Are you curious about the goat breeds of Pakistan? The Kali breed is one of the most popular in the country and is highly valued for its milk production. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some interesting facts about the Kali goat breed in Pakistan, including its origins and characteristics.
Introduction
Kali goats are a hardy breed found in the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Himalayan region of Pakistan. They have a variety of colors, ranging from pure black to pure white, as well as various shades of brown. They are kept in small herds by rural farmers in Mandi Bahauddin districts and parts of Gujrat and Sardodha district. These goats are very versatile, used for both meat production and milk production. Local goat shows have been conducted for various breeds over the past few years in Pakistan, where experience is gathered about different breeds. There are 37 known goat breeds in the country including Khatti cheeni, Lal cheeni, Kali cheeni, Makhi cheeni, Teddy and Mixed goats. Among these there are six sub-types within Khari goats based on coat color: Seti (pure white), Kali (pure black), Khairi (brown), Ghorli (grey) among others. Goat farming plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy and selecting good goat breed is essential for successful farming practices. There are 25 recognized goat breeds across the country with two wild relatives found here – Markhor and Ibex. The estimated population of goats across the country was reported to be around 2006.
History of the Kali Goat Breed
The Kali goat is an indigenous breed of goat found in the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Himalayan region of Pakistan. It is a hardy breed, well adapted to the local environment, and is characterized by its dark coloration. Originating from the Batala area in Gurdaspur district near the India-Pakistan border, this goat has a long history in the area. It has been used for centuries for milk production and meat production.
In recent years, studies have been done on the molecular taxonomy of Pakistani goat breeds, with sequencing of DNA barcodes showing 99% similarity between Beetal goats and Kali goats. This information has helped to provide more accurate information on their origin and distribution. Currently, there are six recognized sub-types within Khari goats based on coat color: Seti (pure white), Kali (pure black), Khairi (brown), Ghorli (grey/black), Teddi (mixed color) and Mixed Goat Breeds (various colors).
Nagra Farm located in Karachi and Lahore has become one of Pakistan’s leading goat farms where they do regular uploads of videos featuring goats’ information as well as offering stores selling products related to goat rearing. Through these efforts, they are helping to promote cruelty free animal rearing practices while also encouraging sustainable farming methods that will benefit both farmers and consumers alike.
Physical Characteristics of the Kali Goat
The Kali Goat is a hardy breed of goat found in the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. It is mainly black or red in color with white markings and has long legs, long pendulous ears, a short and thin tail, and backward curved horns. The breed is named after the area it originates from; ‘Kali’ meaning ‘mountain’. This breed is mostly used for both dairy and meat production purposes.
Kali goats are known for their well-developed bodies with long legs that give them a high set appearance. They have large horns that curve backwards as well as thick coats which help protect them from cooler climates. Their ears are long and pendulous which helps to detect sound around them better than other breeds.
The Kali Goat is a very hardy breed which makes it an ideal choice for many farmers in Pakistan. It can survive in harsh climates while providing milk, meat, leather, wool, fertilizer and other products to its owners. This breed also has good fertility rates which make it easy to reproduce more animals quickly if needed. This makes them highly sought after among farmers looking for a reliable source of income from their livestock production endeavors.
Strength and Constitution of Kali Goats
Kali goats are a hardy, versatile breed of goat native to the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Himalayan region of Pakistan. They are kept in small herds by rural farmers for their milk and meat production, as well as their stunning visuals. Their main colour is black with white patches on their face, neck, legs and underbelly.
The genetic diversity of Kali goats is largely unknown due to lack of research on the molecular taxonomy of Pakistani goat breeds. However, one study showed that a pair of Kali-Cheeni sub-strain from Makhi-Cheeni exhibited 99% similarity when DNA barcode was sequenced from Faisalabad (Pakistan).
Kali goats are considered to be very hardy animals that can easily survive in extreme climates with minimal care and nutrition. They have strong legs that enable them to climb steep hillsides with ease. They have short coats which help them to stay warm during winter months but cool during hot summer days.
Kali goats produce good quality meat and also provide plentiful amounts of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and butter. Their hides can be used for making leather goods too! In addition to this, they make great pets due to their gentle nature and calm temperament.
Overall, Kali goats are an excellent choice for those looking for reliable livestock in harsh climates or mountainous terrain!
Adaptation to Pakistan’s Climate
Pakistan is a country with diverse climates, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. As such, many of the local animal breeds have had to adapt to this variety of conditions. One example is the Kali goat, which is well-adapted to the dry conditions and tropical climate of Punjab. This breed is heat tolerant and can cope with extreme temperatures found in this region.
Kali goats are also found in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Himalayan regions of Pakistan, where they are reared for their meat and wool production. Other indigenous goat breeds have also developed adaptive traits that make them suitable for the local environment. For instance, Kamori goats are heavier than other breeds and produce more milk, making them well-suited for dairy production in Pakistan’s 10 agro-ecological zones (AEZs).
In order to ensure these breeds continue to be maintained on research stations and farms across Pakistan, farmers need access to adequate resources that allow them to adapt their practices accordingly. This includes improved livestock management techniques that help increase productivity while reducing environmental impacts such as water wastage or overgrazing. Moreover, developing drought resistant crops and introducing early warning systems can help farmers better prepare for changing climatic conditions.
Meat Production of the Kali Goat
Kali goats are a hardy, multipurpose breed found in the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. They are well-suited to grazing in cold areas for both meat and hair production. The average doe produces 0.6 liters of milk per day.
Goats are one of the most important animals farmed in Pakistan, with 53.8 million goats and 26.5 million sheep being raised across the country primarily for their meat. Of these, 5 highly meat producing goat breeds stand out: Khatti cheeni, Lal cheeni, Kali cheeni, Makhi cheeni, Teddy and Mixed goat breeds.
Beetal goats are native to Punjab in India and Pakistan and kept in small herds by rural farmers for their meat production potential. A pair of Kali-Cheeni sub-strain of Makhi-Cheeni was recently identified as a highly productive strain at an animal show held in Faisalabad (Pakistan).
Goat meat is prized all over the world due to its rich nutritional profile and delicacy; it is produced in all districts of Pakistan but notably stands out from that produced by Beetal goats which has higher fat content than other breeds making it more flavorful. Therefore this breed can be especially beneficial to those looking to maximize their meat production potentials!
Milk Production of the Kali Goat
Kali goats are hardy and found in the hills/mountains of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. They are highly productive animals and produce an average of 0.6 liters of milk daily on normal fodder. This can be extended to 2-6 pints per day (1-3 liters) when fed with better quality food. In terms of annual milk supply, the goat contributes about 3.4%, sheep 1.4%, camel 0.2%, cow 85% and buffalo 6%. This breed is a great choice for smallholder households participating in dairy goat farming, as they have potential for mutton production too! A pair of Kali-Cheeni sub-strain of Makhi-Cheeni from Faisalabad, Pakistan can yield up to 3.8 pints (1.8 liters) per day for 150-170 days (averaging 161). With regular care and proper nutrition, these goats can be productive for 4-6 years with peak performance during their first two years of life!
Reproductive Performance of the Kali Goat
The Kali Goat is a versatile breed native to India and Pakistan, known for its excellent reproductive performance. The breed produces high quality milk, meat, and hair ideal for both grazing in cold climates as well as intensive systems. On average, does produce 0.6 liters of milk per day. Studies have found that the majority of respondents had a breeding buck available (89.1% in Konso and 74.8% in Meta-Robi). The main source of breeding bucks were from the Beetal goat strain, which are known for their versatility and multipurpose traits. Reproductive efficiency is compromised during the non-breeding season due to low oestrous cyclicity, poor semen quality and increased kidding interval. However, Big Height Kali Makadi goats have been seen to perform well in both intensive systems and dry areas with good reproductive performance and high productivity.
Popularity and Distribution in Pakistan
Goats are popular livestock animals in Pakistan and can be found scattered across the four provinces. Beetal goats, native to India and Pakistan, are kept in small herds by rural households for their meat and milk production. They have 25 recognized breeds, however not all of them are officially classified as breeds. In terms of population size, Pakistan ranks third in Asia in terms of small ruminant populations. The most popular goat breed is the Beetal Brown which is found in Punjab province with an average number of 8.12±9.13 individuals per flock size. Other popular breeds include Gulabi (pink) goats from Sindh with distinctive long ears and the Beetal black used for both milk and meat production from Punjab, Pakistan and India. Molecular taxonomy studies have shown a 99% similarity between DNA barcodes of the Beetal goat breed confirming its popularity amongst other goat breeds in Pakistan.
Breeding Strategies for Maximizing Profit with the Kali Goat
The Kali goat is a popular breed of goat in Pakistan, renowned for its hardiness and profitability. By following certain breeding strategies, farmers can maximize their profits with this breed. These strategies include selecting the right genetics to ensure robust and productive goats, utilizing proper nutrition as well as appropriate herd management practices.
When selecting genetic lines, it is important to look at traits such as conformation, size, nose shape and colouration. Additionally, crossbreeding may be used to introduce desirable traits from other breeds or even improve the existing ones.
Proper nutrition plays an important role in the health of the animals and can influence their growth rate and reproductive performance. Feed resources such as crop residues and range feed should be provided alongside concentrates and mineral mixtures when available.
Herd management practices help maintain productivity levels within a herd of goats over time. These practices include proper housing conditions for animals, regular monitoring of herd health status through vaccinations and deworming programs as well as efficient reproduction management protocols such as castration or induced ovulation in female goats when necessary.
By following these strategies, farmers can maximize their profits with the Kali goat breed in Pakistan while also helping to conserve the species for future generations.
Challenges Faced by Pakistani Farmers Raising Kalis
Pakistan’s agriculture sector is facing numerous challenges due to climate change, increasing population growth and lack of access to resources. One of the most common livestock in Pakistan is goats, which are raised by a majority of farmer families for their livelihood. Goats are known as seasonal breeders and the usual breeding season is from August to March. To ensure successful breeding, farmers need to take extra care when selecting a buck for breeding.
Indigenous goat resources can be better utilized on a sustainable basis if research and development efforts address the needs of indigenous breeds such as the Kalis breed. The Kalis breed is popular in Pakistan due to its milk production potential and resistance to diseases. However, raising this breed can be challenging due to the limited availability of feed during dry seasons, lack of access to veterinary services, and rising costs related to fodder and other inputs.
To improve goat farming in Pakistan, the government has increased financing for animal farming while expanding milk and meat processing companies. This has helped increase awareness amongst farmers about modern techniques that can help them maximize their income from goat-rearing activities. Additionally, improving livestock can help empower women socially and economically as well as strengthen food security in rural areas.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Raising Kalis in Pakistan
Raising Kalis in Pakistan can be a great way to get involved in the country’s livestock industry. Goats are hardy animals that require minimal care and attention and can provide a great source of income for small-scale farmers. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages associated with raising Kalis that should be taken into account before embarking on this venture.
The advantages of Raising Kalis in Pakistan include:
•Goats are easy to care for and require minimal inputs from farmers, making them a cost-effective choice for small-scale farms.
•Goat products have strong demand in both the local and international markets, providing an additional source of income for goat farmers.
•Kalis goats are known for their excellent adaptability to difficult mountain conditions, extreme weather, and low-value feed acceptance – making them ideal for mountainous regions where other livestock may struggle.
•Goats also reproduce quickly meaning that herds can build up quickly resulting in larger returns on investment over time.
Disadvantages of Raising Kalis in Pakistan include:
•Kalis goats have different breeding priorities depending on market preferences meaning they may not always produce the desired results when bred intentionally.
•There is limited information available regarding best practices when it comes to raising Kalis which can make it difficult for inexperienced breeders to get started without guidance or help from experienced breeders.
•The harsh environment of many rural areas means that disease is common among livestock, making it important for breeders to protect their herd with preventative measures such as vaccinations and regular checkups by local veterinarians.
Conclusion
Kali goats are a hardy breed native to the hills and mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in Pakistan. They come in a variety of colors including Khatti cheeni, Lal cheeni, Kali cheeni, Makhi cheeni, Teddy and Mixed goat breeds. Occasionally, they have been crossed with Kiko and Damascus breeds from Nepal. Breeding of goats in Pakistan is mainly based on selection. The most common breed is the ‘Surmiali’, which has a black medium coat and weighs between 30-35 pounds.
Goat rearing is an important part of Pakistani households as it plays a major role in their sustenance. DNA barcoding has been used to help identify different goat breeds, including Beriberi goats which show 99% similarity to Capra hircus breed Jining Qing goat mitochondrion. There are 25 known goat breeds in Pakistan, two wild relatives such as Markhor and Ibex, and an estimated population of 99 million goats in the country as of 2006. Some famous sheep and goat breeds that have potential for mutton improvement include Balochi Jamachi, Cholistani Desert Goat, Dhanni Sheep & Goats, Kachhi Sheep & Goats and Pahari Sheep & Goats. Sustainable farming practices can help increase productivity while preserving the environment and improving livelihoods for local communities across Pakistan.
Resources
Pakistan is home to an incredible variety of goat breeds, providing farmers with a diverse range of options for their livestock needs. The most popular breeds include Beetal, Kajli, Mufflon, and Khari. Beetal goats are renowned for their meat production and can be found throughout Punjab in India and Pakistan. Kajli goats are highly sought after for their quality mutton and are found in Sardodha district and parts of Gujrat. Mufflon goats have white muffle faces that make them unique among Pakistani goat breeds, while the Khari breed is known for its slightly Roman nose shape and long tail that touches the hocks. Each breed offers something special when it comes to Meat production or milk yield, making them all valuable assets to Pakistani farming communities. With effective management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR), Pakistan can continue to benefit from these amazing goat breeds for many years to come.