer software package. Most of the authors reported the significant effect of some non-genetic factors on morphological characteristics, body weight and reproduction traits. A number of evidences in several studies by above mentioned researchers suggested that selection would be the important and effective criterion for improving the growth and reproductive performances of Nepalese goats. More specifically, the findings suggested that selection based on weaning weight at early age would be a good selection criterion for improving growth efficiency of goat at lateral stage.

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Furthermore, Pandey (2007) and Sapkota (2007) evaluated the performance of Khari goat and its crosses in the eastern and western hills of Nepal and suggested that, in spite of heavy body size and higher daily weight gain of exotic goat breeds, Khari goat had higher live weight weaned per doe per annum indicating superiority of Khari goat in term of prolificacy over Indian Jamunapari and Barbari goats. The results of study by Pandey (2007) also suggested the possibility of improving efficiency of meat production through production and maintenance of F1 crossbreds using Khari doe and Jamunapari buck. Kolachhapati et al (2007) evaluated the growth performance of Israeli cross-bred goat at IAAS and reported the significant effect of birth type and sex of kids on body weight gain which needs to be considered while developing breeding scheme and raising crossbred goats by the farmers at different scale. Similarly, Kadariya (2006) studied growth performance of Khari and its crosses with Boer and reported the superiority of cross-bred individuals in terms of growth rate though the pure Khari breeds were superior with respect to reproduction potentialities. Nutrition/feeding/forage experiments Present study revealed that several researches have been carried out at IAAS aiming at assessing the feeding efficiency in relation to growth performance of goat kids. Bhatta (2010) tested the effect of UMMB in goat and reported its benefits in improving the growth rate, weight gain and reproductive performance of Khari goat under farmers managed condition. In addition, Gyawali (2009) conducted an on farm experiment to assess the growth efficiency of castrated male goat kids with the combined feeding of Mendola (Tephrosia candida) and Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and reported optimum ratio of Mendola and Napier (i.e. 40:60) for goat feeding. Whereas, Ghimire (2007) and Kayastha (2005) on the other hand measured the short term intake rate of Flemingia macrophylla and digestibility coefficient, respectively in adult male goats providing fresh and wilted forages of this species and suggested the possibility of introducing Flemingia to the farming communities as an alternative nutritious forage legumes that could yield higher biomass at low level of planting density and better intake rate if properly wilted before feeding. Kolachhapati (2006) in his study “Phenological study of hill goats under different management systems and nutritional regimes” suggested that some reproductive traits such as age at first conception and kidding could be reduced by about 5-6 months and the number of kids per kidding could be increased up to 2.05 with a minimum provision of health care and nutrition. Tiwari (2000) analyzed the effect of feeding of different crossbred goat kids besides estimating the variation in digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract available in the feed.


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Similarly, Kolachhapati and Devkota (2012) conducted a nutritional trial focusing on the protein level in the diet of the goat kids and suggested the optimum level of protein for efficient growth and reproductive performance for hills and terai region of Nepal. Thus, it has been noticed that detailed studies regarding the feeds and feeding alone were carried out in limited numbers at IAAS. However, experiments focusing on digestibility testing and feeding efficiency in relation to growth and breeding efficiency of goat were carried out at different times and location. Attempts were also made trying to link common feeding practices to the growth and reproduction of goat. General management Results revealed that limited researches were carried out specifically focusing on the general management of goat at IAAS. However, various researchers including Parajuli (2012), Sapkota (2007), Bhattarai (2007), Pandey (2007), and Kolachhapati (2007) studied the system of production under farmers’ management condition at different districts of Nepal. Tiwari (2000) studied the effect of different management regimes on growth of cross-bred kids and reported the better performance if proper management technology was introduced suggesting the importance of developing and extending standard or appropriate goat management technology for attaining optimum growth rate of kids at farmers level.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings of previous studies, it is concluded that traits such as birth, weaning, and post-weaning weight; reproductive traits including age at first conception, first kidding, gestation length, kidding interval; and litter traits such as litter size and weight at birth and weaning are the important economic traits of goat that vary greatly according to the non-genetic/environmental factors such as year of kidding, season of kidding, dam’s parity, sex of kids, birth type, and location. Selection and improvement of kids based on the pre-weaning growth performance would be the best criterion for enhancing the overall productivity of goats. Age at first conception and kidding could be reduced significantly providing due consideration to the diet and other management environment to the does appropriately. Goats of valleys and inner Terai region of Nepal (including Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Surkhet, Kabhre and Tanahun districts) were found superior with an outstanding level of growth and reproductive performance significantly different from or intermediate to Khari and Jamunapari, i.e. these flocks were closer to Jamunapari in term of growth efficiency and few of the morphological traits, however, they were as efficient as Khari in term of reproductive performance. These characters are well established at farmers’ level in these regions and the case might be the same in other regions of the country. Thus, highly significant effect of location on some of the important economic traits including growth and reproductive traits indicated the scope of developing breeding flock/elite herds as a replacement flock based on niche specific goat farming.

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Following recommendations have been made for goat development in Nepal: •

Detailed study encompassing more number of goats covering larger areas, differentiation by DNA markers, collection of typical peculiar stocks of superior types to monitor reproductive and growth efficiencies, crossing between these types to know the possibilities of getting positive heterosis could be more fruitful in further understanding and development of strategy for goat development programs in Nepal.

•

Jamunapari and Boer could not be avoided mainly because of farmers’ attraction towards these heavy breeds; however the optimum blood level of these breeds that can be incorporated into the Nepalese indigenous breeds to establish and maintain optimum level of growth efficiency and to make the country self sustained in supplying goat meat as per the demand of the consumers. The optimum level of exotic blood in the native breeds is also equally important to ensure the adaptive capacity of the goats in the harsh climatic condition and low input production system of developing country like Nepal.

•

Researches focusing on different combination of available and newly introduced fodders (including Tephrosia candida) should be carried out at national level to determine, develop and recommend a package of practices to the farmers. • Coordinated approach should be followed to compile and disseminate the technology/package of practices developed by different institutions and individuals to the farmers’ level.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to the entire team of organizing committee of the conference for providing opportunity to present this paper. Thanks are also due to the co-organizers and sponsoring organizations/agencies.

REFERENCES Bhatta, K.R. (2010). Effect of urea molasses mineral block in diet on performance of Khari goat under farmers’ managed condition in Kanchanpur. M. Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production, TU/IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Pp.89. Ghimire, R. (2007). Response of phospatic fertilizer to the forage yield and seed attributes of mature stands of Flemingia macrophylla. M. Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production, TU/IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Pp.119. Gyawali, R.R. (2009). Combined feeding of Tephrosia candida and Pennisetum purpureum aiming growth assessment of castrated male goat kids. M. Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.


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Kadariya, I. (2006). Growth performance and socio-economic impact of Khari goat and its crosses under farmers’ managed condition. Department of Livestock Production and Management, TU/IAAS, Nepal. Pp.70. Kayastha, K.P. (2005). Productivity and nutritional characteristics of Flemingia macrophylla under different planting density and cutting height in Chitwan.M. Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Nutrition & Fodder Production, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Pp. 72. Kolachhapati, M.R. (2006). Phenological study of hill goats under different management systems and nutritional regimes. Ph.D. Thesis. Pp. 148. Kolachhapati, M.R. and Devkota, N. R. (2012). Entrepreneurial goat production in the eastern mid-hills and Terai region of Nepal.Technical Publication. National Agricultural Research and Development Fund (NARDF). NARC Building, Singh Durbar Plaza, Kathmandu. Kolachhapati, M.R., Sharma, M. and Devkota, N. R. (2007). Growth performance of Israeli cross-bred goat raised at Livestock Farm, IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan. IAAS Research Advances,1:205-207. Kunwar, B.S. (2000). Identification of different types and subtypes in hill goats through morphological and biochemical analysis. M.Sc. Thesis. Department of Animal Breeding and Biotechnolgoy, TU/IAAS, Nepal, Pp.183. MOAC. (2011). Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Agri-Business Promotion and Statistics Division.Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal. Neopane, S. P. (2004). Native Animal Genetic Resources of Nepal: Status of their conservation and utilization. Paper presented at the 4thNational Conference on Science and Technology organized by Royal Nepal Academic of Science and Technology (RONAST), March 23-26 (Chaitra 10-13, 2060), Kathmandu, Nepal. Neopane, S.P. (1997). Genetics of productive traits in a Nepalese Hill goat flock. Ph.D. Thesis. University of London, UK. Pp. 278. Pandey, S.R. (2007). Performance of Khari goat and its crosses in the hills of Tanahu district, Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. TU/IAAS, Nepal. Pp. 84. Parajuli, A.K. (2012). Morphometric characterization and performance evaluation of hill goat in mid hills of Nawalparasi district of Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. Department of Animal Breeding and Biotechnolgoy, TU/IAAS, Nepal. Pp. 117. Sapkota, S. (2007).Comparative performance of goat representing eastern western and central regions of Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. Department of Animal Breeding and Biotechnolgoy, TU/IAAS, Nepal. Pp. 138. Sharma, M., Kharel, M., Sapkota, M., Yadav, J.L. and Sah, S. D. (2000). Effects of Environmental Changes on Growth and Reproduction Performance of Goat Raised at IAAS Livestock Farm, Rampur, Chitwan. IAAS Research Reports(1995-2000). Pp. 21-26.

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Shrestha, Y.K. (2002). Study on production parameter of goat in mid-western Terai region of Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis. Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Rampur, Chitwan. Tiwari, I.C.P. (2000). Effect of breed, feeding and management regimes in kids under farmer's condition. M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Nutrition and Fodder Production, TU/IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.Pp. 125.


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GOAT PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT BY SMALL HOLDER FARMERS: AN EXPERIENCE OF LEASEHOLD FORESTRY AND LIVESTOCK PROGRAMME Devendra Prasad YADAV1 and Prakash C TARA2 1

National Pasture and Animal Nutrition Development Centre, Harihar Bhawan 2 Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme (LFLP) is being implemented in 22 midhill districts with the goal to reduce poverty of 44,300 households in mid-hills through increased production of forest and livestock products. Under livestock development component, the program is designed to cover goat/forage production and development, livestock trainings and services and livestock implementation support. This program provides appropriate seed and planting materials of Stylos, Molasses, Napier, Brachiaria and Amriso to help develop the leasehold plots and increase the availability of green forage which in turn will reduce the drudgery of women for the collection of fodder from the forest and other community lands. Supplied fodder and grass seeds to the leasehold forestry groups resulted in increased green coverage of the leasehold forestry plots. The vegetative ground cover in new sites is on an average only 32 percent, which increases to 50 percent after one full growing season and gradually expands to an almost full coverage of 90 percent in seven years old sites. The degree of satisfaction by both female and male is high on grasses and fodder seeds and Napier slip distribution. Farmers have saved the time up to maximum of 9 hrs in fodder/grass collection and 8 hrs in fuelwood collection. With the aim of boosting the income and reducing the poverty of the leasehold groups, the program provides all eligible member households with two mature vaccinated and drenched female goats. The programme has distributed 65,880 does and 3493 bucks as appraisal target of 74,250 does and 3,136 bucks. Since 2006/07 goats are being distributed and household flock size has increased. Similarly, 462 breeding does and 20 breeding bucks are provided to the leasehold forestry users groups (LFUGs) of Palpa and Nawalparasi where technical assistance for leasehold forestry and livestock programme (TA-LFLP) has been piloting the LFLP. LFLP trained 146 Village Livestock Assistants (VLA) and 139 Village Animal Health Workers (VAHWs). The numbers of leasehold households raising goats before the introduction of programme have increased to 93% from about 74% with the project support. Average number of goats per household differed significantly from pre-introduction of program (0.82 animal units (AU)/HH) to post-introduction of the programme (1.54 AU/HH) and the quality of goats has been improved over time. The increment in goat number is by 90% with the average


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household income increased by 71% in the LFUGs when compared to pre-introduction of the project. The poverty gap for the average household was reduced from 55.4% to 74.8%, a 35.0% improvement in the poverty situation. It has been observed that secured access to degraded forest land combined with training and input assistance increases the habit of forage cultivation, shifting from free grazing to stall feeding and changes the composition of livestock from local to improved ones. Key words: Leasehold forestry and livestock programme (LFLP), leasehold forestry users group (LFUG)

INTRODUCTION Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme (LFLP) is being implemented by the Government of Nepal, specifically the Department of Forests (DoF) and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) with financial support from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) in 22 districts of Nepal since FY 2062/063 (2004/2005). The concerned district level offices- District Forest Office and District Livestock Services Office are the main implementing agencies at grass root level. However, ECARDS-Nepal, a national NGO has been entrusted with providing social mobilization service to the programme. The Leasehold Forestry Section of the DoF is the office of the National Programme Coordinator (NPC) for the overall programme coordination and management. Goat farming an integral component of Nepalese agriculture is mainly for meat production in the mid-hills. Goat farming has been a technical entry point of programmes on poverty alleviation and income generation of rural farmers for several years in the past. Department of Livestock Services and many other development institutions and agencies are implementing goat distribution as a predominant activity of poverty reduction. Despite various efforts in the past, goat productivity has not increased, though increase in meat production associated with increase in goat population appears evident. The leasehold forestry livestock programme has distributed 65, 880 does and 3493 bucks as against the programme appraisal target of 74,250 does and 3,136 bucks (NPAFC, 2011). Since 2006/07 goats are being distributed and household flock size has increased. LFLP trained 146 Village Livestock Assistants (VLA) and 139 Village Animal Health Workers (VAHWs), which are 81% and 158%, respectively of appraisal. Some Village Animal Health Workers (VAHWs) received loan to buy veterinary medicines from the DLSO veterinary revolving fund that ranged from Rs.15000 to Rs.18000. However, the number of active VAHWs is small. The programme also dispensed a total of 185,635 doses of vaccines to immunize the goats against (Peste Des Petit Ruminants) and 253,941 goats drenched against internal parasites. The programme made a good progress in seeds and planting materials supply. By July 2011, a total of 8,281 ha of leasehold lands were sown with 38,330 kg of forage seeds. Species included stylo, molasses, Napier, amriso, molato, Sumba setaria and Guatemala. The achievements ranged

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between 94 and 99% of the appraisal targets. In addition, 384,000 fodder seedlings were also made available to plant on the leasehold plots. Forage development in leaseland This program provides seed and planting saplings of Stylo, Molasses, Napier, Brachiaria and Amriso, to help develop the lease hold plots and increase the availability of green forage. At least 40% of allocated lease land is covered by these forages. A total of 8,281 hectare of leasehold lands were sown with 38,330 kg of forage seeds. Species included stylo, molasses grass, Napier grass, Amriso, Molato, Sumba setaria and Guatemala. In addition, a total of 384,000 fodder seedlings were also made available to plant on the leasehold plots. The basic concepts adopted for forage cultivation and production are: • Production of more quality fodder on Leasehold Forest and farm land itself. • Improvement of soil fertility level with the use of fodder and crop legumes. • Promotion of fodder production in the wastelands and degraded lands within the farm and leasehold lands for the benefit of all community members. • Availability of quality forage from 2nd year for their livestock/goats and, • Reduction in the work load of women for the collection of fodder from the forest and other community land areas. Initial Assessment of Outcome and Impact Supplied fodder and grass seeds to the leasehold forestry groups resulted in increased green coverage of the leasehold forestry plots. This intervention has resulted in: (i) Substantial reduction in time spent by women for collection of forage; (ii) Increased time usage for other productive activities; (iii) Quality forage availability even during the dry season; (iv)Water availability improvement due to increased green coverage; and (v) Scarcity of animal feed decreased According to Pandit (2009), the highest change was observed in the status of leasehold forestry, area under grasses and fodder trees, number of firewood trees and NTFPs. The most significant changes in natural capital was observed in fodder and grasses collected from leasehold forest, which has contributed to about 34 percent of the total grass and fodder supply to farm animal. The overall response of the fodder promotion programme is quite encouraging. Basically, the women LFUG members took greater interest in managing fodder production, vegetative and seed production activities. Pandit has stated that the degree of satisfaction by both female and male is high on grasses and fodder seeds and Napier slip distribution. Forage development in the leaseland has not only encouraged to the improved livestock farming but also helped in the vegetation ground cover improvement. In most places there is rapid natural regeneration of herbs and grasses, followed at varying speeds by the natural regeneration of trees. In some sites, leasehold forestry groups intensively manage


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and expand the area of planted fodder grasses and legumes or develop fruit orchards.The vegetative ground cover in new sites is on an average only 32 percent, which increases to 50 percent after one full growing season and gradually expands to an almost full coverage of 90 percent in seven years old sites. This will immediately stimulate natural regeneration of the trees and grasses and will have positive impact on biodiversity. The monitoring report of Technical Assistance to Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme (TA-LFLP, 2010) highlighted that farmers have saved the time up to maximum of 9 hrs in fodder/grass collection and 8 hrs in fuelwood collection. Moreover, 53% of LFUGs reported that their time for fuelwood collection has reduced while 65% of LFUGs have reported that their time for fodder collection has reduced. However, 46% of LFUGs reported there is no change in duration of fuelwood collection while 35% of LFUGs reported there is no change in collection time of fodder/grass. Goat Production and Management Goat rearing has been widely accepted by rural poor to raise their household income. Due to easy rearing techniques, availability of feeding materials, this income generating activity has got high importance by development organizations as well. DLSO is responsible for providing materials and services to LFUGs in terms of rearing goats and forage development inside leasehold forest. DLSO distributed two does and a buck to each of LFUG member meeting the set criteria. DLSO also provided anthelmentics and vaccines for all goats of group members through VAHWs/VLAs. Through this programme, 65880 breeding does and 3493 breeding bucks have already been provided to Leasehold Forestry Groups of 22 districts during the 6 years of programme period (NPAFC, 2011). Similarly, 462 breeding does and 20 breeding bucks were provided to the LFUGs of Palpa and Nawalparasi where TA-LFLP has been piloting the LFLP (TALFLP, 2010). The basic objectives of the improved livestock management system are to: •

• • • • •

Improve animal health and feed, husbandry, breed and shed management systems basically of goats to reduce wastage and vulnerability of livestock in the mid-hills and increase the overall productivity. Promote stall-feeding of animals by increasing the supply of fodder in the farm and community lease lands. Adopt improved livestock management systems synchronized with feed availability and natural resource management system. Recognize and retain the best breeding buck for better herd productivity. Facilitate the Village Animal Health Workers as a service provider in the community, and Support the herd owners for the better management of animals and community resources.

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The availability of forage from the leaseland has encouraged the farmers to develop: • • •

Ownership of cattle and buffalo remained stable with shift from unproductive to productive ones. Grazing in the forest is being shifted to stall feeding especially in goat. Herd size of goat has increased.

According Pandit (2009), the number of households raising goat increased to 93% with the project support compared to 74% households before the implementation of the programme. The average animal unit (AU) per household differed across groups and project periods. The average AU in project site after project implementation is 4.84 compared to 3.68 before project (Table 1).

Cattle Buffalo Goat Pig Total

Table 1. Animal Unit (AU) by type of animal Before implementation After implementation AU/HH %HH AU/HH %HH 2.02 67 2.15 76 0.80 50 1.10 73 0.82 74 1.54 93 0.06 17 0.06 18 3.68 4.84 Source: Pandit, 2009

Table 1 explained that the average number of goats per household differs significantly from pre-implementation phase (0.82 AU/HH) to post-implementation (1.54 AU/HH). The increment in goat number is by 90%. Based on the field observations, the quality of goats has been improved over time. The cattle population is almost the same in both sites, and it does not differ much between two periods. Any strong conclusion could not be made in terms of change in livestock keeping pattern in the study area. However, with the increased number of goats, people are slowly moving to buffalo rearing. An impact study undertaken under FAO TCP demonstrated that the average income of the households in the LFUGs increased by 71% compared to the pre implementation phase of the project. The poverty gap for the average household was reduced from 55.4% to 74.8%, a 35.0% improvement in the poverty situation (LFLP, 2012). The increases in household income were the result of strong growth in revenue from the sale of goats, forest products and labour income. Outcome monitoring report has also reported the encouraging status regarding the goat herd size. The average number of goats per HH has become 5 in comparison to initial average value of 3. Thus, goat herd size has increased by 2 goats/HH (TA-LFLP, 2010).


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Number

Similarly, the assessment report of goat resource centers (TA-LFLP, 2011) has also stated that the average herd size of goats in the project VDCs had increased from the level of baseline study (Fig. 1). 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Baseline Present

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Cooperatives

Figure 1. Average baseline and existing goat herd size of 18 goat wcooperatives Adopted from TA-LFLP, 2011 Appropriate goat herd size for Leasehold farmers The household survey and focus group discussion done by NASA during 2012, in three leasehold programme districts, revealed that average number of does the leasehold farmers want to rear differed considerably among the farmers of different districts. Response of the farmers in Salyan for appropriate goat herd size (the number of adult doe only) was 6 with the majority of them saying 4 as appropriate (model herd size) as against 9 and 19 in Kavre and Tanahun districts (Table 2). This might be the reflection of present low level of income from goats in Tanahun and Kavre districts and their desire to increase it through increasing the number of goats and annual sale. Farmers were of the opinion that labor would not be the constraint for increasing herd size. However, they were unaware of the feeding requirement of goats. NASA has also recommended the appropriate goat herd size for leasehold farmers based on available feeding resources. NASA study has recommended the three model of goat herd size according the feeding resource available (Table 3).

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Table 2. Farmers opinion about appropriate goat (adult doe) herd size Preferred Average herd Size

%age of HH responding to goat herd size

Districts

Preferred Model Herd Size

3-5

6-10

11-20 or more

Salyan

4.0

6.1(2-15)

56.00

40.00

4.00

Kavre

10.0

9.0(3-20)

36.67

43.33

20.0

03.70

22.20

76.0

Tanahun 15.0 19.1(5-45) Adopted from NASA, 2012

Table 3. Recommended effective goat herd size under different model Potential Goat Herd Size Models Forage/fodder species to be Only forage Silvi-pasture cultivated Only goat Goat+ Only Goat+ One LR goat One LR 0.2 ha LH Stylo, Molasses, 10 6 12 9(5) land Napier, Leucaena, (5 doe) (3 doe) (6 doe) Mindula, Amriso 12 8 16 12(6) Stylo, Molasses, 0.2ha LH (6 doe) (4 doe) (8 doe) Napier, Leucaena, land+ Mindula, Amriso Forest 0.2 ha LH Leucaena, Kimbu, 12 8 16 12 land+ own Tanki, Dhudhilo, (6 doe) (4 doe) (8 doe) (6 doe) land* Molato, setaria, napier in farmland 14 10 18 14 0.2 ha LH Leucaena, Kimbu, (7 doe) (5 doe) (9 doe) (7 doe) land+ own Tanki, Dhudhilo, land+fores Molato, setaria, napier in farmland t *8-10 Ropani of Pakho land and kharbari and forage from terrace risers and bunds Source: NASA (2012); LR- Large Ruminants (cattle or buffalo) CONCLUSSIONS AND WAYS FORWARD Despite excellent contribution of leasehold forest (34%) to total fodder and forage supply, the increasing number of unproductive cattle (cows) population (2.2 AU) has created fodder shortage in project households. The program focus should be on goat as usual and then to buffalo to increase the household income. The LF members should also be encouraged to plant fast growing fodder trees and legume forage species on the vacant terrace risers. In order to increase income from livestock and livestock products, the unproductive cattle population should be replaced by productive buffaloes and goats based on the financial capability of the individual member. The quantity of forage seed and cuttings distributed to the leasehold forest users should be extended as per their requirement. Unless farmers have enough fodder resources to


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feed their animals, they cannot increase the herd size of goats. It was observed in the field that some LFUGs had adequate forage sets/slips already established in their lease and farm lands. Those forage genetic materials should be exchanged through farmers to farmers approach including the non-LFUG members. In-breeding is the common factor to hinder the production of quality goats. Breeding bucks provided by project were not enough for all female goats. To manage the mating for every 30 goats, one buck is required. Selection and mating is the key tool for breed improvement. Number of breeding does should be increased and of selection process continued. Livestock service centres (LSC) should take ownership of further selection and tagging of quality does/bucks after the project. Similarly, record keeping formats and way of record keeping must be provided to the farmers. Concerned DLSOs/LSCs have to provide the record formats and technique of record keeping. Selective breeding, control of in-breeding, periodic drenching and vaccination and appropriate feed and forage supply are keys for the profitable goat husbandry. Fast growing, multi-cut and nutritious forage/fodder tree species such as Ipil-Ipil, Mulberry, Molato, Napier and Joint Vetch should be promoted in leasehold lands.

REFERENCES LFLP (2012). Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme. Joint Review Mission. NASA (2012). Report on Study on Optimal Size of Goat Herd for Leasehold Family. NPAFC (2011). Annual Report.National Pasture and Animal Feed Centre, Department of Livestock Services. Pandit, B. H. (2009). Effectiveness of Leasehold Forestry to Poverty Reduction. TCP/NEP/3102: Institutional and Technical Capacity Building in Support of Leasehold Forestry. TA-LFLP (2010). Programme Outcome Study Report, 2010. TA-LFLP (2011). Review Report of Goat Cooperatives Established by Centre for Integrated Agriculture and Cooperative System (COCIS).

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ADOPTION OF IMPROVED GOAT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THROUGH FARMERS FIELD SCHOOL Peetambar KUSHWAHA, Keshav SAH, Tirtha Raj REGMI and Shubh N MAHATO Heifer International Nepal E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Heifer International, an organization dedicated to end hunger and poverty while saving the earth, inherits the tradition of passing on the gift of livestock and skills, goats being one of the major project inputs. In an effort to increase the adaptation of learned knowledge and skill, women farmers of Shaktikhor in Chitwan of Nepal were facilitated to run a year long Farmers Field School (FFS) with little technical assistance from a community level animal health worker to discover overall goat management practices suitable and profitable for them. They used a participatory evaluation tool named Goat Eco-System Analysis (GESA) to test usefulness and profitability of newly acquired knowledge and skills in goat management. Existing practices, challenged with recommended practices, were tested by conducting small trials. Monthly participatory discussion using GESA and small trials helped them evaluate and select suitable and profitable goat management practices. The forum of FFS availed the women farmers, mostly illiterate, a platform to interact, test, conclude and adopt selected practices to their goat farms. They challenged their existing knowledge, skill and practice of goat management with newly acquired knowledge and skill in goat housing, feeding, breeding, health and other management practices. They experimented, evaluated and adopted a set of practices simultaneously in their farm that resulted into, besides others, remarkably reduced age at first service and first kidding; increased twinning; and increased monthly weight gain. Number of months required to attain marketable weight was reduced by 10 months from what it was in their conventional practices. These improved goat management practices were adopted by most of the families who participated and also by many of the non-participant neighboring families. FFS running currently at other locations in Nepal are also yielding similar results signifying its importance as an adult learning tool for convincing farmers to evaluate and adopt locally suitable improved goat management practices to increase production, productivity and profit from goat enterprise. Key words: Farmers field school, goat ecosystem analysis,


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GENETIC DIVERSITY OF NEPALESE GOAT POPULATIONS GENETIC RESOURCE BASED ON MICROSATELLITE MARKERS Neena A GORKHALI1, H JIANLIN2 and Suman K C3 1

Animal Breeding Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Lalitpur, Nepal 2 Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing China 3 Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Goats being one of the most economic livestock species in Nepal have a very important role to play in the national economy. There are 9.18 million goats in the country kept for multipurpose uses especially for meat, manure and draught. The objective of this study is to access the current status of goat genetic resource and to contribute in taking genetic resource conservation decision of goat breeds of Nepal. Animals from five indigenous population group of Nepal (Khari Ilam, Khari Bandipur, Khari Salyan, Sinhal and Terai) were sampled and analyzed. One hundred seven (n=107) animals were sampled from different breeding herds of different location of the country. The molecular characterization of goat genetic resource was investigated by means of 15 goat-specific microsatellite markers as recommended in FAO’s list of primers by multiplex PCR and automated sequencer which revealed high genetic diversity in all five populations. Khari Bandipur showed alleles range from 2 to 7 with a mean of 4.07 across loci. Its allelic frequency ranged from 2.5 to 91.8 whereas Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value varied from 0.1411 to 0.6732 with a mean of 0.40. Its observed heterozygosity was 0.50. Mean number of alleles across loci of Khari Ilam, Khari Salyan, Sinhal and Terai were 3.47, 4.47, 2.47 and 3.6, respectively whereas mean heterozygosity were 0.54, 0.55, 0.46, 0.55, respectively. Allelic frequency and PIC of Khari Ilam varied from 9.0 to 10.0 and 0.264 to 0.8055, respectively with mean PIC of 0.43. Allelic frequency and PIC of Khari Salyan ranged from 2.17 to 85.29 and 0.2364 to 0.7311 respectively with mean PIC of 0.48. Allelic frequency of Sinhal varied from 4.55 to 100 and PIC ranged from 0.1103 to 0.6102, respectively with mean PIC of 0.41. Allelic frequency and PIC of Terai varied from 2.63 to 93.75 and 0.1103 to 0.6573, respectively with mean PIC of 0.46. Based on the results of the present study, there is a high genetic difference between five population groups thus providing a high priority for conservation of each group (breed). Result of present study will further help to formulate conservation strategy of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR).

Keywords: Goat, Genetic resource, Indigenous breeds, Microsatellite marker

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ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY ON GOATS WITH ECONOMICAL SUPPLEMENTATION Swoyam Prakash SHRESTHA, Babu Lal KUNWAR, Meera PRAJAPATI and Doj Raj KHANAL Animal Health Research Division, Khumaltar E-mail:[email protected] ABSTRACT The effect of economical supplementation on enhancement of productivity of goats in Mirkot and Dhuwakot VDCs of Gorkha district for the period of two years has been studied. A total of 36 households having 277 goats were divided into 3 groups: Group I consisting of castrated goats receiving 100 gm maize for two months prior to sale, Group II consisting of pregnant does receiving 50 gm maize + 15 gm mineral mixture after 3 months of pregnancy and Group III consisting lactating does receiving 25 gm mineral mixture up to 2 months from kidding. All goats of the 36 households were healthier with glossy hair coat with reduction in kidding interval (two kidding within 14 months) and kid mortality along with birth of healthy kids getting sufficient milk from the doe. Male castrated goats (Khasi) fetched good price due to good health and weight gain. These findings showed that with little supplements provided to goats, more economical benefits can be obtained. Keywords: Mineral mixture, supplementation, economic benefit

INTRODUCTION Goats are the important component in the livelihood of resource poor livestock keepers in Nepal since they serve as ready cash to meet household needs, especially in times of crisis. However, a number of constraints limit the goat production. One such constraint is the problem of infertility characterized by long breeding intervals and late puberty. The aim of this project was to work with resource poor livestock keepers to develop strategies to overcome some of these key constraints. Taking these physiological constraints into consideration, supplementation of mineral mixture in does was studied for overall improvement in flock productivity which could help to improve fertility, reduce breeding intervals and attain early puberty.


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MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 36 goat keeping households of Mirkot and Dhuwakot VDCs of Gorkha district were taken for the study. The total number of goats included in the study were 277 of which male goats were 124 and female were 153 (Table 1). They were divided into the following three treatment groups (Table 2). Group I: receiving 100 gm maize for 2 months prior to sale (n=91) Group II: receiving 50 gm maize + 15 gm mineral mixture after 3 months of pregnancy (n=114) Group III: receiving 25 gm mineral mixture up to 2 months from kidding (n=72) All the goats were dewormed twice a year (before onset of monsoon and after the end of monsoon) by the project and vaccinated against peste des petits ruminant (PPR) by District Livestock Services Office (DLSO). The inputs of anthelmintics, mineral mixture and maize were provided by the project. It was recognized that these inputs represented a high cost to the farmers, but the objectives was to determine whether these inputs had a significant impacts on the livelihoods of the farmers. A local facilitator (Animal Health Worker) was appointed in the villages to visit the farmers regularly. His duty was to monitor goat’s performance, to record the incidence of disease in goats and to distribute the supplement accordingly to the set groups.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Feeding 100 gm of maize two months prior to sale of Khasi (Castrated male) resulted in the increment of 1.65 kg weight gain (Table 3). Calculating the market price of Khasi at Rs 250 per kg live weight and that of maize at Rs 25 per kg, the net profit by supplementing 100 gm maize two months prior to sale would be Rs 250 per Khasi. Rymer et al (2003) reported that goats that are strategically drenched with anthelmintic and supplemented with maize (100 gm/day for adult goats) had a lower incidence of disease and gained more live weight than goats subjected to other management practices. Table 1. Number of goats kept by householders Group I II III Total

Households

Male goats

10 14 12 36

49 50 25 124

Female goat 42 64 47 153

Total 91 114 72 277

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Table 2. Age wise number of goats kept by householders Specification of goats Kid (0-2 months) Hogget (2-8 months) Adult (8 months and above) Total

Group I M F Total

Group II M F Total

Group III M F Total

5 16

4 13

9 29

0 29

0 22

0 51

1 16

5 13

6 29

Whole Total 15 109

28

25

53

21

42

63

8

29

37

153

49

42

91

50

64

114

25

47

72

277

Table 3. Performance of Khasi (castrated male) I

Weight before maize 24.162 kg

II

20.545 kg

22.484 kg

1.939 kg

III

18.420 kg

20.347kg

1.927 kg

Group

feeding Weight after maize 27.750 kg

feeding Weight difference 3.588 kg

Table 4. Comparison of doe performance in Group 2 Group II

Control Group I

Kid Weight

Male

Female

Twining

3.238 kg

3.019 kg

Male 2.760 kg

Female 2.550 kg

Single

4.820 kg

3.500 kg

4.500 kg

-

Group III Male 3.014 kg 3.375 kg

Female 2.709 kg 3.050 kg

Pregnant does fed with 50 gm of maize plus 15 gm of mineral mixture daily after 3 months of pregnancy resulted in increased birth weight of kids and twinning compared that of Group I and II. Shrestha et al (2005) showed that the fertility of the does administered with selenium improved and the changes inducing reproductive failure are minimized. It seems that administration of selenium before and after parturition is beneficial for goat fertility. Table 5 shows the evaluation of the farmers for the different treatment groups.


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Table 5. Summary of the farmers’ evaluation of the different treatment Observation Appetite

Weight Gain

Disease incidence Comparison with neighbours

General comments

Treatment Group I

Group II

Group III

Increased

Increased

Increased

(Some goats had eaten soil, but this stopped after deworming twice a year) Healthy kids. Bigger Enough milk for Very effective at in size in comparison the kids. increasing live wt. to previous years. Improved body gain. Improved conditions. condition of goats and goats sold for agood price Health was improved, and no worms were seen in the droppings after treatment (deworming). Kids mortality drastically reduced Better live wt. Goats looked better Improved body gain in kids and condition and live wt. and healthier. Kids mortality nil. were of bigger size. gain. Does coming to Kids mortality nil. heat even after a week of kidding. It would be better to deworm twice a year and to feed maize in the future before sale of Khasi and to supplement mineral mixture to pregnant and mother does.

CONCLUSION All the goats of the 36 households who supplemented maize and mineral mixture accordingly in line with treatment groups and dewormed to their goats resulted healthier with glossy hair coat, kidding interval were reduced (two kidding within 14 months), kid mortality reduced, healthy kids with sufficient milk from the doe were produced, Khasi fetched good price due to good health and weight gain. From the results obtained and from the farmers’ evaluation of the treatments in the field conditions, enhancement of productivity can be obtained with economical supplementation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to thank all the farmers of the Gorkha district who cooperated in the project and NARC for providing the budget. Staffs of AHRD, Khumaltar also deserve special thanks for their technical and moral support.

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REFERENCES Shrestha, S.P., Rymer, C., Jayaswal, M.L., Lama, M., Neupane, K.P. and Jha, V.N. (2005) Supplementation of Selenium: A strategy to increase fertility in goats. Micro-nutrients in South and South East Asia. In: Proceedings of an International Workshop held 8-11 September, 2004, Kathmandu, Nepal. Rymer, C, Jayaswal, M.L., Neupane, K.P., Jha, V.C., Shrestha, S.P., Dhaubhadel, T.S. Taylor, N.M and McLeoed, A. (2003). Strategies to increase the contribution goats make to the livelihoods of resource poor livestock keepers in Nepal. The contribution of small ruminants in alleviating poverty: Communicating messages from research. In: Proceedings of the third DFID livestock production programme link project (R7798) Workshop for small ruminant keepers. Izaak Walton Inn, Embu, Kenya.


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CLINICAL INVESTIGATION OF MOLDY GRAIN AND FODDER POISONING IN GOAT IN KATHMANDU VALLEY Kedar KARKI Central Veterinary Laboratory Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal ABSTRACT An outbreak of a disease syndrome of unknown etiology associated with the feeding of moldy maize grain and green fodder occurred in a herd of 3853 male goats brought by Nepal Food Corporation for sale during Dashain festival (October 2010) in Kathmandu valley. Five hundred goats suddenly became ill with symptoms of anorexia, apathy, diarrhea and ruminal stasis within 10 days. On clinical examination, those goats were tentatively diagnosed with sudden illness caused by moldy corn/fodder poisoning. Two hundred fifty goats died in a short period. Necrosis of the fore-stomach mucosa was the most characteristic gross pathological change. Clinico-pathological findings included mild focal erosions to severe diffuse, coagulative necrosis of the mucosa in the rumen, reticulum and omasum and congestion and hemorrhages in the abomasum. Liver had shrunken appearance and pale to yellowish discoloration with bile filled distended bladder. There were pinpoint hemorrhages in kidney, and intestine was filled with excessive mucus. Mycological and microbiological examination of necropsy samples revealed the growth of fungal pathogens like Penicillium with concomitant growth of Staphylococcus. These results provided evidence that feeding of moldy maize grain and green fodder leaves infested with Penicillium have caused the outbreaks of systemic mycosis in goats. Key words: Moldy maize, Green fodder, Penicillium, Fungus, Male goat

INTRODUCTION Nepal Food Corporation purchased 3853 male goats fromeastern, central, and midwestern region of Nepal for Dashara festival of 2010 to be supplied for the customers of Kathmandu valley. These goats were fed occasionally with whole maize grains and exclusively on green fodder leavesin lairage. Five hundred goats suddenly became ill with symptoms of anorexia, apathy, and diarrhea and ruminal stasis within 10 days in the lairage. On clinical examination based on history these goats were provisionally diagnosed with sudden illness suspected to be due to moldy corn/fodder poisoning. They were treated with ToxalivomTM, BioliveTM, TetrachlorTM, PolyteTM, C-lyteTM and StresscareTM, Antidegnala liquor (zinc salt solution) in drinking water.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical examination of goats in lairage Starting from 2067-6-20, about 500 goats present in lairage for sale in Nepal Food Corporation's compound, were clinically examined for symptoms similar to those reported by White (2008); Schnider et al (1985); Medd et al (2003) and Whitlow and Hagler (2008) about poisoning due to pathogens in grain and fodder.

Necropsy of dead goats Post-mortem examination of all the dead goats was done within the premises of the NFC for pathological effects similar to those experimentally induced by Schnider et al (1985) and reported by Dhama et al (2007); Medd et al (2003) and Hussein and Brasel (2001).

Microbiological examination of necropsy samples Mycological and microbiological examination was done on tissue samples from the dead goats. Cultures plates made on respective media showed positive reults for the growth of fungal pathogens like Penicillium and Staphylococci similar to the findings of Karki et al (2008); Horne (2010); Roberts et al (2005); and Sabreen et al (2001). All nasal and rectal swabs from sick and dead animals were tested for PPR with penside test and found to be negative.

Treatment and prevention measures

All the goats present in lairage were treated with ToxalivomTM, BioliveTM, TetrachlorTM, PolyteTM, C-lyteTM StresscareTM, and Antidegnala liquor (zinc salt solution) in drinking water as described by Pinto et al (2005).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Clinical investigation revealed signs of anorexia, apathy, diarrhea and ruminal stasis while clinic-pathological findings included mild focal erosions to severe, diffuse, coagulative necrosis of the mucosa in the rumen, reticulum and omasum and congestion and hemorrhages in the abomasum. The liver had shrunken appearance and pale to yellowish discoloration with a bile-filled distended bladder, pin point hemorrhage in kidney, and small intestine with excessive mucus. Mycological and microbiological examination of post-mortem tissue samples on respective culture media revealed the growth of fungal pathogens like Aspergillus and Penicillium and Staphylococcus. All nasal and rectal swabs from sick and dead animals that were subjected to the PPR with penside test turned out to be negative. These results provide circumstantial evidence that feeding of moldy maize grain and green fodder leaves infested by Penicillium and Aspergillus may have caused this outbreak of a systemic mycoses in goats.


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Warm humid climate of the tropics and subtropics favors growth of mold and fungus in feed grains and fodder especially after heavy monsoon rain. Feeding such grains to livestock and poultry seems to have detrimental effects in the health of these animals.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT I would like to thank Mr. Bal Bahadur Kunwar, Mr. Tek Bahadur Air, Senior Vet Technician, Mr. Bhimsen Adhikari, Vet Technician of Microbiology Unit, Mr. Purna Maharajan, Vet Technician of Central Veterinary Laboratory for doing the microbiology and post-mortem works, and office assistant Mr. Chandra Bahadur Rana, for his tireless efforts in handling the carcasses during post-mortem work.

REFERENCES White, M. E. (2008). Aflatoxin Toxicity, Aflatoxicosis in Sheep and Goats: A Diagnostic Support Systemfor Veterinary Medicine Cause Page. Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Aspergillus/aspergillosis website : www.aspergillus.org.uk/secure/veterinary/chap1mammalian.htm. Retrived on 29 October 2010. Schneider, D.J., Marasas, W.F., Collett, M.G., and van der Westhuizen, G.C. (1985). An experimental mycotoxicosis in sheep and goats caused by drechslera campanulata, a fungal pathogen of green oats. Onderstepoort J Vet Res.,52(2): 93-100. Medd, R. W., Murray,G. M. and Pickering, D. I. (2003): Review of the epidemiology and economic importance of Pyrenophorasemeniperda. Australasian Plant Pathology, 32(4): 539-550. Whitlow, L. W., and Hagler,W. M. Jr., (2008). Mycotoxin Contamination of Feedstuffs An Additional Stress Factor for Dairy Cattle Department of Poultry Science North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC. Available at: www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sc i/extension/dairy/mycoto~1.pdf Dhama, K., Chauhan, R. S., Mahendran, M., Singh, K.P., Telang, A. G., Singhal, L. and Tomar, S. (2007). Aflatoxins hazard to livestock and poultry production. Journal of Immunology & Immunopathology, 9(1): 230- 235. Hussein, S. H., and Jeffrey, M. B. (2001). Toxicity, metabolism, and impact of mycotoxins on humans andanimals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nevada-Reno, Mail Stop 202, Reno, NV 89557, USA. Available online at: linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0300483X01004711. Karki, K., and Manandhar, P. (2008). Clinical-epidemiological investigation of mouldy corn poisoning due to Penicillium spp. in mules at Udayapur district, Nepal. Veterinary World, 1(4):107-110. Horne, C. W. (2010). Mycotoxin in feed and food producing crops. Available online at publications.tamu.edu/publications/Corn/B-1279 Mycotoxins.pdf.

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Roberts, T. A., Cordier, J.-L., Gram, L., Tompkin, R. B., Pitt, J. I., Gorris, L. G. M., and Swanson, K. M. J. (2005). Meat and meat products: other animals carrying E. coli O157 include sheep, goats, wild deer and pigs by Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Aspergillus spp (ICMSF, 1980b). Micro or Organisms in Foods 6:1-106: www.springerlink.com/ index/q7g038v8x3m10026.pdf Sabreen, M. S. and Zaky, Z. M (2001). Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Moulds and Aflatoxins in Cheeses. Food Hygiene Dept, and Forensic Med. & Toxicology Dept., Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut Univ. Bulletin: 1stCongress of Food Hygiene & Human Health, 6-8 February 2001 Dept. of Food Hygiene. www.aun.edu.eg/env_enc/ee2002/1-50n.PDF Pinto, C.. Santos,V. M, Dinis, J., Peleteiro, M. C., Fitzgerald, J. M., Hawkes,A. D. and Smith, B. L. (2005) Pithomycotoxicosis (faciale czema) in ruminants in the Azores, Portugal: veterinary record.bmj.com/content/157/.doi: 10.1136/vr.157.25.805Veterinary Record, 157: 805-810.


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RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF GOAT DISEASE IN A GOVERNMENT RESEARCH FARM Narayan PAUDYAL, Chetman GC, Jagannath BANJADE and Deokant CHAUDHARY Regional Agricultural Research Station, NARC, Khajura, Banke E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT An analysis of the treatment records of last twelve years maintained at one of the government owned goat research farms (Goat Research Unit, NARC/RARS, Khajura) was undertaken to track the disease prevalence and pattern. The records were found to be maintained properly in the initial stages of farm establishment but after the political turmoil, there was a gap in the record and data maintenance for some years. The available records showed that respiratory problems were the most frequently encountered problem of the farm followed by other cases such as fever and unidentified illness. Diarrhoea cases were seen in all groups of animals, irrespective of their age. The problem of posterior paralysis was minimal may be due to strategic drenching of Diethyl Carbamazine to the entire flock. No outbreaks of diseases like PPR or FMD were seen in the records, as the farm practices regular vaccination against these diseases. Unlike at other research stations, the burden of internal parasites was always among the chart toppers in spite of regular anthelmintic treatment. This might be due to the fact that the anthelmintic treatment has not been carried out strategically. Young kids (0-6 months of age) were found to be more vulnerable significantly than adult animals (p