Constraints of native cattle genetic resource conservation and features of breeding system in representative areas of Bangladesh

Ma Quddus,Mr Amin

doi:10.3329/jbau.v8i1.6407

Abstract

The study was undertaken to identify the constraints of native cattle genetic resource conservation at the farm level along with their features of breeding system and profitability. Five different study sites like south-west, northern hills, industrial zone, north-west and mid-region were selected representatively from all over the country. A total of 280 cattle farmers from the selected regions were interviewed. A multiple regression model was fitted to know the impact of contributing factors on lactation characteristics of cows. The double log linear model was also used to explore the input-output relationship of milk production. Average milk yield was 1.78 and 5.64 liter per day per cow respectively for native and crossbred cow. Contribution of age, order of lactation and stage of lactation were predictable in native cattle but not in crossbreds. Livestock farming contributed 36.4 percent of total income of the farmers studied. A crossbred cattle farming was profitable but native cattle farming was non-profitable. Indigenous cattle were preferred over crossbred due to their superior adaptability to local environmental stresses, rearing ease, low input, lesser proneness to disease and availability of native bull for mating. Per farm average number of milch cow was found to be reduced day by day and maximum number was 4 in a farm during the period 2006-07. Major causes of reduction were the non-profitability, crisis of feed, lack of investment, introduction of exotic breed etc. Responded farmers had no clear idea on conservation of native cattle. Keywords: Genetic resource; Conservation; Breeding system; Profitability assessment DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i1.6407J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(1): 113-120, 2010

Highlights

Indigenous cattle play a crucial role in the livelihood system and well-being of the traditional rural farmers of Bangladesh and thereby taking part significantly in meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG)
It appears from the study that indigenous cattle genetic resource is declining in number day by day
Situation described above dictates that indiscriminate breed substitution in our cattle population has been an incredible loss to our rural traditional agriculture

Summary

Introduction

Indigenous cattle play a crucial role in the livelihood system and well-being of the traditional rural farmers of Bangladesh and thereby taking part significantly in meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Local cattle are integral contributor of food, agricultural power, agrarian culture and heritage and biodiversity as well (FAO, 2007a). As they are low input low producing animal, they are being gradually substituted by high producing exotic cattle or crosses thereof with a trend toward monoculture animal production. Considering the severity of the malady FAO through its daughter organizations already gathered country driven reports for risk status assessment and developed action plan on benefit-sharing management and sustainable use of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) all over the world (FAO, 2007b, Gibson et al, 2005). Development of strategies for conservation of animals like local cattle needs consideration of multiple factors involved in biology of animals, agroecology of the environment, husbandry system of the animals, purpose of rearing and affordability of the owners duly to be addressed (Bayer et al, 2001)

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