Spotted Deer (Axis axis) Farming in Bangladesh

Abstract

The management practices and production cost of spotted deer were studied in captive condition at various zoo, safari park and farm. Data collection from 530 spotted deer at various captive areas consisting of stag, doe, and fawn were studied for this study. Housing mainly intensive, semi intensive, scavenging were practiced. Available feeds supplied to the spotted deer were green grass, gram, wheat bran, cabbages, common salt and vitamin mineral premix. Different types of diseases were observed in deer farming such as common cold, myiasis, horn fracture, feed intoxication, black quarter (BQ) and foot and mouth diseases (FMD). The study revealed that common cold and myiasis were highest (23%) in deer farming while feed intoxication (18%), horn fracture (14%), BQ (13%) and FMD (9%). Different types of vaccines were given in deer farming such as Anthrax, BQ, FMD, and HS. In deer farming Deworming was performed regularly to prevent parasitic diseases. Biosecurity was also maintained. In deer farming cost of fawn was the highest (78.915%) in total cost. Per deer per year total cost was Tk.88714.5 in the study areas. Inspite of some problems, deer farming could be a profitable business in Bangladesh.