The overall body condition scoring of the camels in a certain ecosystem can better tell the adaptation of certain breed in an ecosystem. Here is the study about the body condition scoring of some camel breeds in mountainous ecosystem.

Balochi horse is found in ancient historical Balochistan (Pakistani and Irani Balochistan, parts of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. This breed is evolved and reared by the Balochi nomadic tribes.

This breed of camel purely belongs to the pastoral community of Jath. They are entirely …

Camel Was Domesticated for Milk Camels were originally domesticated for their milk. Following the move …

Kharani camel is found in the Chaghai-Kharan desert of Balochistan Pakistan. The best milch animal in the world. There is high variability within the breed for milk production. In the wet days of the year, when there is succulent vegetation, some specimen of the breed produce up to 38 litre of milk per day. Unfortunately, this breed is under severe threat. The main cause of erosion is the depletion of Thagaz (Halloxylon spp).

This breed of camel belong to Pashtun/Afghan Kochis (nomads). They travel from central Afghanistan to north-east Balochistan. Some nomads even cross Suleiman mountains and inter in Indus delta. Some tribes of the Kochis cross Bolan pass and enter in Kachhi area of Balochistan and some go further and inter in Sindh province. Unfortunately, some Kochis are leaving camel culture and adapted tractors for luggage transportation because of the hinders in the historic routes and war and conflict in the region.

The title of the photo is self explained.

These native livestock breeds not only provide a source of livelihood but also play a role as companions and family members. Livestock breeds are evolved with precious indigenous knowledge, therefore a threat to the breeds is a threat to the indigenous knowledge. The local animal genetic resources are part of the socio-cultural life of the keepers. Many traditions and customary laws articulate around the livestock breeds.

In my view, one of the main problems (the root cause) is the low/zero participation of the native livestock breeders in the fabrication of policies and implementation of development projects for livestock development. All the definitions and concepts regarding the management, breeding, feeding and sustainable development of livestock are derived from the western school of thought. The western school of thought for livestock is mainly based on high input and intensive farming with specialized breeds and feeding systems. Such concepts are very hard to fit in the extensive, low input and multipurpose system. Taking on board the livestock keepers for livestock development can bring a cool breeze in this sector, though the process will take a bit longer time.

Khorasani or Khurasani goat is one of the most important goat genetics of the historical Arya Warsha

Kuchi or Kochi but in Trouble Afghanistan is one of the important countries of the …

Bybrik or Marriwal Sheep Breed The breed is mainly raised for lamb production. The breed …

Lassi camel is found in coastal area of Balochistan and Sind. The climate of the …

Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan, is home to a remarkable population of camels. Almost …

Kharani camel Kharani camel is found in the desert ecosystem of the Chaghai Kharan desert …

In continuation of the previous blog Jathnasal or Raidi camel Breed The habitat of Raidi …

Livestock Breeds and its ecosystems in Balochistan In continuation of the previous post, I start …

Dr. Raziq Kakar has published many publications with a high repute on subjects as; camel milk production potential, camel milk composition, camel socioeconomic importance in agriculture & economy, camel breeds identification, camel domestication, native livestock breeds identification and documentation, traditional knowledge, breeding goals documentation, and ecosystem research.

The Southern hemisphere of the planet earth is the cradle of animal domestication and almost all the livestock species for food and agriculture traveled from South to North. During the last 100 years, gene flows from South to North have been dwarfed by flows in the opposite direction, from North to South. Large numbers of animals, semen, embryos, and eggs are shipped to developing countries, and Northern breeds (particularly of pigs, poultry, and dairy cattle) have become firmly established in various countries. This development led to the erosion of livestock biodiversity in the South.

I received a report about the swelling head disease from a colleague from Mithi district …

 Small scale production system is very important for food security in the climate change context and conservation of biodiversity. Millions of people around the world are involved both in production and consumption through this system. Such a system is very much resilient to climate change and droughts. While using a very low or neglected quantity of fossil oil, they are mitigating climate change. The system is the custodian of the precious biodiversity of the agroecosystems, rich with biodiversity and in harmony with nature. Unfortunately, forces like, globalization, open market economies, gene control and industrialization/mechanization in agriculture are threatening this system. There is utmost need to characterize, document, visualize and prioritize this system both as a food security option and conservation of biodiversity. Also, it is the need of time to give the opportunity to play its role in the future food production systems.

The world is passing through the very challenging food security crisis. Million of people needs food aid. The policymakers need to think about this alarming issue.