Advisory Services and the Diseases Case Among the Livestock: A Case Study of Muzaffargarh, Punjab Pakistan

Abstract

Livestock plays a significant role in the Pakistani agricultural sector, contributing approximately 56.3% to the agricultural value added. With over 35 million people engaged in this sector, it contributes nearly 11% to the country's GDP. Pakistan boasts a substantial population of livestock and is ranked among the top herd owners globally. Despite this, the country still imports livestock products from various countries. The current study aims to investigate the advisory services provided by the livestock department. The study's sample comprised farmers and Veterinary Field staff. The study results revealed that veterinary field staff provided advisory services through home visits, demonstrations, group meetings, and field tours, as reported by the veterinarians. Additionally, the veterinary staff reported providing various services at the farmers' doorsteps, including animal treatment, capacity building for livestock farmers, as well as insemination and vaccination of animals. However, many farmers expressed dissatisfaction when asked about the services rendered by the field staff at their doorstep. Farmers also reported the occurrence of various diseases in their animals, such as Anthrax, Black Quarter, Milk Fever, Mastitis, and Bovine Babesiosis etc.