Financial losses and cost benefit analysis of controlling anestrus in dairy animals of Punjab

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the financial losses associated with anestrus and cost benefit analysis of various factors controlling this disease in dairy animals of Punjab region. The overall economic loss incurred by dairy farmers due to anestrus irrespective of species of animals was ` 24,362. The mean economic losses per animal per year was almost same in crossbred cattle (` 27,511.48±1,227.60) and buffaloes (` 27,038.69±1,128.05) and lower in indigenous cattle (` 18,296.95±1,317.53). When the average annual losses due to different components were estimated, the largest component was due to replacement cost followed by milk yield loss cost, future calf reduction and veterinary charges. Among different agro-climatic zones (ACZs), highest loss was observed in Central Plain Region (` 27,384.63±2,407.03) and the least affected zone was Flood Plain Region (` 19,135.6±4,326.50). While controlling anestrus at farm level through different control measures, the overall benefit cost ratio was estimated to be 5.33. The projected loss in Punjab state due to anestrus in dairy animals was estimated to be ` 2135.79 crore. It may be concluded that the mean economic losses per animal per year was higher in crossbred cattle and buffaloes, where the largest component was due to replacement cost followed by milk yield loss, future calf reduction and veterinary charges. In order to control economic losses due to anestrus, it is important to improve all aspects related to heat detection, and to provide appropriate preventive or therapeutic measures.