Micro livestock is a sustainable form of animal production that has significant potential for alleviating malnutrition and food insecurity in Sri Lanka. Micro livestock is important because the developing world’s animal production is a fraction of what it should be it considered a normal component of livestock and rural development which has the capacity to improve nutrition and food security. Micro livestock production has diverse economic and social functions in rural communities in Sri Lanka.
Mini livestock development is associated with the desirable long-term preservation of biodiversity. And it includes rabbits, guinea pigs, quails, majorly rearing in Sri Lanka, but in a very negligible amount. There are no large-scale farming systems in Sri Lanka. Most people keep them as pets.
Microlivestock Species in Sri Lanka
Pigeons ( Squabs)
Squabs grow very fast and ready to fly out between 4 to 6 weeks. Squabs do not step out the nest before they grow enough to take their first flight. The hatching process of the eggs takes about 15-20 days. Squabs forage widely but return home, thereby providing the farmers with squab, one of the tastiest meats.
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| Photo by Jc Laurio from Pexels |
Quails
Quails are small birds and commercially grown for their eggs and meat. Quails eggs are very nutritious than poultry eggs. Quail birds require less floor space when compared to other birds. Quail will become ready for marketing in 5 weeks' time. Quail starts laying eggs in about 6 to 7 weeks of age. Quail eggs look beautiful and muti color. The incubation time for quail egg is about 15 to 18 days. Two ways to rear the quails. Such as,
Deep litter system.
Cage system.
Quails home rearing and large numbers are raised commercially in very small space. Quails eat seeds, berries, leaves, roots, and some insects. Quail have a lifespan of 2-3 years. The quail farm in Sri Lanka located in Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Balavinna, Akurana,
Guinea Fowl
The main reasons for rearing guinea fowl are eggs and flesh meat. More gregarious behavior and have many nutritional qualities. They lay their first egg at about 18 weeks of age. The incubation period is 27 days. Three methods of rearing guinea fowl.Such as,
Free-range
Semi-intensive system
Intensive system
Guinea fowl is robust and resilient and adapts to many climates. Guinea fowl accept many foods such as grains, leaves, and ant eggs. Guinea fowl have become established as a semi-domesticated species on small family farms in Sri Lanka. Guinea fowl farm in Sri Lanka located in Jaffna.
Turkey
Turkey starts laying from 30 th week of age its production period is 24 weeks from the point of lay. People prefer turkey meat because of its leanest nature. The brooding period is 0-4 weeks. Litter materials are sawdust, paddy husk, chopped saw. Rearing systems are,
Free-range system of rearing
Intensive system of rearing
Rabbits
Rabbit farming and rearing are very lucrative and enjoyable. Rabbits are raring not only for meat purposes but it should be important is being offered for skin and hairs. In Sri Lanka weather and climate also very suitable for rabbit farming. The life span is 10 to 12 years. Rabbit farm located in Akurana, Sri Lanka. There are two ways to rear the rabbits.
Deep litter system
Free-range system
Guinea pigs
Guinea pig rearing is a lucrative business. The lifespan of guinea pigs 4-8 years. The meat is prized and tastes. Guinea pig's gestation period is 59 to 72 days. Guinea pigs are very hardy animals and they are less expensive. They are easy to mate and easy to rear.
The Microlovestock Advantages
Economic
Animals are less expensive to buy. Less of a financial risk to maintain. Give a faster return on investment. Provide flexibility.
Reduced spoilage
A family can eat the meat produced by most micro livestock in one meal or one day to minimize the risk of spoilage.
Efficient use of space
The space required for handling and feeding micro livestock is proportionately less than that required for large animals.
Ease of management
Farmers can manage small animals more easily than large, which is an advantage in the many places where women and children are the main keepers of livestock.
Increased productivity
Micro animals tend to fit well into existing farming systems. Thereby expanding the resource base and recycling nutrients.
By-products
Many species have fur, feathers, skins, and other by-products that are often more valuable than meat, milk, eggs. An example is the feet and tails of rabbits.
Feed
Fibrous residues, industry by-products, and kitchen wastes.
Some collect minute feeds. For example, are pigeons scattered seeds, turkeys gobble up insects.
Grazing micro livestock prefer different forages
Reproduction
Many micro animals have a high reproductive capacity with short gestation periods, large numbers of offspring, and rapid juvenile growth. They tend to reach sexual maturity at a younger age and the interval between the generation can be very short. And also meat or other products can be produced more rapidly and more evenly throughout the year.
Microlivestock Limitations
High energy requirements – Micro animals tend to have a higher feed requirement per unit of body weight.
Increased labor requirements – The benefits of low investment, fast return on capital, flexibility, and efficient resource utilization are offset by higher demands for labor.
Diseases – Mismanagement can faster respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases such as salmonella, coccidiosis which are rare among scattered populations.
Predation – Small size makes micro livestock easy prey.
Lack of research – Techniques to manage some micro livestock species are not yet well established in Sri Lanka.
Lack of market – No public demand was developed.
Legislative restrictions – The use of some micro livestock species may be restricted by legislation. Sri Lanka has meat and veterinary laws.
Future of Microlivestock
Micro animals are likely to become increasingly important. As the human population increase, the space available for growing forage decreases, and this phenomenon favors micro animals. Sri Lanka already has little or no pastureland. Micro livestock is potentially important for urban areas of Sri Lanka as well. As well as land is at a premium and is usually inadequate for raising conventional livestock.
Article by L.S. Lasadi ( Bsc. in Agriculture (Hons.)
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