TRIBAL GOAT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS : AN ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE

摘要

The investigation -was carried out in Bandwan block of Purulia district in West Bengal. The study area was selected purposively which had highest tribal population. Forty tribal goat keepers from each proximate (having two villages) and distant (having two villages) villages of forest area were selected. Using Random Proportionate Sampling(RPS) method, eighty tribal respondents were selected. Personal interview, problem census, observation method, key informants interview and secondary data were judiciously utilized to validate data. Used simple statistical tools to analyze the data. Average flock size of the respondents were 6.254 goats/household. They adopted natural breeding most of the time, grazing in forest, looping of trees/shrub leaves, kitchen waste etc. Mainly separate provision of shelter for their goat was found. No veterinary aid was provided. Colostrum feeding was widely practiced. They castrated their animal by open method. Mostly sold their goat to the middlemen. Special care or attention was on new born, pregnant doe and breeding buck. Average herd size was high in proximate villages than distant villages. Average distance covered by goat and duration of grazing was higher in distant villages. Most of the respondents (71.25 percent) earned less than Rs. 1500/- from sale of goat. Only 10 percent of them earned Rs. 3000/- from sale of goat.