JALNA

In the Jalna district, a diverse range of livestock is commonly reared, reflecting the agricultural community's reliance on animal husbandry. The primary animals kept include cows, buffalo, oxen, goats, chickens, sheep, and horses. Many residents engage in agriculture as their main occupation while also participating in dairy farming as a supplementary business. Farmers particularly favour breeds known for their high milk production, such as Gir cows. Among the various types of cows reared in the district are Gavran, Jersey, Holstein, Hede, Khillari, Sindhi, Kathani, Dangi, Lal Kandhari (Red Kandhari), Lal Sindhi (Red Sindhi), and Shahabadi. Buffalo farming is also significant, with popular breeds including Jafrabadi (Gujarati), Pandharpuri, Nagpuri, Bhadawari, Murrah, Marathwadi, and Surati. Additionally, several oxen breeds are raised primarily for draught purposes, such as Khilar, Hede, Lal Kandhar, Dangi, Shiri, Malvi, Gavran, and Nangori. 

In the Jalna district, the Dhangar community is the primary pastoralist group engaged in sheep and goat herding. Traditionally, this community has migrated seasonally in search of grazing land. Locals say that during the hot summer months, they travel to western Maharashtra to escape the extreme heat of the Marathwada region. As summer concludes, they return to Marathwada to avoid the heavy rains in western Maharashtra, continuing this cycle throughout the year.

Farmers and the Dhangar community have coexisted for centuries. According to locals, farmers provide shelter for the Dhangars' livestock on their farms, while in return, the Dhangars' sheep consume excess grass and crop remnants. This practice benefits farmers by naturally fertilising the soil, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that has been a cornerstone of their coexistence.

However, fewer members of the Dhangar community are now engaged in traditional pastoralism. Locals say that improved educational opportunities have led many to settle in urban areas for jobs and businesses. Despite these changes, the Dhangars remain committed to their migratory lifestyle, often travelling long distances in search of suitable grazing grounds.

According to locals, the community's seasonal migration is not only essential for their livelihood but also deeply tied to their cultural heritage. They typically follow specific migration routes, including areas like Warud, Kumbharjhari, and Merkheda within their taluka.

Some of the veterinary services in the district include:

• District Veterinary Hospital, Samarth Nagar

• Pashu Health Care Hospital, Jalna HO,

• Kajla Dog Hospital, Kalja

• Khan's Pet Clinic, Maheshwari twp