Assessment of Knowledge Gaps among Pashusakhis Providing Community-based Animal Healthcare Services in the North-Eastern Part of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The study was conducted during April to June, 2025 in the Bahraich district under the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India to assess the knowledge gap among women community animal health workers popularly known as Pashusakhi using a 50-statements based quiz covering the various aspects of animal healthcare like feeding and nutrition, disease management, extension and record keeping etc. A total 20 Pashusakhis serving across 20 different villages participated in the study. The findings revealed that Pashusakhis possessed foundational knowledge in basic animal healthcare and preventive management, with high mean scores in areas such as colostrum feeding, disease isolation and advisory roles as extension agents. However, knowledge gaps were identified in specialised and technical thematic areas like advanced nutritional management, especially safe urea feeding practices, breeding and reproduction management, biosecurity measures and emergency first aid skills. Socio-cultural barriers, limited exposure to advanced technical training, and lack of refresher trainings were identified as contributing factors to these gaps. The study indicated that Pashusakhi model effectively supported the grassroots livestock veterinary service delivery as capable animal healthcare service providers but strengthening technical capacity through periodic refresher trainings, standardized training modules and gender-sensitive training approach along with institutional support was important for the effective implementation of the Pashusakhi model. The findings highlight the need for continuous capacity building and policy-level recognition to enhance the sustainability and impact of the Pashusakhi model in rural livestock healthcare systems.