Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

ROLE OF ANIMAL AS  COMPANION AND SPORT ANIMAL

Companion animals

• Ever since man domesticated animals, they have been an integral part of his social and cultural life. Due to close association and love of animals, man has imbibed sentiments regarding them. Many people have even developed a fad for them especially pet animals. His concern for animals reflected in ever so many ways. Regarding theme a good member of the family is an indication of their love and affection. People derive pleasure of their company and also pain due to its loss or death. Many a times economic concerns are only secondary to sentimental concerns.
• The small animals particularly canines play an important role as companion animals in the form of pet animal. They have become an integral part of the human economic and social system especially among the aged and children. People are highly attached with their companion animals and share many daily activities with them.
• Dogs of various breeds have been trained to act as guides to blind persons and give assistance in available manner. Alsatian dogs are used by police for detection purpose. Many households now have watch dogs. Studies have found out that companion animals reduce the incidence of heart attacks and cardiac problems with the people.

Sport animal

• For centuries people have used horses in all manners of sporting pursuits. The trend has continued into modern times and today people form all walks of life take the opportunity to indulge in equine activities. The popular part time in horses racing include show jumping, eventing, hunting, polo, gymkhana, trekking and hacking. Dogs also participated in sport activities when people have free time to devote leisure.
• Animals are seldom raised with a single objective in mind. Rather the primary reason for rearing animals is that they serve the material, cultural and recreational needs of the farmers. Thus rearing animals has the following advantages.
  • Income.
  • Employment.
  • Security: Source of investment, security and stability.
  • Power: A source of farm power.
  • Food: Valuable animal protein.
  • Fertilizer: Contribution to farm fertility by the return of dung and urine.
  • Fuel: Buffalo and cattle dung are used as fuel.
  • By product utilization: Ruminants enable the economic utilization of non - marketable crop residues.
  • Social values: Dairy development and ownership of buffaloes have been shown to increase cohesiveness in village activities.
  • Recreation: Socio–economic impact of animal ownership also includes a recreational contribution to small farmers.