A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF BEEF FATTENING FARMERS IN KUSHTIA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study assees the Economic efficiency of beef cattle fattening in selected upazilas of Kushtia districts in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which was administered to 46 randomly selected cattle fatteners from about 400 cattle fattening farmers in the Kushtia district. The socio-economic determinants of the respondents were assessed by age, sex, education, experience, extension services and ethnicity. The result shows the maximum female are involves in beef fattening (42%). The inputs used for cow fattening were feeder cow, feed, drugs / vaccines, labour, water and potash/salt. The maximum inputs are given at the rate for per cow 450tk /month (6%). In this study out of 46 respondents 24% were illiterate, 46% primary levels, 14% SSC level. The farmer had own capital about 42%, and 46%% respondents takes bank loan. Most of the respondents (46%) fattened cattle for 2-3 months and rest fattened for a prolonged period. About 40% respondents were used cross breeds for cattle fattening and rest fatteners are used local, pabna, nepali etc. About 74% Respondents are not taking any training on beef fattening. About 82% respondents used deworming, 10% respondents used urea molasses straw (UMS) and 8% followed conventional feeding. About 24% vaccinate the cattle by themselves and about 76% not vaccinate. The results of this study will be useful for farmers and researchers to identify the overall problems and their remedies on feeding, management and marketing related to small scale cattle fattening practices in Bangladesh.