Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate production and reproduction performances of local and Murrah-cross buffaloes managed by smallholder farmers of Bhutan. Data was collected from 80 buffalo farming households in three buffalo rearing districts (Samtse, Sarpang and Samdrupjongkhar) in the sub-tropical belts of Bhutan. There were 1- 2 milking buffaloes per household and the duration of the field study was from 14 -29 December, 2014. Results indicated that average herd size is six buffaloes per household and are managed through open grazing with supplementary feeding but without proper housing. Study also revealed that genetic up-gradation of local buffalo population through introduction of Murrah breeding bulls and heifers has improved their productivity. Average daily milk yield of Murrah-cross buffalo is 5.9±0.18 l/day/cow (Mean ±SE) which is significantly higher (p ?0.000) than that of local buffaloes yielding 2.6±0.04 l day-1. Murrah-cross buffaloes had better productive and reproductive efficiency than local buffaloes and have added advantage to buffalo farmers. Average age at first calving is 35.1±2.49 months (Mean±SD) for Murrahcross buffaloes compared to 43.4±6.86 months for local buffaloes. Similarly, lactation length for Murrah-cross buffaloes is 10.1±0.50 month which is longer than local buffaloes (9.2±1.90 month). Calving interval of 14.6±0.52 months for Murrah-cross is lower than that of local buffaloes (17.4±1.01). Sale of fresh milk, butter and cheese from these animals contributed a major share of household income (54%) and has helped to improve livelihoods of farmers despite major challenges faced: limited government support, shrinking of grazing areas and labour constraints. However, with intensified support, many farmers are enthusiastic to rear quality buffaloes that can be an opportunity to accelerate buffalo farming. Study concluded that owing to higher productivity of Murrah-cross buffaloes, it can be a viable dairy animal for subtropical belt of Bhutan. Regular exchange of breeding bulls, supply of quality heifers and artificial insemination facilities with adequate technical support are crucial for greater positive outcome of enhancing milk production in the country.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 200-206 (2015)
Highlights
Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) farming is popular in south-east Asia and south Asia ( Banerjee, 1991)
Multiple benefits are derived from Buffalo, farmers are not taking up Buffalo farming owing to inadequate policy support from the Govt. (Tamang et al, 2009)
Farmers believe that buffaloes are hardy animals, can thrive well in harsher conditions and are less susceptible to diseases compared to exotic cattle
Summary
Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) farming is popular in south-east Asia and south Asia ( Banerjee, 1991). The buffalo population in Bhutan was 28,000 heads in 1984 (FAO, 1984). Buffaloes in Bhutan are reared by small holder farmers for milk, meat, manure and for draft purpose. Multiple benefits are derived from Buffalo, farmers are not taking up Buffalo farming owing to inadequate policy support from the Govt. In order to compare reproduction and production parameters of Murrah-cross and local buffaloes, understand effect of government breed improvement program and its impact on income and livelihood of farming communities and future interventions required to promote buffalo as an alternative dairy animal in the country, a detailed study on it was warranted. A comprehensive study was conducted with the objectives to: Compare reproductive and production performance of local (non-descriptive) and Murrah-cross buffaloes in Bhutanese environment
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have