Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): For the first time in the state, the livestock census, completed on April 30, has included domesticated animals such as dogs, cats (including Persian cats), and parrots. Pet animals were counted through a door-to-door survey. Another first in this census was the inclusion of pastoral animals.
Sources in the Animal Statistics Division said that animals of 16 breeds were covered in this census. These were: cow, buffalo, goat, pig, sheep, poultry birds, donkey, horse, mule, rabbit, stray dogs, and stray cattle.
The teams involved in the cattle census visited 1.60 crore houses in the state and collected the data of pet animals. The data coming from pet animal counting will help in future planning of vaccination programmes and other schemes as well.The Government of India will release the data of the livestock census in a couple of months.
An officer at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department said the livestock census, done every five years, saw many firsts this time. Counting the number of cattle (such as sheep, cows, poultry birds, and camels) owned by the pastoral community will help in future planning of any scheme for them. Meanwhile, after counting, certificates have been provided to the pastoral community, which moves from one state to another.
“Cattle owned by the pastoral community are purebred. The germplasm of such cattle (genetic material) could be saved for future use,” said a veterinary department officer.
An officer involved in the process said that the livestock census is critical. For instance, a new trend has emerged that shows that the number of oxen is declining in the state. With the advent of modern farming equipment such as tractors, oxenare redundant in farming. Artificial insemination also reduces the utility of the ox. Therefore, no farmer wants to raise the ox, which would otherwise be a financial burden on them.
‘Counting to help with future planning’
Dr Uma Parte, Additional Director, Animal Statistics Division said, “Under the cattle census, we have counted some new species for the first time. This will help in future planning.”
