Structure, conduct and performance of live animal markets of small ruminants in South India

ABSTRACT

An attempt was made to ascertain the structure, conduct and performance of live small ruminant markets in live animal markets (shandies) in Southern India. Pertaining to the study, data were collected from 300 market functionaries selected through multi-stage random sampling from 30 live animal markets in South India. Suitable statistical analyses were applied to achieve the objectives of the study. The market structure of small ruminants was observed to be ‘Atomistically competitive’. The volume of business/number of animals transacted was found to be more or less equal among the market functionaries. The variables, such as age, sex, utility of animal and festival season, were the significant variables in the price determination of small ruminants during their sale in live animal markets. The infrastructure facilities available in selected shandies were inadequate. Necessary recommendations were made to improve the efficiency of marketing of small ruminants.

KEYWORDS:

• Markets (shandies)
• structure
• efficiency
• price determinants
• infrastructure

Acknowledgements

The present study is the M.V.Sc., thesis of the first author submitted to the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai. The authors thank the Department of Animal Husbandry Economics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India for giving permission and support for the completion of research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.