Kashmir Anz Geese: Thrifty, Economical, High-Earning Birds Enhancing the Earnings of Farmers in Kashmir
Article Title: Preserving Kashmir's Indigenous Poultry: The Kashmir Anz Goose
The Kashmir Anz goose, a traditional and indigenous breed native to the Kashmir Valley, plays a significant role in the region's rural livelihood systems. This resilient bird, known locally as "Anz," is deeply rooted in the area's culture and farming traditions, thriving in the valley's water-abundant landscapes near lakes and wetlands[1].
Adaptability and Characteristics
The Kashmir Anz is renowned for its hardiness, able to withstand Kashmir's cold winters with minimal care. These geese are excellent swimmers and foragers, feeding themselves on grass, aquatic plants, and small insects they find in their surroundings[1]. They are known for producing tasty meat and large eggs, with a good dressing percentage of around 67.7%, making them a preferred choice for local poultry consumption[1].
Breeding and Feeding
The Kashmir Anz breeds naturally in local conditions, requiring relatively low-cost feed supplementation due to their ability to self-feed as foragers[1]. They are often found grazing along riverbanks or swimming in lakes, a common sight in Kashmir's traditional villages[1].
Egg Production and Meat Quality
Kashmir Anz females begin laying eggs at around 13 to 14 months of age, producing an average of 12 large eggs per year, each weighing around 137 grams[1]. The meat is considered tasty and of good quality, making it a preferred choice for both local consumption and potential commercial use[1].
Benefits for Farmers and Rural Livelihood
For rural farmers, especially those from lower-income groups, rearing Kashmir Anz offers multiple benefits. The goose provides meat, eggs, and feathers, contributing significant additional income to rural households with low input costs[1]. Its hardiness reduces veterinary and maintenance costs, making it a profitable and sustainable choice for small farmers[1].
Conservation and Economic Impact
Being an indigenous breed, the Kashmir Anz represents an important genetic resource adapted to the local environment. Conservation efforts focus on sustaining these traditional breeds amidst modernization pressures. Maintaining this breed helps support biodiversity in the region and ensures economic benefits for Kashmiri rural communities relying on low-cost poultry farming[1].
In summary, the Kashmir Anz goose is a traditional, indigenous breed integral to Kashmir’s rural livelihood systems, valued for adaptability to local climatic conditions, production of high-quality meat and large eggs, and contribution to farmer incomes through low-cost, sustainable poultry rearing with cultural significance. Preservation of this breed is important for economic, ecological, and cultural reasons in Kashmir[1][2].
References: [1] Ahmad, S. A., & Ahmad, M. (2016). Kashmir Anz Goose: A Traditional Poultry Breed of Kashmir. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 15(5), 1395-1399. [2] Wani, M. A., & Wani, A. A. (2019). Genetic Characterization of Kashmir Anz Goose Population in Kashmir Valley, India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Veterinary Sciences, 9(1), 17-22.
In the Kashmir Valley, the traditional and indigenous Kashmir Anz goose is not only significant in the region's culture and farming traditions but also effectively utilized in home-and-garden settings, with the birds feeding themselves on grass, aquatic plants, and insects found in their surroundings. Furthermore, the home-grown produce from the Kashmir Anz, including its tasty meat and large eggs, contributes significantly to the income of rural households, making it a vital aspect of the local lifestyle.
