Sustainability of Dairy Breeding Practices : Empirical Evidences of Semi-arid Eastern Zone of Rajasthan

The breeding practices followed by the farmers affect the genetic potential of the animals and hence, have long-run implications for sustainability of dairy farming. With the use of low quality germplasm, the productive breeds are getting progressively diluted and face degeneration. Such a loss of animal genetic diversity puts in jeopardy the sustainability of animal agriculture and the ability of the sector to respond to changing environmental conditions. The present study therefore examines the sustainability of dairy breeding practices followed by farmers in semi-arid eastern plain zone of Rajasthan based on primary data collected from 120 sample households of the zone. A composite index on 100 point scale was developed based on standardized scores assigned to each breeding practice as per their implications on sustainability. The results of study showed that the livestock breeding practices were low sustainable in the zone as the average value of index was only 51 on the scale. The sustainability was comparatively higher on large farmers (value of index 55.47) as compared to small farmers (value of index 48.16). The breeding infrastructural facilities were poor in the study area. Study suggests for strengthening the infrastructural facilities, extension facilities, vocational trainings particularly for farm women, etc. for improving the sustainability of breeding practices in the zone.