A REPORT ON CASE STUDY OF A GAYAL FARM LOCATED AT PADUA, SUKHBILASH RANGUNIA, CHATTOGRAM.

Abstract

This study is about gayal (Bos frontalis) a semi domesticated and endangered bovine species in Bangladesh. It was conducted to know the performances, utilities and prospects of gayal Farming. Gayals are reared under extensive management system in the forest of Bandarban Hill district. They browse forest herbs and grass freely in the forest and come to human dwelling for salt licking. In 2007, Ershad started his gayal farm with 40 Gayals. Before that he collected three Gayals from an indigenous family of Rangamati. It was just a hobby back then and now he understands the rising demand of it. There are some indigenous people who are also rearing it in the hill forests but they do it in their own way. Reproductive efficiency is high and calving interval is around 400 days. Gayal is used only as meat animal. The growth rate and reproductive efficiency of gayal indicates that this species can be conserved and used economically in Bangladesh if a well-planned breeding program combined with sound extension service can be made and executed.