A study on farming status and milk production scenario for cattle on smallholdings in Comilla district

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the present status including general information, feeding, rearing, housing, milking, health management and milk production in small scales dairy farm. With this view, the empirical data were collected by using predefined questionnaire. The study was conducted at four upazilas in Comilla district, and four months-long survey was carried out on 98 smallholdings. The data was collected by direct contract with farmers. Results show that 61% farm owners rearcrossbred and 39% rear indigenous cattle. Average body weight was 175± 3.5 kg for per animal in the study area. Daily milk yield/cow/farm was 5.39±0.41liter for a crossbred animal and 2.23±0.16 liters for a indigenous dairy cow. The result showed that the average daily milk yield was higher in 2nd lactation 5.21±0.64 liters followed by first, third, fourth and fifth number of lactation (3.49±0.38, 4.11±0.74, 4±0.73, 3.9±0.67) liters, respectively.. The amount of average 1.92± 0.07kg concentrate provided for per cow. Here observed that average roughage amount was 10.18± 0.14kg for per cow. Although the dairy cow owners face problems, the study observed that there were potentials particularly for the small dairy farmers.