Study on Dairy Farm Management at Shikalbaha, Karnaphuli Upazila of Chattogram District

Abstract

The study was conducted to know the management practices of dairy farms at Shikalbaha Union, Karnaphuli Upazilla, Chattogram district, that are related to housing, feeding, breeding, milking, and disease management. The empirical data were gathered by speaking with farmers directly. The study was performed among 376 cows, of which 58.51% were milch cows, 11.97% were heifers, 14.63% were dry cows, and 14.89% were calves. It was revealed that most of the farmers in that area are young and middle-aged, and day by day they are gathering experience regarding dairy farming. All the studied area was intensively reared, where 66.66% of the floor of the farm-house was made with concrete and 33.33% of the floor of the farm-house was made with brick. It was also revealed that there was no absolute feeding practice on any farm, and most farmers prefer supplying feed 24 hours a day. About 66% of farmers cultivate Napier as fodder, 22% cultivate German, and 11% cultivate maize as fodder. It was observed that 77.78% of farmers breed their cows with artificial insemination, and 22.22% breed their cows with both artificial insemination and natural insemination. The highest milk yield of the studied area was 18 liters per day in a cow, while the lowest yield was 9 liters per day. Most of the farmers sell milk in the local market, as well as Mishti Ghor and Fulkoli. About 66.66% of farmers prefer hand milking, and 33.33% prefer machine milking. Although there was no isolation shed in that area, 77.78% of farmers have quarantine sheds on their farms. It was found that 77.78% of farms have a foot-bath, and only 44.44% of farmers keep farm records, though there are no records of individual cows on any farm. FMD, anthrax, and mastitis were found to be the most prevalent diseases in that area. In summary, this study highlights differences in management approaches for housing, feeding, breeding, milking, and disease control, shedding light on how dairy farming techniques have changed in the Shikalbaha Union. The results highlight the need for focused interventions to promote record-keeping, disease management, and consistent feeding methods in order to increase the overall sustainability and productivity of dairy businesses in the region.