What determines migration of sheep flocks? Evidences from Thar desert of Rajasthan

Khem Chand, Bishwa Choudhary, A. Suresh, A. Mishra, M. Gaur, Priyanka Mandyal, Mounir Louhaichi. (23/9/2021). What determines migration of sheep flocks? Evidences from Thar desert of Rajasthan. Indian Journal of Small Ruminants, 27 (2), pp. 275-279.

Abstract

Based on primary data collected from 250 households rearing sheep, the socio-economic determinants of sheep migration and major constraints faced by them in arid region of Rajasthan was investigated in the year 2013-14. Pucca house, electricity and veterinary services in the villages significantly restrained the migration decision of households. The migratory households had significantly larger flock size (109 sheep) and more adult members (2.08) in the family than non-migratory ones. The major constraints faced by the households in sheep rearing were poor availability and high cost of feed and fodder, veterinary services and uncertainty of rainfall. Systematic public investment in strengthening common grazing lands would be an imperative for sedentarization of migrating populations.