Livestock feeding and traditional healthcare practices in Bundelkhand region of Central India

Abstract

Livestock is an important component of agriculture in India. In Bundelkhand region of Central India, animals are reared for milk, manure, draft and as wealth. The traditional practices in animal feeding and healthcare are area specific and depend upon the locally available bioresources. In the study, efforts have been made to evaluate the livestock feeding calendar and traditional healthcare practices by participatory rural appraisal, survey and focused group discussion. The fodder and feed resources being used in the area are poor in quality and not easily available. The plant and raw material used in disease control were found to have strong scientific validation. This further justifies the importance of traditional practices. The blending of traditional knowledge with modern system and improved technologies is needed for wider acceptability and adaptability by farmers.