Indigenous Knowledge of Identification, Reproduction, and Optimal Selection of Livestock among Nomadic Women of Kalhor Tribe

The main purpose of this qualitative study is to identify and document indigenous knowledge of the women of Kalhor tribe about livestock optimal selection considering their undeniable role in livestock breeding. The geographical area of this study was Gilan-e Gharb county in Kermanshah province. The study used techniques such as PRA, in depth interview and focused group discussions to collect data. Considering the nature of study, sampling method was purposive and the collected data were examined and analyzed by content analysis technique. The results indicated that nomads adopt appropriate mechanisms such as livestock identification, factors that limit or stimulate sexual maturity, and optimal selection methods to identify those animals which should be eliminated. Formal acknowledgment of this valuable information is unavoidable considering it has been tested and retested through time.