Kunari cattle, a local breed found primarily in the eastern regions of Afghanistan, especially Kunar province, are renowned for their resilience in challenging environments. These cattle play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of rural communities, offering essential resources like milk, meat, and labour for farming activities. The breeds external anatomy, characterized by short, sturdy legs and a thick coat, is well-adapted to the mountainous terrain and cold climate of the region, enabling them to thrive in conditions where other breeds may struggle (Azizullah et al., 2015). Additionally, Kunari cattle hold significant economic value for traditional agricultural systems, being vital for milk and meat production, as well as for use as draft animals in farming and transportation (Kasaija, P. D, 2021; Hayle et al., 2020).

In Afghanistan, particularly in Kunar province, animal rearing is primarily carried out by small-scale farmers and landless laborers, typically owning between 2 and 4 animals per household. These households often have limited land resources, ranging from 1.5 to 2 acres on average. Throughout the country, it is common for farmers, even those with the smallest landholdings or facing economic difficulties, to own at least one cow to fulfill their basic dairy needs. Practices related to cattle management vary across regions. In the eastern provinces, such as Nangarhar, and extending to the southern province of Kandahar, milking cows are often housed in communal facilities. However, many cows are kept without access to grazing areas (Zafar, 2003).

While Kunari cattle are known for their hardiness, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess their external anatomy and its implications on their overall health and productivity. Proper understanding of their physical characteristics can help inform better management and breeding practices. Given their economic and cultural importance, it is essential to examine the external anatomical and morphology features of Kunari cattle to enhance livestock development in Afghanistan and address potential challenges related to their productivity and well-being (Leda et al., 2019). This study aims to investigate the external anatomy and morphology of Kunari cattle, focusing on their economic characteristics, to provide valuable insights for farmers and veterinarians. Through this research, the breeds potential for sustainable livestock practices can be better understood, contributing to improved productivity and livestock health in rural Afghan communities.

This descriptive study was conducted between June 2023 and December 2023, focusing on the external anatomy, morphology, vital signs, and economic characteristics of Kunari cattle in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. A total of 200 female cattle were sampled from 8 districts and 19 villages within the province. The cattle were categorized by age, with 122 cows over two years old and 78 under two years old. A stratified sampling technique was used, with districts and villages selected based on a convenience sampling strategy. The sample size was determined using the Roasoft online sample calculator, ensuring appropriate representation across the study area (Khan et al., 2020).

Data were collected through a combination of surveys and direct observation. Morphological measurements were taken using rulers and flexible tapes (Butterfly Brand) for recording body lengths and other anatomical features in centimeters. A special tape (AECO AS-9) was used to measure live weight, recorded in kilograms. During the anatomical examination, vital signs - including temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate-were measured using a thermometer and a stethoscope (Malik et al., 2005).

Fig. 1: Recording the temperature (A), measuring rump area (B), predicting age (C), and hearing heart sound (D) 2023.

A structured questionnaire was also administered to gather demographic information, production parameters, and other related data on Kunari cattle.

Fig. 2: Linear measurement guidelines (Gerald, 2019).

Data on clinical problems were recorded alongside anatomical measurements. SPSS Software version 23 was used to analyze the data, with descriptive statistics such as central tendencies, dispersion, and frequency tables generated to summarize the findings.

Demographic Information of the Respondent Farmers

The demographic information of the farmers involved in this study provides important insights into cattle ownership in Kunar Province. Among the 200 respondents, the mean age was 39.97 years, and each household owned an average of 2.99 cattle. The majority of respondents (77.6%) were married, and all were male, indicating that cattle farming is predominantly a male-dominated activity in the region. Education levels varied: 57.1% of the farmers were uneducated, 23.4% had completed secondary school, and 4.1% had obtained a bachelors degree.

Cattle were primarily raised for milk production (53.1% of farmers), with a significant portion (38.8%) raising them for both milk and meat production. Only 8.2% raised cattle solely for meat purposes. This highlights the importance of dairy production in the region, which serves as a major source of livelihood for farmers. Almost all respondents (98%) kept cattle primarily for milk production, with additional emphasis on products such as yogurt (66.6%), buttermilk (30.6%), and whey (20.4%).

External Anatomical Characteristics of Kunari Cattle

The external features of Kunari cattle showed a variety of traits that reflect their adaptability to the Kunar region. Coat color ranged widely, with 39% of the cattle being red, 28.5% black, 10% brown, and smaller percentages exhibiting mixed colors such as red and white or black and white. This diversity is likely due to both genetic variation and environmental adaptation. Kunari cattle were mostly small in size, with 58.2% of the population falling into the small size category, 35.7% in medium size, and only 6.1% classified as large. These proportions reflect the adaptation of the breed to the regions mountainous terrain, where smaller cattle are better suited to navigate the landscape. Furthermore, 58.2% of the cattle were of medium appearance, while 27.6% were described as thin and 14.2% as fat, showcasing differences in body condition that could be influenced by nutrition and management practices.

Interestingly, Kunari cattle lacked a prominent hump, a feature seen in some other breeds. This unique feature aligns with previous research, confirming the absence of the hump as a characteristic of Kunari cattle, making them distinct from other breeds in Afghanistan.

Milk Production and Lactation Characteristics

The study found that the average daily milk yield of Kunari cattle was 4.43±1.74 kg, with production ranging from 1 to 9 kg per day. Most cattle (49%) produced milk until the seventh month of lactation, and 32.7% continued milk production up to the eighth month. This demonstrates the breeds considerable productivity under local conditions, which is a notable achievement for local breeds in such environments. The emphasis on milk production aligns with the cultural and economic importance of dairy products in Kunar Province.

Economic Impact of Cattle Farming

Cattle farming plays a critical role in the livelihoods of the people in Kunar Province. The majority of respondents (53.1%) reported that cattle farming had a high impact on their economic status, with an additional 44.9% stating that it had a moderate impact. This data indicates that cattle farming is a primary source of income for most families. However, 75.5% of respondents noted challenges in accessing local markets to sell their dairy products, suggesting a need for better infrastructure and market opportunities to enhance economic benefits.

Morphometric Measurements

The morphometric measurements of Kunari cattle further highlight their physical adaptability to the region. The average body weight was 188.07 kg, with a mean body length of 92.70 cm, chest circumference of 131.29 cm, and rump width of 29.63 cm. These measurements indicate that Kunari cattle are generally smaller compared to other breeds in the region, but their size is well-suited to the harsh, mountainous terrain of Kunar. Their compact frame allows them to manage limited grazing resources more efficiently.

Vital Signs

The study also assessed vital signs, finding that Kunari cattle had an average pulse rate of 73.70 bpm, respiration rate of 32.11 rpm, and body temperature of 38.27°C. These figures fall within the normal physiological ranges for cattle, indicating that despite the challenges posed by the environment, Kunari cattle can maintain good health and perform well in local conditions.

The results of this research offer valuable insights into the external anatomy, productivity, and economic significance of Kunari cattle in Kunar Province. The demographic data underline the importance of cattle farming to the regions rural economy, with most farmers heavily dependent on milk production for their livelihood. The external anatomical features, such as coat color and body size, suggest that Kunari cattle are well adapted to the environmental conditions of the province (Naeimi & Almas, 2021). Although Kunari cattle have relatively lower milk yields compared to commercial breeds, their productivity is notable given the challenging conditions. The breeds small size and adaptability to the terrain make them suitable for Kunars mountainous areas. However, the limited access to markets remains a major constraint for farmers, as most struggle to sell their dairy products, which restricts the economic potential of cattle farming in the region Saleem et al. (2013). The findings of this study highlight the need for improved management practices, better veterinary services, and enhanced market access to maximize the productivity and economic impact of Kunari cattle. With the right interventions, cattle farming in Kunar Province can become more profitable and sustainable, providing greater benefits to the rural population (Kenyanjui, & Sheikh-Ali, 2009).

In conclusion, Kunari cattle are a crucial resource for the livelihoods of farmers in Kunar Province, contributing significantly to dairy production and economic security. Their resilience and adaptability to local conditions underscore the potential for further development in this sector, which could be achieved through targeted support in areas such as nutrition, veterinary care, and market access.

Kunari cattle, one of the four indigenous breeds of Afghanistan, play a vital role in the livelihoods of farmers in the Kunar Province. This study has provided valuable insights into the external anatomy, productivity, and economic significance of these cattle. Kunari cattle are characterized by their diverse coat colors, with red and black being the most common. Their small stature, broad chest, and strong legs make them well-suited to the mountainous terrain of Kunar and other regions of Afghanistan. The findings of this study revealed that Kunari cattle have an average daily milk production of 4.42 liters, with a total yield of approximately 928.2 liters per lactation period. Their long lactation period, lasting around 210 days, highlights their productivity despite the challenging environmental conditions. These cattle are primarily raised for milk production, which is a key source of income for farmers in Kunar Province. The unique physical characteristics of Kunari cattle, including their smaller size and adaptability, make them an ideal breed for the local environment. Their ability to thrive in the harsh, mountainous landscape of the region is a testament to their resilience and importance to the agricultural economy. In conclusion, Kunari cattle are a valuable breed for dairy production in Kunar Province, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of local farmers. This study underscores the importance of supporting cattle farming through improved management practices, better access to markets, and enhanced veterinary care to further enhance the productivity and profitability of this vital sector. With the right interventions, Kunari cattle farming has the potential to become even more sustainable and economically beneficial for rural communities in Afghanistan.

This study was conducted following ethical standards for research involving animals. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Kabul University, ensuring that all procedures were performed humanely and in accordance with national and international guidelines for the care and use of animals in research.

The authors express their sincere gratitude to Professor Mir Hatem Niazi from the Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Nangarhar University, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout this research. Additionally, we acknowledge the contributions of local farmers in Kunar Province, whose cooperation made this study possible.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

M.A.S.: Conceptualization, data collection, analysis, manuscript drafting, and correspondence. S.N.: Methodology design, data interpretation, manuscript review, and manuscript editing. M.H.N.; A.H.: Supervision, project administration, and critical revision of the manuscript. M.S.: Data collection assistance, fieldwork coordination, and literature review. N.S.: Statistical analysis, and visualization.