GUJRAT: Herds of the local breed of goats known as ‘Gujrati Beetal’ are often seen in the forests of the Rakh Pabbi Sarkar area along both sides of the GT Road between Kharian and Sara-i-Alamgir.

The veterinary and livestock experts are of the view that the growth and research of this breed could become a major source of poverty alleviation in the area.

Beetal breed, found in parts of Punjab both in India and Pakistan, is unique in habits, long and compact body, long neck while Gujrati beetal has dark or light brown body with white patches on it.

Experts say its performance in all the seasons, particularly in hot and humid climate, is better than other goats. They said a male beetal goat can weigh 80 to 100kg on average and the female produces three to four litres of milk twice a day.

Apart from the Rakhi Pabbi Sarkar, the breed is also found in Mohri Sharif, Dhoria, Bhagwal, Mangli Awana Kota areas of Kharian and Sara-i-Alamgir.

Dr Khurram Shah, known as an expert of this breed of goats, said he had been familiar with these goats for the last 20 years but he had hardly seen any sick animal in them. Moreover, he added, these goats could bear thirst even if they could not find water for two days.

He said Gujrati brown beetal had been a real asset to the people of the district but deplored that despite having a potential of an unprecedented growth the authorities concerned did not give proper attention to the breed.

Mr Shah urged the government to get research conducted on beetal goats as such research could help in enhancing the milk and meat production from this breed.

He said the Punjab government could establish at least 25,000 dairy farms across the province for which awareness seminars should be conducted and free vaccine should be provided to the dairy farmers aimed at eradicating the diseases of the livestock.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2020