Assessment of sheep migration and constraints faced by the shepherds of Pali district of Rajasthan

A study was conducted to document sheep migration pattern, en route management and constraints faced by shepherds of Pali district (Rajasthan). Seventy-four shepherds (mainly males, aged 30 to 60 yr) were interviewed at Avikanagar while moving from Pali to Etah district. They started migration from Pali in November to December with their 10200 animals and returned to Pali district in June to July (nearly after 8 months). Daily routine was grazing of animals from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., daily covering distances of 8 to 10 km and spending nights with their animals in the field. Restricted breeding was followed by the shepherds and majority of animals were bred in February to March and lambs were born during July to August at home. Ethnoveterinary knowledge or routine medicines from local stores were used by them for treating sick animals. Constraints faced by shepherds in en route migration were loss of flock due to various reasons (87.83%), rangeland shrinkage (79.72%), poor grass availability (79.72%), poor availability of veterinary services (68.91%), lack of market for sale of animals (60.81%), deterioration in health of shepherds (60.81%), confrontation with locals (28.37%) and Interstate border issues (10.81%). Restoration of existing rangelands with perennial pasture grasses and silvipasture and establishment of a common facility to facilitate shepherds during en route migration may be strengthened.