A comprehensive study on feeding practices adopted by Gujri goat farmers in Rajasthan

Introduction

Goat rearing is a vital livelihood activity in arid and semi-arid India and India leading ranks first globally in goat population (148.88 million; 20th Livestock Census, 2019). Rajasthan alone contributes 35.86% of national goat milk production (Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, 2024) [1] , underling its importance in small ruminant dairying. Among various breeds of goat, the Gujri goat, found mainly in Jaipur and Nagaur, is prized for its adaptability, good milk yield, and meat quality. However, productivity remains low due to traditional feeding practices or poor feeding, fodder scarcity, and overdependence on common grazing lands. Feeding accounting for 60-70% of costs mainly relies on crop residues and tree leaves, with little use of concentrates or supplements. Despite government schemes like RKVY, NLM and Livestock Insurance, awareness and adoption remain low among smallholders. Marketing is also a challenge, with goat rearers facing distress sales and limited access to organized markets, despite strong demand, especially during festivals. This study analyzes feeding management of Gujri goat farmers in Jaipur and Nagaur to identify gaps and recommend strategies for improved productivity and farmer income.

Materials and Methods

A field survey (2023-2024) was conducted to study the management practices of Gujri goat in 20 villages of Jaipur and Nagaur district, Rajasthan, covering 200 Gujri goat farmers. From each tehsil, five villages were selected based on goat population, and 10 farmers per village were randomly chosen. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested schedule, supported by visual observation and record verification. The schedule covered aspects like breeding, feeding, housing, and health care practices. Data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, and Chi-square (χ²) tests at the 5% significance level.

Results and Discussion

Feeding System

Semi-stall feeding was the most predominant practices, adopted by 84.5% of Gujri goat farmers (83% in Jaipur; 86% in Nagaur). In contrast, only 7.5% followed complete stall feeding and 8% complete grazing. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between feeding practices and district (χ² =7.70, P=0.021), indicating notably regional variation. These results align with earlier studies: Singh et al. (2020) [23] found the semi-stall feeding widely adopted, Sahebrao et al. (2023) [21] observed that 60% of goat farmers using this system, highlighting its practicality and adaptability.

Grazing site

Most Gujri goat farmers (86.50%) grazed their goats on community land, with 77.00% in Jaipur and 96.00% in Nagaur, while only 13.50% used their own land. A highly significant association was found between grazing site and district (χ² = 15.456, P=0.000). Similar trends were reported by Jayashree et al. (2014) [7] , Mordia (2017) [17] , and Sahebrao et al. (2023) [21] , who also reported a strong preference for community pastures due to limited private land and costeffective access to common grazing resources.

Grazing hours

The majority of Gujri goat farmers (82.5%) grazed goat for more than 5 hours daily, with 74% in Jaipur and 91% in Nagaur, while only 17.5% grazed for less than 5 hours. The inter-districts difference was highly significant (χ² = 10.01, P=0.001). These results agree with Gurjar (2006) [4] , Sabapara et al. (2014) [20] , and Jana et al. (2014) [6] , who reported that over half of the farmers grazed goats for 4-6 hours. Extended grazing reduces feed costs and improves nutrition intake.

Green fodder feeding

About 58% of Gujri goat farmers provided green fodder (61% in Jaipur and 55% in Nagaur), while 42% did not feed green fodder. The Chi-square analysis showed no significant interdistrict difference (χ² = 0.738, P=0.390), indicating a fairly uniform practice. These findings support the observations of Gurjar et al. (2009) [5] , Kumar et al. (2021) [11] , and Singh et al. (2020) [23] . Singh et al. further reported that 45.83% of farmers offered green fodder to the entire flock, while others provided it selectively to milking does (33.33%) or kids (20.83%). The moderate use of green fodder suggests farmers supplement natural grazing based on availability, economic capacity, or production stage of the animals.

Chopping green fodder

The study revealed that 44.50% of Gujri goat farmer's chopped green fodder before feeding (54.00% in Jaipur and 35.00% in Nagaur) while 55.5% of farmers (46.00% in Jaipur and 65.00% in Nagaur) did not chop green fodder. The Chisquare test showed a significant association between fodder chopping and district (χ² = 7.308, P=0.006). Similar results were reported by Kumawat (2016) [9] and Khadda (2017) [8] , who reported limited adoption of fodder chopping among goat farmers. Although chopping green fodder enhances digestibility and reduces wastage, but its lower adoption may be due to lack of equipment or awareness, particularly in Nagaur.

Type of green fodder used

The study revealed that among Gujri goat farmer, monsoon grass was the most commonly used as green fodder (32.50% overall; 35.00% in Jaipur, 30.00% in Nagaur), followed by weeds (28.00%), lucerne (27.50%), and bajra (11.50%). The Chi-square test showed no significant difference between the two districts (χ² = 6.452, P=0.091), indicating similar fodder preferences across regions. These findings are in conformity with the results of Sandhu et al. (2018) [22] and Singh (2020) [23] , who also reported widespread use of natural grasses, weeds, and leguminous fodder like lucerne among small ruminant farmers. The choice of monsoon grass and weeds reflects seasonal availability and low input dependence, making them a practical option for resource-limited farmers.

Preservation of excess green fodder

The study showed that only 35.50% of Gujri goat farmers practiced preservation of excess green fodder, with 25.00% in Jaipur and 46.00% in Nagaur while majority (64.50%) did not preserve fodder. The Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between fodder preservation and district (χ² = 9.632, P=0.001), indicating regional variation in adoption. These findings are consistent with Manohar et al. (2014) [15] , Kumawat (2016) [9] , and Singh et al. (2020) [23] , who reported that only about 35% of goat farmers preserved fodder such as tree leaves, while most did not. Limited adoption may be attributed to lack of awareness, insufficient storage facilities, or traditional dependence on seasonal grazing on seasonal gazing and fresh forage. Promoting fodder preservation could improve year-round feed availability and animal productivity.

Preservation of tree leaves

The study revealed that only 6.50% of Gujri goat farmers practiced preservation of tree leaves, with 2.00% in Jaipur and 11.00% in Nagaur, whereas vast majority (93.50%) did not adopt this practice. The Chi-square test indicated a significant difference between districts (χ² = 6.664, P=0.009), highlighting regional variation in awareness or adoption. These findings align with the observations of Rai and Singh (2004) [18] , Gurjar (2006) [4] , and Kumar et al. (2016) [12] , who also reported low adoption (around 7.5%) of tree leaf preservation despite its importance as a fodder source during dry seasons. Encouraging farmers to preserve tree leaves could enhance feed availability during periods of scarcity and improve overall flock nutrition.

Lopping of the tree

The study showed that a large majority (82.50%) of Gujri goat farmers practiced lopping of trees for fodder, with 73.00% in Jaipur and a higher 92.00% in Nagaur adopting this method. While only 17.50% of farmers did not engage in tree lopping. The Chi-square test revealed a highly significant association between tree lopping and district (χ² = 12.502, P=0.000), indicating notable regional differences. These findings are in line with the results of Jana et al. (2014) [6] and Sabapara et al. (2014) [20] , who also reported widespread tree lopping among goat farmers. Lopping is a common and costeffective practice for providing green fodder, especially during lean seasons, and reflects traditional knowledge of utilizing locally available tree species to support animal nutrition.

Feeding of dry fodder

The study found that 65% of Gujri goat farmers provided dry fodder to their goats, with a higher proportion in Jaipur (85%) compared to Nagaur (45%). Conversely, 35% of farmers 15% in Jaipur and 55% in Nagaur did not feed dry fodder. The Chi-square analysis showed a highly significant association between dry fodder feeding and district (χ² = 35.166, P=0.000), indicating distinct feeding behaviors across regions. These findings are in conformity with those of Mordia (2017) [17] and Sahebrao et al. (2023) [21] , who reported that around 68.75% of goat farmers supplemented with dry fodder. The higher adoption in Jaipur suggests better availability or awareness, whereas the lower usage in Nagaur highlights the need for improved fodder management strategies in semi-arid areas.

Chopping the dry fodder

The study revealed that only 21% of Gujri goat farmers always chopped dry fodder before feeding, with 34% in Jaipur and 8% in Nagaur. About 14% of farmers chopped it sometimes, while a majority (65%) never chopped dry fodder 50% in Jaipur and 80% in Nagaur. The Chi-square test indicated a highly significant association between chopping practices and district (χ² = 23.592, P=0.000), reflecting significant regional variation. These findings are in agreement with those of Manohar et al. (2014) [15] , Kumawat (2016) [9] , and Fogya (2017) [3] , who also observed that most goat farmers did not regularly chop dry fodder. The low adoption of chopping practices may be due to lack of awareness about its benefits in improving digestibility and reducing wastage, suggesting a need for training and demonstration efforts to encourage better fodder utilization.

Type of dry fodder

The present study revealed that Khejri loom was the most commonly used dry fodder among Gujri goat farmers, fed by 58.50% of respondents overall 56% in Jaipur and 61% in Nagaur. Leguminous dry fodder was used by 27% of farmers, while non-leguminous fodder was used by 14.5%. The Chisquare value (χ² = 3.998, P=0.135) indicates no significant association between the type of dry fodder fed and the district, suggesting similar feeding preferences across Jaipur and Nagaur. These findings align with the observations of Kumawat (2016) [9] and Fogya (2017) [3] , who reported that Khejri loom as a dominant dry fodder choice among goat farmers in Rajasthan due to its abundance, palatability, and nutritional value, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Concentrate feeding

The study found that a large majority of Gujri goat farmers (92.50%) practiced concentrate feeding, with 97% in Jaipur and 88.00% in Nagaur adopting this practice. Only 7.50% of farmers (3% in Jaipur and 12% in Nagaur) did not feed concentrates. The Chi-square test (χ² = 5.838, P=0.015) revealed a significant association between concentrate feeding and district, indicating a notable difference in adoption levels between Jaipur and Nagaur. These findings are in agreement with Sabapara and Kharadi (2015) [19] who emphasized the importance of concentrate feeding in improving goat productivity. The high prevalence of concentrate use among Gujri goat farmers reflects an increasing awareness of its benefits in production and reproductive performance.

Type of concentrate used

The study revealed that the majority of Gujri goat farmers (64.50%) used single ingredient concentrates, with 59% in Jaipur and 70% in Nagaur adopting this practice. About 16% of farmers used ready-made concentrates (20% in Jaipur and 12% in Nagaur), while 12% prepared concentrates at home (18% in Jaipur and 6% in Nagaur). A small proportion (7.50%) did not use any of the listed concentrate types. The Chi-square value (χ² = 14.338, P=0.002) indicates a highly significant association between the type of concentrate used and the district. These findings align with the observations of Jana et al. (2014) [6] , Mandavkar et al. (2015) [14] , Mordia (2017) [17] , and Sandhu et al. (2018) [22] , who also reported a preference for single ingredient concentrates such as grains or oil cakes due to their cost-effectiveness and local availability. The relatively lower use of home-prepared or ready-made mixes may reflect constraints such as time, knowledge, and access to commercial feeds.

Time of concentrate feeding

The data indicate that 51% of Gujri goat farmers fed concentrate prior to milking (54% in Jaipur and 48% in Nagaur). About 41.50% of farmers provided concentrate during milking (43% in Jaipur and 40% in Nagaur), while a small proportion (7.50%) did not feed concentrate at all. The Chi-square test value (χ² = 5.860, P=0.053) suggests that the association between feeding time and district is not statistically significant, although close to the threshold of significance. These findings are consistent with those of Gurjar et al. (2009) [5] and Sandhu et al. (2018) [22] , who reported that most goat farmers prefer feeding concentrate around milking time to enhance milk yield and maintain animal energy balance. The similar trends across Jaipur and Nagaur indicate a common understanding of feeding practices linked to lactation efficiency.

Quantity of concentrate fed

The study revealed that the majority of Gujri goat farmers (49.50%) fed 100-200 grams of concentrate per animal per day, with slightly more in Nagaur (55%) than Jaipur (44%). About 33% of the farmers provided 200-300 grams, and 10% fed more than 300 grams. Only 7.50% did not feed any concentrate. A statistically significant association was found between quantity of concentrate fed and district (χ² = 11.392, P=0.010), indicating regional differences in feeding levels. These findings align with the observations of Lavania et al. (2014) [13] , Dar et al. (2016) [2] , and Fogya (2017) [3] , who reported that most farmers provided moderate amounts, mainly 100-200 g, reflecting a cost-effective strategy to enhance productivity while managing feed expenses in semiarid regions.

Feed supplement with salt

The study showed that a vast majority of Gujri goat farmers (88%) provided salt as a feed supplement, (84% in Jaipur and 92% in Nagaur). Only 12% of the total respondents did not include salt in their goats' diet. The Chi-square test result (χ² = 2.320, P=0.128) suggests that the difference in salt supplementation between the two districts was not statistically significant. These findings are in agreement with the observations of Mohan et al. (2008) [16] , Gurjar et al. (2009) [5] and Mordia (2017) [17] , who also reported widespread use of salt supplements among goat farmers. Salt is a critical dietary component that enhances appetite, improves nutrient absorption, and maintains electrolyte balance, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan.

Feeding of mineral mixture

The study revealed that only 11% of Gujri goat farmers provided mineral mixtures to their goats, with 15% in Jaipur and just 7% in Nagaur while 89% of farmers did not use mineral supplementation. The Chi-square value (χ² = 3.269, P=0.071) indicates no statistically significant difference between the two districts. These findings are consistent with the results reported by Lavania et al. (2014) [13] , Mandavkar et al. (2015) [14] , and Kumar et al. (2021) [11] , who also observed limited adoption of mineral mixture feeding among goat farmers. The low usage reflects gaps in awareness or access, despite the critical role mineral mixtures play in improving reproductive performance, immunity and overall productivity in goats.

Frequency of water

The results indicated that a majority 59% of Gujri goat farmers provided water to their goats three times a day, while 41% offered water twice daily. None of the farmers reported watering goats only once a day. The Chi-square analysis (χ² = 1.323, P=0.250) showed no significant difference between Jaipur and Nagaur districts in watering frequency. These findings align with the observations of Kumar (2018) [10] and Singh et al. (2020) [23] , who reported that most farmers offered water two to three times daily. Frequent watering is essential for maintaining hydration and metabolic functions, especially under arid and semi-arid conditions typical of Rajasthan.

Conclusion

The present study provides valuable insights into the feeding practices adopted by Gujri goat farmers in Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. Semi-stall feeding is the predominant system across both regions, yet significant differences existed in aspects such as feeding management, including the type of feeding system, grazing site, duration, and use of various fodder types and concentrates. Notably, practices such as green fodder use, chopping methods, and preservation techniques showed marked regional variations, underscoring the influence of local resources and traditions. Although supplementation with mineral mixtures and salt was common, it did not vary significantly between districts. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific extension interventions and training programs tailored to local conditions and resources. Promoting awareness and adoption of improved, scientifically based feeding practices can enhancing productivity, resource efficiency, and the overall sustainability of Gujri goat farming in the region.

Conflict of Interest Not available

Financial Support

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