Characteristics of Livestock Husbandry and Management Practice in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

Tu Tu Zaw Win,Kyaw Naing Oo,Ricardo J Soares Magalhães,Angus Campbell,Joerg Henning

doi:10.1007/s11250-018-1738-9

Abstract

The central dry zone of Myanmar is the area with the highest density of small-scale livestock farmers under harsh environmental condition. In this study, we describe and quantify ownership patterns for various livestock species and characterised management and husbandry practices of small-scale farmers. In addition, we identify the husbandry factors associated with selected outcome indicators, ‘herd or flock size’ and ‘purpose of rearing’. A total of 613 livestock farmers in 40 villages were interviewed. Multispecies rearing was common with 51.7% of farmers rearing more than one livestock species. Rearing animals to be sold as adults for slaughter (meat production) was more common for small ruminants (98.1%) and chickens (99.8%) compared to cattle (69.8%). Larger cattle herds were more likely to practice grazing (p < 0.001) and to employ labour from outside the household to manage cattle than medium or small herds (p = 0.03). Patterns of grazing differed significantly between seasons (p < 0.01) for cattle, but not for small ruminants and village chicken. Overall, multispecies rearing and species-specific husbandry practices are used to raise livestock under harsh environmental conditions. Our results reveal that herd/flock size and purpose of rearing across different livestock species were significantly associated with feeding and housing practices and experience of farmers.

Highlights

Descriptions of livestock production systems concentrate on one species of animal, households in developing countries might keep multiple species and interrelationships in the management are likely to exist
Our study has shown that multispecies rearing by households is common in Myanmar’s central dry zone (CDZ) and species-specific husbandry practices are implemented by farmers to reduce nutritional and health stresses
Some practices that are beneficial for one livestock species are seldom applied to other species within the same household, despite the benefits these would likely bring

Summary

Introduction

Descriptions of livestock production systems concentrate on one species of animal, households in developing countries might keep multiple species and interrelationships in the management are likely to exist. Livestock production in developing countries is often constrained by poor husbandry, inadequate housing and poor breeding, health and biosecurity practices (Conan et al 2013; Gillette 2013; Homann et al 2007; Nampanya et al 2012). It has been shown that farmers’ income is largely influenced by herd size (Bailey et al 1997; Maltsoglou and Rapsomanikis 2005; McPeak 2004; Oleggini et al 2001), and understanding factors that impact on herd size, in particular in multispecies households, is critical for rural livestock development (Kaimba et al 2011; Loibooki et al 2002). Understanding husbandry factors that influence the multiple purposes of livestock rearing is essential in order to work with livestock farmers on improvement of livestock production

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion