Abdul Raziq Kakar

Publications

• Milk composition in the Kohi camel of mountainous Balochistan, Pakistan

  Abdul Raziq, Kerstin de Verdier, Muhammad Younas, Sarzamin Khan, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Sajjad Khan

  Journal of Camelid Science. 01/2011; 4(1-4):49-62.

  Livestock provides food and livelihood for livestock keeping communities and tribes in the arid and semi-arid lands of Balochistan. Camel milk is famous for its nutritional qualities and health properties. More than 40% of the Pakistani camel population (379,528 head) is kept in Balochistan, but fac... [more] Livestock provides food and livelihood for livestock keeping communities and tribes in the arid and semi-arid lands of Balochistan. Camel milk is famous for its nutritional qualities and health properties. More than 40% of the Pakistani camel population (379,528 head) is kept in Balochistan, but facts about milk production and composition are, to a large extent, unknown. The present study was performed to acquire knowledge about the milk composition of the high producing Balochistani Kohi camel. It is of great importance to evaluate and discuss scientific findings on camel milk in the context of the production systems. Camels in pastoral herds under ordinary grazing conditions provide a field for science and can contribute to food security and sovereignty. In this study, milk samples from six camels during initial and late stage of lactation were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, ash, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. The study demonstrated that Kohi camel milk contains high levels of protein, iron and zinc, and low levels of fat and lactose. Average contents were 4.01%, 0.55 mg/100 g milk, 1.42 mg/100 g milk, 2.63% and 3.11% respectively.

  Download

• Rapid change of strategy is necessary for development of dromedary camel in Cholistan desert of Pakistan

  Raziq Kakar et al

  Pastoralism Research, Policy and Practice. 01/2011; 1:1-9.

  The Cholistan desert is part of the ancient Hakra River civilization, one of the oldest of the Aryan settlers in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the largest deserts in Pakistan, inhabited by around 1.2 million Rohi pastoral people practicing mobile livestock husbandry. This production system i... [more] The Cholistan desert is part of the ancient Hakra River civilization, one of the oldest of the Aryan settlers in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the largest deserts in Pakistan, inhabited by around 1.2 million Rohi pastoral people practicing mobile livestock husbandry. This production system is extremely important for food security and conservation of livestock and landscape. The camel is one of the important animal genetic resources and about 80,000 are found in the desert. The main tribe with camel herds is Marrecha. The desert pastoralists also raise goats, sheep and cattle breeds. The major camel breed is Marrecha following by Brela. The precious camel genetic resources are under threat due to commercial agricultural practices, land grabbing and faulty development projects. The policies come from the top and pastoral peoples do not participate in formulating strategies for development. Hence the projects are not supported by local livestock keepers and always result in failure. There is an urgent need to save this pastoral livestock system, especially the camel breeds. It is suggested that niche marketing, value addition, ecotourism and participation of pastoral people in development policies may help achieve this goal. Organization of the livestock keepers in the region can be an efficient tool to halt land grabbing

  Download

• Characterization and significance of Raigi camel, a livestock breed of the Pashtoon pastoral people in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

  A.Raziq, A. M. Tareen, K. de Verdier

  Journal of Livestock Science. 01/2011; Vol II:1-9.

  The Raigi camel in Pakistan and Afghanistan is an indigenous multipurpose breed with considerable milk production potential (6-10 l/day) under ordinary grazing conditions on salt bushes and brackish water. The milk is used locally for drying (Kurth) because of its high total solids. Meat, wool and t... [more] The Raigi camel in Pakistan and Afghanistan is an indigenous multipurpose breed with considerable milk production potential (6-10 l/day) under ordinary grazing conditions on salt bushes and brackish water. The milk is used locally for drying (Kurth) because of its high total solids. Meat, wool and transport are additional products. Body measures for the Raigi camel are (in average) wither height 164 cm, rump length 139 cm, sternal pad distance from the ground 90 cm, canon bone circumference 20 cm, breast width 43 cm and the estimated live weight is 374 kg. The Raigi camel represents a valuable genetic resource for present and future food production. Immediate measures are necessary to ensure its survival as a separate gene-pool. These measures include the conservation of the habitat ecosystem and the recognition of the rights of the Pashtoon pastoral people to make their living on livestock keeping in the Khurasan region.

  Download
• 1.50

  Impact points

  Ethnoveterinary treatments by dromedary camel herders in the Suleiman Mountainous Region in Pakistan: an observation and questionnaire study.

  Abdul Raziq, Kerstin de Verdier, Muhammad Younas

  Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine. 01/2010; 6:16.

  The Suleiman mountainous region is an important cradle of animal domestication and the habitat of many indigenous livestock breeds. The dromedary camel is a highly appreciated and valued animal and represents an important genetic resource. Camel herders, living in remote areas, have developed their ... [more] The Suleiman mountainous region is an important cradle of animal domestication and the habitat of many indigenous livestock breeds. The dromedary camel is a highly appreciated and valued animal and represents an important genetic resource. Camel herders, living in remote areas, have developed their own ways to treat diseases in camels, based on a long time of experience. Information about the diseases and the ethnoveterinary practices performed was collected from a total of 90 herders and healers by interviews and participant observations. The respondents classified the diseased in major and minor fractions. Clinical signs were given in detail. Mange followed by trypanosomosis and orf were considered the most prevalent diseases, and also caused the greatest economic losses. Orf was regarded the most complex disease. The season was considered to have great influence on the occurrence of the diseases. A variety of different treatments were described, such as medicinal plants, cauterization, odorant/fly repellents, pesticides, larvicides, cold drink, yogurt and supportive therapy (hot food, hot drink). There is paramount need to document and validate the indigenous knowledge about animal agriculture in general and ethnoveterinary practices in particular. This knowledge is rapidly disappearing and represents a cultural heritage as well as a valuable resource for attaining food security and sovereignty.

  Download

• Ethnoveterinary treatments by dromedary camel herders in the Suleiman Mountainous Region in Pakistan: an observation and questionnaire study

  Abdul Raziq, Kerstin de Verdier, Muhammad Younas

  JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE. 01/2010; 6:1-12.

  Background: The Suleiman mountainous region is an important cradle of animal domestication and the habitat of many indigenous livestock breeds. The dromedary camel is a highly appreciated and valued animal and represents an important genetic resource. Camel herders, living in remote areas, have deve... [more] Background: The Suleiman mountainous region is an important cradle of animal domestication and the habitat of many indigenous livestock breeds. The dromedary camel is a highly appreciated and valued animal and represents an important genetic resource. Camel herders, living in remote areas, have developed their own ways to treat diseases in camels, based on a long time of experience. Methods: Information about the diseases and the ethnoveterinary practices performed was collected from a total of 90 herders and healers by interviews and participant observations. Results: The respondents classified the diseased in major and minor fractions. Clinical signs were given in detail. Mange followed by trypanosomosis and orf were considered the most prevalent diseases, and also caused the greatest economic losses. Orf was regarded the most complex disease. The season was considered to have great influence on the occurrence of the diseases. A variety of different treatments were described, such as medicinal plants, cauterization, odorant/fly repellents, pesticides, larvicides, cold drink, yogurt and supportive therapy (hot food, hot drink). Conclusions: There is paramount need to document and validate the indigenous knowledge about animal agriculture in general and ethnoveterinary practices in particular. This knowledge is rapidly disappearing and represents a cultural heritage as well as a valuable resource for attaining food security and sovereignty.

  Download

• DONKEY BREEDS OF NORTH-EASTERN BALOCHISTAN, PAKHTOONKHUA, AND SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

  A. Raziq, M. Khudaidad Yahya, Z. Rehman, A. Jabbar

  The 6th International Colloquium on Working Equids; 01/2010

  The donkey is a very important draught animal of in north-eastern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtoonkhua, and southern Afghanistan. In this region, it is mostly used for pastoralism, pneumatic wheel carting, and light agricultural operations. The region is the habitat of many livestock breeds and the donk... [more] The donkey is a very important draught animal of in north-eastern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtoonkhua, and southern Afghanistan. In this region, it is mostly used for pastoralism, pneumatic wheel carting, and light agricultural operations. The region is the habitat of many livestock breeds and the donkey is one of the most important. Unfortunately, the role of donkey is never praised by scientists and policy makers of the region. Studies of the breeds are even scarcer. This study was, therefore, conducted to discover the genetics of the donkeys of the region. The research was based on a survey report, prepared using a pre-tested questionnaire according to the perspectives of the donkey keepers and breeders. It was found that there are two donkey breeds (Shinghari and Sperki) in the region, which each play important roles in providing draught power in pastoral migration and other draught operations. This study suggests further work on the issues related to the donkey, especially its socioeconomic role in the life of donkey herders of the region.

  Download

• Prospects of Livestock Production in Balochistan

  A. Raziq, M. Younas, Z. Rehman

  Pakistan veterinary journal. 01/2010; 30:181-186.

  Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan and makes about 44% of the total geographical area of the country. Most of the area is rangelands with only 5% arable. Animal agriculture is centuries old occupation of the people of Balochistan. Livestock are one of the major important sectors of the ... [more] Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan and makes about 44% of the total geographical area of the country. Most of the area is rangelands with only 5% arable. Animal agriculture is centuries old occupation of the people of Balochistan. Livestock are one of the major important sectors of the province having about 20% of the national stock. However, with little manufacturing facilities and underdeveloped infrastructure, the provincial economy lags far behind other parts of the country. This is the cradle of many precious livestock breeds and livestock make an important part of the socio-cultural and socioeconomic survival of its inhabitants. The biodiversity of animal genetic resources plays very pivotal role in the economy of the province and each breed has its own uniqueness and socioeconomic importance. The exact value of such precious animal genetic resource has never been realized as yet and no serious steps have been taken for its improvement. It is the utmost need of the time to rethink on the policies relating to livestock production in the province while keeping the needs of the growing population, socio-cultural change and the global warming issues in mind.

  Download

• 2008. Camel! A potential dairy animal in difficult environments: in Future Prospects of Dairy Production in Pakistan.

  A. Raziq

  Future Prospects of Dairy Production in Pakistan; 11/2008

  Camels were originally domesticated for their milk. Following the move to use the camel as a beast of burden especially for armies, there has been a return to its original task. Camel is no more the animal of the old world, but an animal which may be use to combat the growing desertification and to ... [more] Camels were originally domesticated for their milk. Following the move to use the camel as a beast of burden especially for armies, there has been a return to its original task. Camel is no more the animal of the old world, but an animal which may be use to combat the growing desertification and to feed millions of people living in those areas. There are many scientific data concerning the anatomy, physiology and endocrinology of lactation in camels. It has been shown that camels can provide 15-20 liters of milk per day for a lactation period of up to 18 months, making it a very good farm animal. The camel produces in harsh and hostile conditions where other animal may not survive. Studies conducted in the horn of Africa revealed that the camel produced more milk than the other types of tropical animals compared on the basis of kg/TLU/year. Camel milk is now used in the modern urban masses and found in the shelf of the super markets and shopping malls in the form of plain and flavored milk, cheese and chocolate. Globally camel produces about 2 % of the world total milk and that milk is mostly produced by pastoral people and consumed locally. Some attempts have been made to market such camel milk after collection and pasteurization in central processing unit/factory (India, Kenya, Mauritania and now in U.A.E.). There is a weak knowledge about the true potential of the camel and very rare references are available in the scientific database especially on various quantitative traits like daily and lactation yields and the factors affecting on it. In Pakistan camel population attain one million head with almost 20@ of lactating camel produces around 0.6 million ton of milk annually, but had never documented as independent entity in the grey records of the country. Per head basis camel in the country produces far better than the indigenous milch breeds of cattle and buffalo, Friesian and their crosses. The camel sustain its productivity in difficult conditions and comparatively lesser affected by the adverse factors like lack of feed, water, season and length of lactation. There is a wide diversity of breeds in the camel found in the arid and semiarid lands (ASAL) of the word. An enormous production variation has been observed in the different individuals of the same breeds, between the breeds and areas to area. This variation can be use successfully in the future strategies of the milk improvement. The time has reached to know and exploit the true potential of camel and to find the ways to sustain this old industry for the cause of the conservation of important animal genetic resource and transform it in a modern entrepreneur in the near future.

  Download

• CAMEl-A POTENTIAL DAIRY ANIMAL IN DIFFICULT ENVIRONMENTS

  A. Raziq, M. Younas, M.A. Kakar

  Pak. J. Agri. Sci. 01/2008; 45:263-267.

  Camels were originally domesticated for their milk. Following the move to use the camel as a beast of burden especially for armies, there has been a return to its original task. Camel is no more the animal of the old world, but an animal which may be use to combat the growing desertification and to ... [more] Camels were originally domesticated for their milk. Following the move to use the camel as a beast of burden especially for armies, there has been a return to its original task. Camel is no more the animal of the old world, but an animal which may be use to combat the growing desertification and to feed millions of people living in those areas. There are many scientific data concerning the anatomy, physiology and endocrinology of lactation in camels. It has been shown that camels can provide 15-20 liters of milk per day for a lactation period of up to 18 months, ma'K.ingi\ a very good farm animal. The camel produces in harsh and hostile conditions where other animal may not survive. Studies conducted in the horn of Africa revealed that the camel produced more milk than the other types of tropical animals compared on the basis of kgfTLU/year. Camel milk is now used in the modern urban masses and found in the shelf of the super markets and shopping malls in the form of plain and flavored milk, cheese and chocolate. Globally camel produces about 2 % of the world total milk and that milk is mostly produced by pastoral people and consumed locally. Some attempts have been made to market such camel milk after collection and pasteurization in central processing unit/factory (India, Kenya, Mauritania and now in U.A.E.). There is a weak knowledge about the true potential of the camel and very rare references are available in the scientific database especially on various quantitative traits like daily and lactation yields and the factors affecting on it. In Pakistan camel population attain one million head with almost 20% of lactating camel produces around 0.6 million ton of milk annually, but had never documented as independent entity in the grey records of the country. Per head basis camel in the country produces far better than the indigenous milch breeds of cattle and buffalo, Friesian and their crosses. The camel sustain its productivity in difficult conditions and comparatively lesser affected by the adverse factors like lack of feed, water, season and length of lactation. There is a wide diversity of breeds in the camel found in the arid and semiarid lands (ASAL) of the world. An enormous production variation has been observed in the different individuals of the same breeds, between the breeds and areas to area. This variation can be use successfully in the future strategies of the milk improvement. The time has reached to know and exploit the true potential of camel and to find the ways to sustain this old industry for the cause of the conservation of important animal genetic resource and transform it in a modern entrepreneur in the near future.

  Download

• ROLE OF CAMEL IN THE PASTORAL ECONOMY OF MARRI TRIBE IN BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

  A. Raziqa, A. Iqbala, M. Younasa, M.S. Khanb

  Journal of Camel Practice and Research. 01/2008; Vol 15:131-138.

  Marri belt is situated in the Suleiman mountain region of the northeastern part in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The camel breeders of Marri tribe are traditionally and historically professional in camel breeding. The belt is a habitat of many important livestock species mainly raised on the vas... [more] Marri belt is situated in the Suleiman mountain region of the northeastern part in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The camel breeders of Marri tribe are traditionally and historically professional in camel breeding. The belt is a habitat of many important livestock species mainly raised on the vast ranges. The camel of Marri the area (Kohi breed) is well adapted to climatic extremes and is well praised for their significance in the pastoral economy. The concurrent drought, socio-economic changes and the environmental instability once again have realised the importance of camel. Therefore, a survey study was conducted in the Marri belt of Suleiman region to investigate its socio-economic profile, followed by its documentation. It was revealed that camel still plays an important role, provides cash earning, transportation, food and wool. The camel herders follow a regular pattern of seasonal migration according to the season, foliage availability and agricultural operations. Women perform all management practices at home, and take care of young and sick animals. Camel is still a valuable animal genetic resource.

  Download

• SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE OF CAMEL IN SULEIMAN MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

  A. Raziq, M. Younas

  Proceeding of the International Camel Conference Rajasthan, India. 02/2006; Nil:111-116.

  Suleiman region is situated in the northeastern mountainous belt of Balochistan Province of Pakistan. The region is famous for livestock production in pastoral way since centuries. The pastoral people follow a regular pattern of migration and the camel and donkeys are used for the transportation of ... [more] Suleiman region is situated in the northeastern mountainous belt of Balochistan Province of Pakistan. The region is famous for livestock production in pastoral way since centuries. The pastoral people follow a regular pattern of migration and the camel and donkeys are used for the transportation of family luggage. Livestock raising communities live throughout the region, especially in the mountainous areas. Women help in feeding, milking and management of animals at home and taking care of young and sick animals. A survey was conducted to know the socioeconomic importance of camel in the life of the camel's herders and highlight the pastoral way of camel production in the region. It was revealed that camel plays a very important role as a beast of burden, source of food and an integral part of their social life. Many studies praised their unique characteristics especially under the most stressful conditions and rugged mountains. Camels are an animal genetic resource and constitute an indispensable natural resource in Suleiman region that must be properly managed.

  Download

• Portrayal of Camelids in Pastoral Economy of Northeastern Herders of Balochistan.

  Abdul Raziq

  Download