In the arid and semi-arid zone of Rajasthan animal rearing is the primary occupation and source of livelihood.
Census of live stock states them to be 5.77 crore in number which accounts for 11.8% of Indian Animal population.
Rajasthan has largest number of goats, sheeps, camels and drought animals.
Density and Distribution of livestock in Rajasthan:-
- Overall density of livestock in the state is 169/km^2
- Districts with highest density:- Rajsamand>Dausa> Dungapur >Banswara>Sikar
- While the lowest density is recorded in Jaisalmer
- Very high density is recorded in the regions surrounding the Aravali hills
Cattle Rearing in Rajasthan
Rajasthan accounts for 6.89% of cattle and have both milk and drough breeds.
Breeds of cattle:-
- Nagauri:- Originated from sulakh region of Nagaur, is purely draught, ox are heavy load carriers
- Kankrej:- Western rajasthan, Dual Purpose Breed
- Tharpakar:- Malani region of Jaisalmer, milk Breed
- Rathi:- Jaisalmer and Gangnagar, Good in dairy but poor in draught condition
- Harayanvi:- Gangnagar,churu, Alwar and Tonk, Dual Porpose Breed
- Malvi:- Southern and south-eastern rajasthan, Draught breed
- Gir:- Ajmer,Good milk and draught breed
- Mewati:- Jhunjhunu and sikar, Dual purpose breed
- Sanchori:- Jalore,
Buffaloes:- its abundantly found in semi-arid and semi-humid regions of the state. two types of buffaloes
- Murrah:-Eastern districts of Rajasthan. Best breed
- Haryanvi:- border districts with Harayana. Inferior Breed
Sheep:- can survive on xerophytic plants with minimum water needs and thus is abundant in the arid regions of the state. Various breeds of sheep are:-
- Chokhla:- Shekhawati region, Produces 1-2kg wool
- Megra:- Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pali and Nagaur ,Produces 5 kg wool
- Nali:- Bikaner, Hanumangarh and ganganagar, Produces 3-4 kg wool
- Marwari:- Arid and semi-arid regions, Produces 1-2 kg wool
- Pugal:- Bikaner, Produces 2 kg wool
- Jaisalmeri:- jaisalmer,Produces 3.5 kg wool
- Bagri:- Alwar, Dholpur and Bharatpur,
- Malpuri:- Tonk, Jaipur and Dosa
- Sonari:- Southern districts of Rajasthan, Produces 1.5 kg wool
Goats:- 216.66 Lakh in number, largest amongst domestic animals, various varities are:-
- Jamnapuri- upto 3 lt/day
- Barbari- upto 1.5 lt/day
- Alwari
- Jhalwari- upto 1 lt/day
Camels:- 3.26 lakhs in number, Various breeds of camel are:-
- Bikaneri
- Jodhpuri
- Nachna
- Jaisalmeri
- Kutchi
- Jalori
- Mewari
- Gomat
- Gurha
- Kerupal
- Alwari