Calf Rearing Management at Chandanaish Upazilla, Chattogram

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the current dairy farming practices in the Chandanaish Upazila area of Chattogram. Researchers selected 12 farms at random and gathered information through structured, pre-tested questionnaires and in-person interviews with the farmers. The data, analyzed using MS Excel, revealed some key insights into the farmers' practices. For instance, 66.66% of the farmers were present when the calves were born, and 58.33% made sure to clean the calves immediately afterward. A significant majority, 83.33%, also took the important step of cutting and cleaning the calves' navel cords. While all the farmers recognized the importance of feeding colostrum to newborn calves, only 41.66% did so within the crucial first hour after birth. Additionally, the study found that LSD (Lumpy Skin Disease) and calf scour were present in about 22.22% of the farms. The warm weather in the region has contributed to the rapid spread of mosquitoes, which in turn, has facilitated the transmission of LSD across Bangladesh.