Scientific rationality, perceived effectiveness and adoption of traditional knowledge practices associated with Sahiwal cattle breed of Rajasthan

Abstract

The present study aimed at elucidating indigenous traditional knowledge practices associated with Sahiwal cattle which are considered to be the best indigenous milch cattle breed of India. Accordingly, the present study was carried out in Sri-Ganganagar district of Rajasthan where, Sahiwal cattle’s population is highest. A total of 96 indigenous practices were documented through primary data collection and these practices were assessed by thirty subject matter experts for its scientific rationality and found that only 38 indigenous practices were scientifically rational which could be further assessed, documented and propagated for the benefit of farming community. Of the total 38 validated practices, nine were related to breeding and reproduction management practices, three on increasing milk production and twenty six practices were related to health care management of Sahiwal cattle. The perceived effectiveness and adoption rate analysis of these valid 38 ITKs indicated that, nine practices were rational and highly effective (mean score value >2.5) with more than 50% of adoption rate among the respondents, twenty were rational and effective (mean score value 2 to 2.5) and nine practices were found as rational and less effective (mean score value <2) with the adoption rate of 27% and 13% respectively.