Traditional Management Practices Among Sheep Farmers in Udumalpet Region of Tamil Nadu

Author: P. Ravi and S. Preethi

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Abstract

Sheep farming is an integral component of rural livelihoods and often coexists synergistically with agricultural practices across various regions of Tamil Nadu. In particular, the Udumalpet–Gudimangalam region of Tiruppur district supports a resilient and well-established traditional sheep farming system, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural and economic significance. A total of 50 farmers across five villages were interviewed to collect the data regarding traditional practices followed by the farmers. The study revealed that 98 % practice sheep penning and predominantly use this practice to enhance soil fertility, and 92 % use lamb huts for neonatal care. Nearly 96 % of respondents prefer natural mating whereas 94 % of farmers use indigenous rams for mating and 96 % permit free range grazing, reflecting a reliance on low‐input, locally adapted methods. Ethnoveterinary treatments employing turmeric, neem, betel leaves, black pepper, and local fodder tree species are adopted by 82 % of farmers for managing ailments and injuries in sheep. Cultural beliefs like the use of (taweez) amulets by 24 % of respondents and 74 % harbor misconceptions about twinning, often avoiding twin bearing ewes. Non separation of ewes and lambs is practiced by 90 %, and 64 % interpret sheep behavior (restlessness, clustering) as cues for impending rainfall or storms. Based on the results, it is found that the farmers still hold a significant belief in traditional management practices which are area specific to enable better management of sheep farming

Keywords

Sheep farming, lamb, Penning, Traditional Practices, Ethno-Veterinary Practice

Conclusion

The traditional livestock management practices observed among sheep farmers in this region play a critical role in promoting agricultural sustainability and enhancing soil fertility, particularly through techniques such as sheep penning. Furthermore, the reliance on plant-based ethno-veterinary remedies represents a promising alternative approach to conventional animal healthcare. However, prevailing misconceptions such as those related to twinning and the use of amulets (taweez) necessitate targeted awareness programmes. Institutional support through policy frameworks, farmer education, and capacity-building initiatives is essential to optimize productivity and foster ecological resilience in semi-arid farming systems

References

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How to cite this article

P. Ravi and S. Preethi (2023). Traditional Management Practices Among Sheep Farmers in Udumalpet Region of Tamil Nadu. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 970-972