A REPORT ON ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN SMALL SCALE DAIRY FARMS AT DAULATPUR UPAZILA OF KUSHTIA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The welfare of dairy cows is a major concern of the public in developed countries. The present study was assigned to assess the welfare of dairy cows. This study was undertaken in 40 small scale dairy farms at Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia district of Bangladesh. Welfare indicators selected were mainly those of health and economic importance, such as lameness, lesions on the body and limbs, cleanliness levels, milk yield, and body condition. This study included physical examination of 350 cattle and use of a structured questionnaire to collect data on health and management practices and farmer’s perspectives about animal welfare. Hygiene management was often poor, with soiling of body parts with faeces. The prevalence of lameness, at 7.1%, was less than has commonly been observed in larger, more intensive dairy farms, but body injuries were commonly detected at the carpal and hock joints which was 56% and 50% of cattle population respectively. This suggests that floors and/or bedding to lie on were inadequate. Many farmers did not follow routine vaccination and deworming schedules. The routine vaccination and deworming schedule were 10% and 72.5% of the cattle population respectively and farmers were not generally aware of the concept of animal welfare. Average milk yield was 9 L/d (Range 4–15) and body condition assessment indicated that cows were thin on average. The study demonstrates some similar welfare issues to those that have been commonly identified in large, intensive units, but also some differences, in particular a failure to provide good floors, bedding, and basic health care.