Journal of Animal Health and Production

Research Article
J. Anim. Health Prod. 7(2): 58-64
Http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2019/7.2.58.64
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A. Singaravadivelan1*, N. Kumaravelu2, P.Vijayakumar3 , T. Sivakumar4

1Department of Livestock Production Management, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu-614 625; 2Department of Livestock Production Management, Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS, Chennai-600 007; 3Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu-614 625; 4Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu-614 625.

Abstract | A study was conducted to analyse economics of migratory sheep production and socio-economic status of flock owners in southern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 100 migratory sheep farmers were randomly selected for the study and divided as small (< 175), medium (175- 350) and large (> 350) flocks based on the average flock size for comparison. The migratory sheep flock owners were mostly Hindus and belonged to the backward classes, mainly Konars. The flock owners were mostly of old age group, illiterates and they had more than two decades of experience in migratory sheep farming. Majority of the flock owners were small and marginal dry land farmers with a mean land holding of 4 acres. The cost of rearing sheep was accounted through wages (56.06percent), food for shepherds (22.18percent), veterinary charges (15.41percent) and transportation between migratory places (6.35percent). The sources of returns were by sale of surplus lambs (72.41percent), culled adults (5.11percent), penning charges (19.69percent) and sale of manure (2.79percent). The overall average annual net returns per flock and per adult sheep estimated were Rs.4, 43,664 and Rs.2, 264, respectively; while the corresponding values in small, medium and large flocks were Rs.2,55,015 and Rs.2,180; Rs.4,27,812 and Rs.2,097; and Rs.9,94,279 and Rs.2,486 respectively.
Keywords | Socio-economic status, Migratory sheep, Economics, Tamil Nadu