The impact of herd management practices on the production performance of commercial dairy farms in Chandanaish Upazila in Chattogram

Abstract

In dairy farms, management practices are known to effect productivity and profitability of the farm. For enhancing the productivity of dairy farms, understanding the association of productive performance with management practices is needed for making correct decision to overcome the challenges. The aim of the study was to evaluate the present condition of management practices of dairy farms and determine the association of farm level management systems with production performance of dairy cattle both at farm and individual level. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 26 selected commercial dairy farms in Chandanaish Upazila from April to May, 2023 to explore the management factors associated with dairy farm productivity and profitability. A structured questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the farmers about the farm management practices. A univariable analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and linear regression, where farm management factors were independent variables and production parameters were the dependent variables such as., milk production of farm and individual level, milk selling price, feed and treatment cost of farm. From univariable linear regression model analysis, per day farm level milk production was higher in large herd size farm that includes high lactating cows (P < 0.001) and higher milk production from individual cow supplemented with silage (P < 0.05). Decreasing amount of concentrate and increasing roughage in dairy ration would help to reduce the feed cost in farm (P<0.001). Introduction of purchased animal in farm had significant impact on treatment cost of farm (P < 0.05) Farm location and farmer education level had higher impact on milk selling price (P < 0.001). The study revealed that managemental factors including farm and farmer demography, farm biosecurity, nutrition has greater impact on productivity and profitability to the farm so based on this study findings, the present condition of productivity and profitability of the farms in Chandanaish Upazila can be improved.