Dairy husbandry practices and problems of dairy farmers of tribal and non-tribal areas of Middle Gujarat

摘要

A field survey was conducted to collect information on dairy animal husbandry practices followed and reproductive problems faced by the dairy farmers in tribal and non-tribal areas of Middle Gujarat. Through mass contact programmes at doorstep, the nformation on land holding, agriculture and occupational practices of2883 livestock farmers and reproductive and productive parameters of 10726 breedable animals were obtained. The percentages of landless and small landholders were more in tribal area, whereas the medium and large landholders were more in non-tribal area. The irrigation facility for agriculture and animal husbandry through canal was up-to 77-81 and 99 per cent in tribal and non-tribal areas, respectively. The mean calving interval and postpartum estrus interval were shorter in crossbred cows than in buffaloes and both were longer in animals of tribal areas than the non-tribal areas. Among 298,3244 and 7184 zebu cattle, crossbreds and buffaloes surveyed, 21.81,22.84 and 33.77 per cent animals had different reproductive problems. The problem of silent heat was higher in buffaloes including heifers of tribal areas. The percentages of anoestrus and repeat breeding were higher in cows and buffaloes of tribal areas. The average milk yield/daywas higher in animals of non-tribal areas. The mean lactation length was longer in buffaloes and crossbred cows than the zebu cows and also in animals of non-tribal areas. No difference was found in breeding (>99% through AI) and feeding practices of green fodder (14-15 kg), dry (6-7 kg) fodder and concentrate (2-4 kg) in two areas. The higher percentages of cows in non-tribal area (46 vs 22) and buffaloes in tribal area (20 vs 16) were supplemented with mineral mixture, and concernedfarmers had a greater tendency to provide drinking water ad lib or 3 times a day. The percentage of crossbred cows and buffaloes kept in close confinement were comparatively higher in tribal areas. The findings show the difference in dairy husbandry practices and productive-reproductive issues faced by the farmers of two areas; that can be resolved by extension activity on scientific approaches.