SMALL RUMINANT INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA - PART I

Transcription

1 S.L.Vet.J. 2014, 61(B): SMALL RUMINANT INDUSTRY IN SRI LANKA - PART I 1. Introduction (a) Economic use of land by goats for production outputs Goats and sheep are collectively termed small in terms of milk, meat, fiber and skins. ruminants. Together they form an important component of (b) Goats do not compete with humans or other monoanimal production in the world. This is particularly true gastric animals like pigs and poultry for feed, with respect to the Asian region. Agro-ecological because they can live and produce on forage alone. conditions determine the type of livestock and cropping (c) Goats can produce twice as much meat per animal patterns suitable for any given situation. The existing unit as cattle in the tropics. production systems in this region have been evolved over (d) The quality of meat from goats is generally a long period of time, in response to the availability of land, considered tender than that of grass fed beef, because rainfall, temperature, humidity, availability of fodder and the animals can be marketed for meat (mutton) at a livestock density. At present, small ruminant production much younger age. systems are primarily traditional, in countries of the Asian (e) Reproductive efficiency of small ruminants is region. Some of the reasons for this situation could be due comparatively better than in large ruminants, mainly to (a) the fact that goat and sheep production has been due to their early maturity (puberty), short gestation given a secondary role to crop production, and (b) low period, rapid growth rate, high prolificacy and such priority and poor support to small ruminant research and other advantages. development from national governments, international donors and lending agencies. However, in more recent Managerial advantages times attempts have been made to improve productivity through the application of newer technologies. At the Goats are easily managed compared to large ruminants same time, it must be appreciated that small ruminant like dairy cattle and buffaloes, and this task is usually industry continues to play a significant role, to bring performed by unpaid surplus family labour (women and economic stability to the small farmers of Asia (Devendra children). & Burns, 1983; Devendra, 1986). Goats and sheep in Asia and Southeast Asia account for 53.4% and 22.9% of the Economic advantages total world population of these two species respectively. India has the largest goat and sheep population, i.e. 59% (a) Low initial investment and correspondingly lower and 57% respectively of the South and Southeast Asian risk of losses from death of animals. countries. The ratio of sheep to goats is 1:1.8. There are (b) They can produce meat, milk, hair and skins at indications to show that the goat population has been relatively low input costs from poor quality feeds that growing faster than the sheep population in this region. cannot be utilized in any other manner. (c) The supply of milk, and meat through limited 2. Significance of the small ruminant industry resource use make the products easily accessible for family consumption, and would help improve the Sheep and goats are widespread in the arid and semi arid nutrition and health of the poor farmers. regions and are reared in a complexity of management systems. These animals are often the main source of Other notable features in goat production livelihood of small and migratory farmers in many parts of the Asian sub-continent. However, in Sri Lanka goat (a) Goats seem to thrive in environments where other production has remained as a subsidiary source of income livestock often do not perform well. In other words generating employment activity of the rural farmers, they can thrive under relatively harsh environment. particularly in the dry and intermediate agro-ecological This applies more to goats in the tropical region zones and in the plantation sector. Only a small fraction of where the climate is stressful and forage quality and the farmers in Sri Lanka have taken to sheep farming, availability is poor. except for a few in Jaffna in the Northern province (NP) (b) On the basis of body weight, goats are often more and the coconut triangle in the North Western province productive compared to other livestock. This feature (NWP). These animals too are mostly indigenous or is obvious in improved European breeds of goats. Indian breeds and their crosses. The significance of goat (c) Significant levels of production have been achieved production is primarily associated with special features by careful genetic selection, when optimum feeding such as their small body size, docile-nature, biological, and management are possible; e.g. European dairy managerial and economic advantages and such other goats often have very high milk yields, some times considerations which are listed below. reaching the level of a cow. Biological advantages (d) South Africa has achieved significant success by Dr. D.H.A.Subasinghe, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Peradeniya

2 16 Subasinghe selective breeding of meat goats, and the improved refuse to feed on material that has been trampled by others Boer goat is an impressive animal in this respect. and should therefore be avoided. Movable electric fences are often used to control strip grazing. The grazing area/ 3. Small ruminant production systems in general paddock can be converted into smaller paddocks with permanent fencing so that each paddock may be used for a Small ruminants namely sheep and goats reared in few days until the forage has been consumed. Under the poorer countries receive minimum attention from the above controlled grazing system, even though one may farmers. Breeding, feeding and management systems are achieve improvements in productivity, the economic generally poor. Most often the animals are walked for long viability of the system has to be evaluated, as the fencing distances in fetch of forage, mainly due to sparse costs may be high. Tethering is also practiced by some of vegetation. This also means a greater requirement of the farmers who have access to pasture, as a method of nutrients to meet the energy loss that occurs due to walking controlled grazing. This method is practiced by long distances in search of feed. Three basic systems of smallholders who have a few animals to manage, on an management are commonly found in this region namely individual basis. (a) The free grazing system or Extensive system where the animals are left to wander and find their feed, perhaps with or without a person to attend to them (b) Controlled grazing or Semi-intensive system where the animals are confined to a fenced area and have access to whatever feed that is grown or provided to them (c) Zero grazing or Intensive management system where the animals are housed and the feed carried to them at all times. Whatever the management system that is adopted by the farmer, it should be appropriate to the situation and circumstances. (a) Extensive system / Free grazing system (c) Zero grazing system or Intensive management In this system the animals are kept in sheds or yards and the feed is cut and carried to them. They have no access to growing fodder. This system provides the best control over the animals in regard to their breeding, feeding, healthcare, management and security. High producing milking goats are often managed in this manner. This system is generally adopted under land limiting situations as well. 4. Overview of the small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka Socio-economic background 2 This system allows the goats the freedom to graze/ Sri Lanka has a land area of 65,610 km (6,560,980 ha) 2 browse requiring less effort, labor and input costs to the including the inland water bodies that cover 958 km farmer. However, if improved levels of production are to (29,052 ha) or 4.43% of the land. Agricultural land be achieved, this is the least desirable method. The animals comprise of 1,598,090 ha (24.36%) of the land area, while have to spend additional energy to compensate for the 1,757,740 ha (26.79%) is under forest cover and 502,720 energy loss in their effort to find their feed requirements. ha (7.66%) is scrublands (Department of Census and They will perform well only if there is a high density of Statistics, 1997). feed available, and operate a systematically controlled The human population in the country in 2007 has been system. Goats wandering freely are also vulnerable to estimated at 20.01million, with an annual growth rate of 2 predators. Further, the operation of a controlled or 1.1% and a population density of 319 persons/km. Total selective breeding program becomes virtually impractical, labour force in the country at present is 7.5 million. Of this if both males and females wander freely, as the females 31.3% is engaged in agriculture, 26.6% in industry and will be accessible to any of the males. Uncontrolled goats 42.1% in the service sector. It is obvious that employment can be damaging to the environment, as they will eat even has shifted from agriculture to the services sector (Dept. of the barks of plants and trees thus destroying them. Census and Statistics, 2007; Central Bank Annual Report, 2007). (b) Semi-intensive management or Controlled grazing Crop agriculture in Sri Lanka is dualistic in that there is a system plantation sector comprising of tea, rubber, coconut which are considered cash crops and a smallholder peasant sector Many of the above problems can be eliminated if the involved in the cultivation of rice, corn and other cereals, goats are confined to a pen or paddock with a secure fence. vegetables, fruits etc. Seventy percent (70%) of the This is practical, only if there is a good source of cultivated agricultural land in the country is under smallholdings and fodder/ pasture or cut and carried forage. When the 90% of them are below 2 ha in extent. Approximately 2/3 animals are kept in a fenced area for a specific period of of the small holdings are involved mostly in crop time, the land has to be rested, to interrupt the parasitic production, while the balance have a mix of crops and cycle (nematodes) and to allow for re-growth of the pasture. animal husbandry activities, and a small percent (3%) is Such lands are rested for 0.5 to 1 year, or other seasonal engaged solely in livestock. It is claimed by the Ministry of crops may be grown during this period. If sawn crops are Livestock Development that 30-60% of the gross farm grown, goats or sheep can be allowed to graze in fresh income is generated from livestock activities (DAPH areas (strips) each day. This is termed strip grazing. It Annual Reports 2006, 2007). Most smallholder farmers of will ensure that the animals will consume most of the the Dry Zone claim that the family income generated from fodder before they move to another area. Goats often livestock has always been an insurance against the

3 Small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka 17 constant crop failures they often experience during Low country dry zone Di st ri ct s of Ha mb an to ta, droughts (author's observations). The total farm Monaragala, Ampara, Batticaloa, population is estimated to be about 10 million, with an Po lo nn ar uw a, Tri nc om al ee, estimated 3.5 million engaged in livestock activities. The Pu tt la m, Ma nn ar, Vavu ni a, average size of the household is about 5.3 persons (Sri Mullaitive and Kilinochchi. Lanka Livestock Policy Review, 1992). Coconut Triangle Districts of Kurunegala. Agricultural statistics of Sri Lanka (Department of Gampaha, Colombo, North of Census and Statistics, 1997) show that the livestock sector Kegalle and Kalutara. contributes about 1.0% to the national GDP and 5.3% to Jaffna peninsula District of Jaffna (peninsula the agricultural sector GDP. Over a period of five years area) from 1991, the contribution of the agriculture sector to the national GDP has declined from 23.4% to 19.0% and in The previous agriculture census of Sri Lanka was taken 2007 the contribution of agriculture has dropped further to about two decades back in Since then data has been 11.7% of the national GDP (Central Bank Annual Report, compiled through estimates collected at the district and 2007). The livestock sub-sector has also shown a marginal divisional levels. The civil strife that affected the North decline in trend from 1.2 to 1.0% in its contribution to the and East of the country has resulted in difficulties in the national GDP and from 5.4 to 5.3% as a share of the collection of data from districts such as Jaffna, agricultural sector. However, this trend appears to have Killinochchi, Mullaitive, Mannar, Trincomalee, been reversed in 2006 and 2007, where the livestock Batticaloa and Amparai and are mostly estimates based on sector has improved in its contribution to 1.8% and 1.85% past trends. Therefore, the quality of available livestock in 2006 and 2007 respectively. statistics has not been very reliable. However, the Average rainfall in Sri Lanka varies spatially from situation has improved after the last Agriculture Census 1000mm to over 5000mm and follows a bimodal pattern, was conducted in 2002, and after the establishment of civil where the rains come with the North East monsoon administration in the Eastern province in 2007 after a long (Maha) during October December and the South West lapse time. monsoon (Yala) during April May. Whole of the country Livestock population data including goats and sheep for including the Dry zone benefits from the Maha rains, the last two decades from 1981 to 2001 and up to 2007 is while the Yala rains are intercepted by the central hills shown in Table 2. This indicates a decreasing trend resulting in 60% of the island towards the North and East common to all species of livestock. In the small ruminant not receiving any rain. Major river supplies are sub sector the decreasing trend in the goat population is supplemented by the more wide spread inter monsoonal marginal if not static, whereas the sheep population has rai ns fro m Apr il May and Sep tem ber Oc tob er, declined drastically. Tables 3 and 4 give the detail (NARESA, Report on Natural Resources of Sri Lanka, distribution of goats and sheep on the basis of agro- 1991). Human settlement programs based on major ecological zone and on provincial and district basis. irrigation schemes have been established in these areas Livestock statistics for the year 2001 show that the total under major rivers like Mahaweli, Walawe, Kirindi Oya goat population in Sri Lanka was 492,600 and that of etc. sheep was 11,200. Scrutinizing the population data of The wet zone of the south west and central hills receive goats over the past two decades indicate that there has an average rainfall of 2,500mm, throughout the year, been a negative growth of 3.9% from 1981 to 2001and an while the remaining 2/3 of the country in the north, east annual negative growth of 0.19% for the same period. and south east stays comparatively dry, averaging Similarly the sheep population showed a drastic decline of 1500mm rain mostly in the Maha season (October % during the same period (Table 5).The drop in goat January). It remains dry during the five months of the year population has continued even up to 2007 (viz. 388,600), a from May-September (Yala season). negative growth of -21% from 2001 to 2007 (Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has been classified into three main agro- Livestock Statistics 1991/1992, Ministry of Agriculture ecological zones based on the average annual rainfall Development and Research, 1992; National livestock received in each zone, namely the Wet zone, Intermediate statistics , DCS; zone and Dry zone (Figure 1). These three zones are agriculture/livestock/livestick statistics html). further sub divided into the Wet-Intermediate, Dry The estimated sheep population during the period 2003 Intermediate and Dry Zone, in relation to the rainfall as given by the Department of Census and Statistics in well as elevation of the region above sea level (Table 1) is questionable, because the sheep population is Based on the relevance of each zone (region) to livestock shown to have doubled within the 4 years to 16,480. The production, six main agro-ecological zones have been ground situation should have been more or less similar to identified within the three major regions described above the goat population. It would even be worse, because no (Figures 2 and 3). They are as follows: state or private sector agency has promoted sheep production during the period under consideration. Hill country zone Districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla 5. Goat production in Sri Lanka - Trends Mid country zone Districts of Kandy, Matale and Kegalle Like the dairy husbandry, goat production has also been Low country wet zone Dis tri cts of Gal le, Mat ara, a traditional form of livestock activity among the Sri Kalutara, and Ratnapura Lanka farmers particularly in the Dry and Dry

4 18 Subasinghe Figure 1. Agroclimatic zones Figure 2. Agroclimatic regions Figure 3. Agroclimatic regions

5 Small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka 19 Table 1 Agro climatic zones of Sri Lanka and their salient features Zone Hill country Mid country Low country Dr y zon e Coconut triangle Jaffna peninsula Zone zone Wet zone Zone Elevation (M) > Ambient temper ature (C 0 ) Rain fall (mm) > Relative humidity (%) Predominant type Plantation Agricultural Agricultural Agricultural Coconut land Agricultural of farmer s workers farm ers farm ers farm ers owners/farmer s farm ers Typical fodder Road sides & Road sides & Post harvest Post harvest Pasture under Homesteads and base ravines home plots crop fields crop fields, coconut & post harvest tan k beds & post harvest crop fields scrub jungle crop fields Predominant Jamnapari, Jamnapari, Jamnapari, Jamnapari, Jamnapari, Jamnapari, type of goats Saan en, J crosses, J crosses, SL Boer, Beetal, SL Boer, Jamnapari Temperate SL Boer SL Boer, KK, KK, crosses, crosse s KK Indigenous Indigenous Indigenous Source: National Breeding Policy Guidelines for Livestock in Sri Lanka 1994 Intermediate zones. This is quite evident from the fact that (c) Availability of grazing land under plantation crops out of a total population of 0.49 million goats in the like coconut in the Intermediate zone (coconut country in 2001, sixty seven percent (67%) are triangle). concentrated in the above mentioned region, while the balance 33% of the total is distributed in the rest of the Goats reared in the Dry zone districts are predominantly country (Table 6).This trend has remained more or less the of the indigenous type, having a low production potential same up to 2007 but with a small increase of around 3% in and dependant to a great extent on community or state the dry and dry intermediate zones. The popular goat land for their feed. The major objective is meat production. producing areas have been recognized as the following A field survey of 86 farmers rearing goats under the districts: traditional system of management in Batticaloa district gives an indication of the low productivity of these Dry zone A n u r a d h a p u r a, A m p a r a, animals. They are low genetic potential, poor nutrition B a t t i c a l o a, Tr i n c o m a l e e, and management, prevalence of disease resulting in high Mullaitivu, Killinochchi, Jaffna kid mortality, poor growth rate and productivity. The and Mannar above findings are supported by the following data: Birth Dry Intermediate zone Kurunegala, Puttlam weight 1.29 ± 0.3kg; weaning weight 4.15 ± 0.8kg; live Wet Zone Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy and weight at marketing age of 10 months was 18 kg and Nuwara Eliya average age at kidding 9.3 ± 1.7 months (Hariharan et al Wet Intermediate zone Badulla, Matale 1991). At various time periods in the past, the Government of The main reasons for the concentration of goats in the Sri Lanka (GOSL) has imported better breeds of goats like Dry zone and Dry Intermediate zones may be summarized Jamnapari, in an attempt to improve the genetic quality as follows. and productivity of the national herd. About two decades back (1980s) an improved goat having better meat (a) Availability of open grazing/ browsing lands that are production potential was produced, by crossing not used for alternative agriculture indigenous, Kottukachchiya or Jamnapari females with (b) Availability of suitable fodder that do not compete imported Boer males. The crossbred progeny with 50% with arable land for more economic crops Boer blood was termed Sri Lanka Boer. The

6 20 Subasinghe Table 2. Livestock population in Sri Lanka, Year Cattle Buffalo Goats Sheep Pigs , (Number '000) Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2007 (National livestock statistics ); Department of Animal Production & Health, 2007 crossbreeding and upgrading programs undertaken by the DAPH farms in the 1980s have demonstrated that the production performance of animals of the crossbred progeny have improved in parameters such as birth weight, gain in weight and adult weight over the females of the parents (Kottukachchiya and Jamnapari x Kottukachchiya (Table 9 &10) (Premasundera et al, 1993, 1998). Rearing goats for milk production has become popular with increasing demand for goat milk in the urban and suburban areas and in the Hill and Mid-country. Jamnapari, Beetal and Saanen or their crosses have been used as popular breeds for milk production. For the genetic improvement of milk production potential the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) imported a herd of Saanen goats in 1980 and Beetal goats in 1990 respectively. The other attempt made by GOSL to improve milk production potential of the local goats was the commencement of a program of crossbreeding a selected herd of Sri Lanka Boer female goats to German Fawn studs in 1988 at the Dept. of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) farm at Helamada in Kegalle district. These programs are discussed in detail elsewhere in this document. 6. General characteristics of goat producers Land ownership and Land use pattern Most of the goat farmers in the major producing areas are peasant agriculturists. They cultivate either their own land or that of another on contract basis, or else state land on the traditional form of seasonal highland cropping on a shifting land use pattern ( chena cultivation ). The size of the land holdings are usually small. Although there is no reliable statistics on the size of goat farmers in particular, landholding size of livestock farmers in general may be taken as an indication (Table 7). While crop production (mainly rice and other seasonal highland crops) is their main activity, goat production is often a subsidiary activity undertaken to generate extra family income. In the dry zone landholding size varies from 2.3 to 0.5 ha, in the Intermediate zone, it varies from 1.2 ha to 0.8 ha, while in the wet zone variation is from 0.8 to 0.7ha. Farmers not owning land may vary from 22 4% in the different districts (Agriculture Census, 1982). Family size and educational background The family size of the goat farmers in the dry zone is 8.8 persons per family unit, 5.7% in the intermediate zone and 4.9% in the dry zone. In line with the educational standards of the average Sri Lankans, goat farmers also have a good education background. Seventy percent (70%) of the goat farmers in the dry zone, 72% in the intermediate zone and 66% in the wet zone have had an education up to Junior secondary level respectively (Ariyakumar and Swoboda, 1984). Why keep goats Several external factors influence the purpose for which goats are reared in Sri Lanka like Socio-economic background of the farmer, agro-ecological zone in which he lives, local availability of feeds and the breed type of animals he owns. While most of the poor farmers in the dry and intermediate zones rear goats for meat, certain percent of them rear for milk production. In the dry and dry intermediate zones, goats reared are mainly of the indigenous type or crossbreds. They are kept as animal banks or as an insurance to meet the cash needs of the family, through the sale of surplus stock to the butcher. These farmers generally maintain large herds and do not practice systematic breeding or herd management. Of the farmers who keep goats for milk production 10% are in the dry zone, 5% in the coconut triangle and about 60% in the urban and sub-urban areas. Of the dry zone districts, Jaffna peninsula is recognized as a popular area for milk production. About 30% of the herds in Jaffna are milked. This feature is seen in urban areas of Puttlam and Mannar as well. In the wet zone goats are kept generally for the dual purpose of meat and milk production. Family members usually consume the milk that is extracted from female goats, while the surplus is sold in the neighborhood. Such farms generally maintain more productive animals such as Jamnapari or their crosses, Saanen or their crosses and Sri Lanka Boer breed.

7 Small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka 21 Table3. Small Ruminant Population distribution by Districts and Agro-ecological Zones (1991, 2001 and 2007) Zone District Goats Sheep Goat/Sheep Wet Zone Colombo ,100 Gampaha 22,000 10, ,00 Kalutara 12,500 11, ,800 Kandy 26,100 27, ,790 N'Eliya 3,400 15, Galle 10,400 7, ,900 Kegalla 2 3,100 19, ,100 Sub total 113,400 94, ,750 Matale 3,000 13, ,120 Wet Matara 5,100 3, ,700 Intermediate Badulla 18,200 20, ,800 Ratnapura 11,100 28, Sub total 47,400 65, ,090 Hambantota 9,700 15, ,000 Dry Kurunegala 56,300 55,600 3,700 2,300 44,500 Intermediate Puttalam 55,600 46,900 1,100 1,900 37,730 Monaragala 4,400 5, ,400 Sub total 126, ,400 5,000 4,200 98,630 Jaffna * 23,700 33,900 13,200 2,900 51,220 Killinochchi** - 14,100-3,200 19,740 Mannar** - 7, ,760 Vavunia** - 8, ,300 Dry Zone Mullaitive** - 11, ,950 Batticaloa* 31,500 34, ,700 Ampara* 12,400 16, ,300 Trincomalee** - 19, ,000 Anuradhapura 33,400 44,000 1, ,100 Polonnaruwa 10,600 15, ,540 a Mahaweli H 1,600 4, Sub total1 3, ,400 6, ,610 Grand total 460, ,600 20,300 11, ,080 Source: Dept. of Census and Statistics * The figures are estimates; ** Data collection is not possible in these districts due to civil strife; a) Areas under Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL). Another additional purpose of goat production is the use by the year 2001 (61%) over the 20 year period considered, of goat manure as a crop fertilizer. This is popular in Jaffna despite several attempts made by the Department of and Killinochchi districts. In Jaffna there was a popular Animal Production and Health (DAPH) and the National age-old ritual where male goats were subjected to Livestock Development Board (NLDB), to develop the sacrifice before Hindu Gods to seek favors. Such animals sheep industry in the country (Table 2). Of the current were given special care and attention including the best population nearly 52% are concentrated in the dry zone possible nutrition in preparation for such a ritual. districts of Jaffna and Killinochchi, while 35% are found However, this practice is no more, because of the ban in Puttlam and Kurunegala districts of the Northwestern imposed on animal sacrifice few years back, by the Province (Table 3 and 4). The animals found in these areas government. are predominantly of the indigenous type and reared mainly for meat and manure. They are generally low in 7. Sheep production in Sri Lanka productivity due to low genetic potential, poor nutrition and management. The industry has been in the hands of The sheep population in Sri Lanka has declined poor farmers who adhere to traditional methods of feeding drastically from 30,000 animals present in 1981 to 11,700 and management with minimal inputs. Some attempts

8 22 Subasinghe Table 4. Small ruminant population distribution by District and Province (1991 compared with 2001 and 2007) Province District Goats Sheep Goat/Sheep Western Colombo 5,900 3, Gampaha 22,000 10, ,450 Kalutara 12,500 11, ,800 Sub total 49,400 24, ,350 Central Kandy 26,100 27, ,790 Matale 13,000 13, ,120 N'Eliya 13,400 15, ,600 Sub total 52,500 56, ,510 Southern Galle 10,400 7, ,910 Matara 5,100 3, ,700 Hambantota 9,700 15, ,000 Sub total 25,200 26, ,610 Northern Jaffna 83,700 33,900 13,200 2,900 51,220 Killinochchi* - 14,100-3, Mannar* - 7, ,760 Vavunia* - 8, ,300 Mullativu* - 11, ,950 Sub total 83,700 75,100 13,200 6, ,970 Eastern Batticaloa 31,500 34,000 13,200 6,400 21,700 Ampara 12,400 16, ,300 Trincomalee* - 19, ,000 Sub total 43,900 69, ,000 N. Western Kurunegala 56,300 55,600 3,700 2,300 44,500 Puttlam 55,600 46,900 1,100 4,200 37,000 Sub total 111, ,500 4,800 4,200 82,200 N. Central Anuradhapura 33,400 44,000 1, ,100 Polonnaruwa 10,600 15, ,500 Mahaweli H 1,600 4, NA Sub total 45,600 63,700 1, ,600 Uva Badulla 18,200 20, ,800 Monaragala 4,400 5, ,400 Sub total 22,600 25, ,200 Sabaragamuwa Ratnapura 11,100 28, Kegalle 23,100 19, ,100 Sub total 34,200 48, ,570 Grand total 469, ,600 20,300 11, ,080 Source: Dept. of Census and Statistics. * Estimates are based on past trends. Dept. of Census and Statistics (Livestock population by type and district ) were made to improve their productivity by crossbreeding to Indian meat breeds like Red Madras and Bannur introduced through the Coconut Triangle farms. They were imported from India by the NLDB, under the Indo- Sri Lanka Animal Husbandry Project ( ). During the same period, efforts were made by the GOSL to boost up sheep production in the rest of the country as well, by encouraging farmers in the Southern dry zone, Coconut Triangle and the Hill country. This program was implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and later by Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) by way of introducing Indian breeds like Bikaneri through the DAPH livestock farms at Weerawila and Kottukachchiya. Temperate breeds like Dorset Horn and South Down were introduced through Boralanda sheep breeding station and Bopatalawa livestock farm (Rajaguru, 1987). Even prior to that, the DOA initiated a research program with two temperate breeds of sheep (Wiltshire

9 Small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka 23 Table 5. Small ruminant population size and trends in growth ( ) Species Percent Annual Population Population Population Growth growth Growth (%) % Goats 512, ,000-20, Sheep 30,000 11,700-18, Source: Dept. of Census and Statistics; Adapted from National livestock statistics Table 6. Zonal distribution of goats and sheep in Sri Lanka & 2007 Year Goats Sheep Goats/Sheep Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Dry zone 208, , , Dry 123, , , intermediate Wet zone 94, , Wet 65, , intermediate Total 492, , , Source: Dept. of Census and Statistics; Adapted from National livestock statistics Table 7. Average size and ownership of land holdings in selected districts of Sri Lanka Agro-ecological District Av Size of AV Size of Operators not Operators owning Zone Agric. Holding holding with owning land highland/ home (ha) Livestock (%) gardens only (ha) (%) Dry Zone Ampara Anuradhapura Batticaloa Jaffna Killinochchi na na Mannar 1.34 na na na Mmullaitivu Vavunia Intermediate Badulla Zone Kurunegala Puttlam Wet Zone Kandy Kegalle Source: Dept. of Census and Statistics, Agriculture Census 1982; na=not available Report on Goat Development by Resource Development Consultants Ltd.1986 Horn and Poll Dorset) imported from Australia in 1965 Examination of the status of the current sheep industry and 1968 to Bopatalawa and Dayagama farms. The in Sri Lanka indicates that the past efforts of the objective was to study their performance in a tropical government have had very little impact. Perhaps, there environment, but under less stressful climate would have been several reasons to it. One of them may be (Buvanendran, 1970). that the socio-cultural background of the prospective

10 24 Subasinghe farmer may have had certain inhibitions in the acceptance (b) Semi-intensive management and adaptation of newer farming systems. Another reason could be poor planning and implementation of the extension programs. During the early years, little importance was given to project monitoring and evaluation. However, no documentary evidence is available to indicate the reasons for the shortcomings in program implementation. The Department of Census and Statistics has combined sheep with the goat population in the last agriculture census of 2002, presumably due to the drastic decline of the sheep population in Sri Lanka over the last two decades. Nevertheless, it would have been better if they were accounted as sheep and goats separately. Under this system, management is similar to the extensive system except for the fact that the herds are reared under permanent plantation crops like coconut in which they are grazed. The farmers also use post-harvest paddy fields to graze the animals. The herds are sometimes managed by hired labour. Housing is more or less similar to those found in the dry zone. They generally use stilted houses with slatted floors. Majority of the foundation stock (>85%) is generally of the indigenous type, but crossbred animals are also found (Mahusoon and Sivarajah, 1990). Farmers use studs of improved breeds like Jamnapari or Sri Lanka Boer to upgrade their stock. 8. Goat farming systems in Sri Lanka Improved studs are generally procured from DAPH, NLDB or a progressive goat breeder in the region. These Farming systems practiced in Sri Lanka vary with the farmers pay greater attention to regular de-worming and agro-ecological zone, land and fodder availability, breed healthcare of the herd. Besides the economic gains the type and socio-cultural pattern of the community in which farmer accrues from the sale of surplus animals etc., he is they are reared. They could be classified into three broad benefited from the animal dung that he uses as organic systems, namely (a) Extensive management, (b) Semi- fertilizer for the plantation crop and the pasture/ fodder intensive management and (c) Intensive management grasses. Secondly, the herd is maintained on the fodder systems. In general the extensive system is practiced grown under the plantation crop. predominantly in the Dry and Dry Intermediate zones of the country, while the Semi-intensive system is seen (c) Intensive management mostly in the Coconut Triangle and the Intermediate zones. The Intensive system is generally practiced in the urban This system of management is generally prevalent and sub-urban areas and the Hill and Mid-country and in mostly in the urban and sub-urban areas and the plantation Jaffna. The term Up-country is also used to mean Hill- sector especially in the Hill and Mid country tea estates. country. They are kept mainly for milk and to generate supplementary income for the family. Milk is generally (a) Extensive management system used for home consumption and the surplus is sold to houses in the neighbor-hood. Most farmers reported that In this farming system, each farm has about goats there is a good market for goat milk and that it would of the indigenous breed that are reared mainly for meat. currently sell for about Rs.125 to 150 per liter. The districts Sometimes one may find herds comprising of even in which the Intensive system is commonly seen are animals. They are generally browsed/ grazed on Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kegalle, Kandy, Matara and communal land near the farmer's homestead such as the Jaffna. Each household has about 2-4 breedable females village tank bund, jungle lands, uncultivated open lands, and quite often a stud as well. Animals predominantly paddy fields after harvest or the roadside bushes and grass. found are Jamnapari, Jamnapari crosses, Saanen, Saanen The animals are generally taken out for grazing in the crosses, Beetal, Sri Lanka Boer and Kottukachchiya breed morning and managed and cared for by unutilized family types. These farmers generally have a good stud procured labour such as female members or children. In the Dry from the DAPH, NLDB or a progressive goat breeder. zone district of Batticaloa 79% of the farmers follow the In this system milk production is the primary purpose extensive system (Hariharan et al., 1991). Herd owners and takes priority over other considerations. However, who have large herds sometimes use hired labour at a very under land limiting situations especially in the Hill and nominal rate for herd management. The animals after Mid- country areas poor farmers adopt this method. Stall grazing are normally herded in the evening to the farmer's feeding with limited grazing / browsing is the method of homestead, in a shed made of low cost construction feeding the animals. Tree fodder varieties such as material locally available in the area. They hardly follow Gliricidia, Leucaena, Erythrina, Sesbania and other edible any planned breeding or upgrading program. No disease leaves like Jak (Artocarpus heterophyllus) are cut and fed prevention is practiced either, except among the few to the animals in the stall. Limited amount of concentrates progressive farmers. Therefore, kid mortality has been are also fed to milking does, pregnant does and kids. The high (about 30%). Kids are born round the year and are stud animals also receive good nutrition and management sold at 1 to 1.5 years of age, when the average body weight attention of the farmer. It has been observed that in Jaffna is about 15 18kg. The average age of kidding in the district about 30% of the farmers rearing goats under the indigenous stock is about 9.3 ± 1.7 months (Hariharan et al., Intensive management use a good communal stud for 1991). Marketing of the surplus animals are generally breeding. Sometimes, this practice is followed in other done through the agents of the butcher who often visit districts as well under intensive management. Breeding these farms for business. Such sales bring in the muchneeded cash for the family expenses. goats through Artificial Insemination (AI) is also done to a very limited extent (0.4%) in Kandy and Jaffna where such facilities are available. The farming systems prevalent in

11 Table 8. Goat farming systems and their character in the different Agro-climatic Zones Agro climatic Production Main characteristics of the farming systems zones emphasis Herd size, breeds Keeping, feeding, management, health Hill country Milk, meat 3-10 animals/ unit, Intensive, Permanent housing, good conditions, Crossbreds of Saanen zero grazing with concentrate feeding. and Jamnapari Goat paralysis is a major disease Mid country Meat 5-15 goats/unit Semi-intensive Fairly good housing. Stall feeding, Crossbreds with Jamnapari tethered grazing. Goat paralysis is the single major and Sri Lanka Boer disease Coconut Meat 5-20 goats/unit Semi-intensive, Night housing, stall feeding, triangle Crossbreds with Jamnapari tethered grazing & free grazing and Sri Lanka Boer and Goat paralysis is the single major disease Kottukachchiya Low country Meat 5-20 goats/unit Semi-intensive, Night housing, stall feeding, wet zone Crossbreds with Jamnapari tethered grazing and Sri Lanka Boer and Goat paralysis at moderate level & internal Kottukachchiya parasitism present Low country Meat goats/unit Extensive dry zone Indigenous breeds, crossbreds Night paddocking, free grazing. with Jamnapari and Disease problems are goat paralysis and Kottukachchiya internal parasitism Source: Schrage et al, 1997 Small ruminant industry in Sri Lanka 25 Table 9. Production performance of some female goats in Sri Lanka Parameter Crossbreds Goats Local breeds Reproduction performance Age at 1st heat (months) Age at 1st parturition (months) Kidding interval (months) Number of kiddings Twinning frequency (%) Milk yield Milk yield per day (litres) Length of lactation (days) Lactation yield (litres) Milk fat (%) Growth and body development Birth weight (kg) Weight at 1 year (kg) Daily gain in weight (g) Mature body weight (kg) Source: Adapted from Scharge et al, 1997 Goats: Jamnapari, Saanen, Beetal and Indigenous breed

12 26 Subasinghe Table 10. Birth weights of different breeds of goats and their crosses at Kottukachchiya Farm ( ) Breed type of kid Breed of Sire Breed of Dam No. of observations Mean wt. ± SD (kg) 100% Boer Boer Boer ± % Boer Boer 75% Boer ± % Boer Boer 50% Boer ± %Boer Boer Jamnapari Kottukachchiya JxK (crossbreds) ± % Boer inter se 50% Boyer 50% Boer ± 0.52 Jamnapari (J) J J ± 0.51 Kottukachchiya(K) K K ± 0.55 J x K J K ± 0.46 Source: Premasundera et al, Premasundera et al, 1998 J x K = Jamnapari x Kottukachchiya (crossbred) Mean birth weight of male kids is 2.80 ± 0.57 (1078 observations) P > 0.01 Mean birth weight of female kids is 2.62 ± 0.58 (1568 observations) P > 0.01 different agro-climatic zones of Sri Lanka, characteristics Devendra (ed) Small Ruminant Production Systems of such farms in each zone and their production in south and south east Asia, p performance are shown in Tables 8 and 9. Hariharen., R, Ravindran., S and Ravindran., V. (1991.Goat production under traditional management REFERENCES th systems in Batticaloa district. Proc. of the 4 Annual Sessions of the SLAAS 1991 Ariyakumar, V and Soboda (1986). Survey report of goat Mahusoon, M.M. and Sivarajah, P. (1999). Improving goat production in Sri Lanka, Department of Animal production in the Coconut Triangle of Sri Lank. Production and Health, Peradeniya Agrieast, 1: Buvanendran, V and Jalatge, E.F.A. (1974). A note on Premasundera, A.S,Ravindran, V, de Silva G.P.L. and comparative growth rates of Jamnapari South Indian Jeyalingavathani, S. (1993).Birth weights of Boer goats and their crosses. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, goats and its crosses in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka 22: Veterinary Journal, 40: Central Bank of Sri Lanka (2007) Annual Report Premasundera, A.S, Ravindran,V, de Silva, G.P.L. and Department of Census and Statistics (1997) Agricultural Jeyalingavathani, S.(1998).Crossbreeding trials with Statistics of Sri Lanka Boer goats in Sri Lanka: Effect on the birth weights of Department of Census and Statistics (2008) National kids. Dev. Tropenlanlwirt, Beitragezur tropischen Livestock Statistics Landwortschaft und veterinar medizin, 99 Jatrgang, Department of Animal Production & Health (2006, 2007) April 98, S Annual Reports Rajaguru, A.S.B. (1987) Integration of crop and small Devendra, C and Burns, M (1983) Goat production in the ruminants in Sri Lanka. In: Small Ruminant Tropics; Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau, Production Systems in South and Southeast Asia, (C. London Devendra ed) Proceedings of a workshop held in Devendra, C (1986) Prospects of developing small Bogor, Indonesia, 6-10 October 1986, pp ruminant production in humid tropical Asia: In: C.