Cow Unit Research Articles

Dayara bugyal restoration model in the alpine and subalpine region of the Central Himalaya: a step toward minimizing the impacts

Eco-restoration initiative work in the high altitude Dayara pastureland (3501 m) from the Indian Himalayan Region has been considered to be one of the successful field demonstration against both natural and anthropogenic degradation. The present study therefore attempts to assess the implications of entire eco-restoration model as practiced by Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand in 2019. Its assessment was done by calculating restoration success index by way of considering three categories, viz., direct management measure (M), environmental desirability (E) and socio-economic feasibility (SE) considering 22 individual variables. ‘M’ comprised both biotic and abiotic pressures. Grazing and tourism were biotic, while abiotic pressure was considered mainly soil erosion in alpine area due to topographic fragility. Above ground vegetation profile and below ground soil nutrient profile (N, P, K, pH and water holding capacity) were analyzed in ‘E’ component. In the last but not least, ‘SE’ was analyzed to assess the social acceptability of the local communities and stakeholders who are supposed to be ultimate beneficiary of alike interventions. Direct management measure was found with the variable index score of 0.8 indicating the higher score as compared to environmental desirability (0.56). Under direct management measure, grazing and tourists’ carrying capacity of the area was analyzed with high management needs to call the region sustainable in terms of availability of bio-resources. The ecosystem index score was evaluated for the reference (81.94), treated (64.5) and untreated zones (52.03), wherein increasing profile of these values were found. The outcomes like improved vegetation profile in terms of total herb density, soil nutrient profile of the restored area along with soil pH (4.96) and water holding capacity (49.85%) were found to be restored significantly along with controlling 169.64 tonne year-1 soil erosion from draining. The assessment of grazing pattern of 118 migratory Cow Unit (CU) (76 horse/mule and 18 sheep/goat, already controlled), 318 local CU (30 horse/mule and 187 sheep/goat) were calculated and recommended to be controlled. Tourists’ carrying capacity of 274 tourists per day and manual removal of Rumex nepalensis at the shepherd camping site were found to be worth to apply in the area. Use of biodegradable but locally sourced material and engaging local villagers in this endeavor were also found to be in harmony with SDG Goal 1 (no poverty). Therefore, the restoration and its evaluation model could have its future prospects to prove as a successful restoration practice. This restoration practice could not only be worth in high altitude degraded alpine pastures of the Indian Himalayan Region but also to other mountain alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems.

Economics of milk production and profitability of different cow unit sizes in Srinagar

Dairy farming is one of the choice options for business startups among budding entrepreneurs and progressive farmers in the valley. However, the apprehensions of profitability as well the size of cow unit (CU) to begin with, do exist in their minds. Keeping this in view, a study was planned with an objective of analyzing the economics of milk production viz-a-viz various cow-unit sizes in Srinagar. The study was carried out zone-wise as well as cow unit wise to assess the viability of dairying in the district and to find out the profitable size of the cow unit respectively. A total of 616 farmers were included in the study. It was found that dairy farming was a profitable venture in Srinagar District with Net Returns per litre of milk being ₹ 3 on an average. However, profitability seemed to be dependent on the size of the cow-unit as well with Net returns per litre of milk being ₹ –1.98, ₹ 2.90, ₹ 12.77 and ₹ 16.02 in CU 1, CU 2–4, CU 5–9 and CU above 10 respectively. This clearly indicates that a dairy venture can be started with a CU 2–4 at the beginning to gain experience, which can be later expanded to a CU 5–9 and eventually to CU more than 10 up to a suitable and sustainable level depending upon farmer’s individual situation.

Economic modelling of an integrated grazed and conserved perennial ryegrass forage production system

AbstractThe Grange Feed Costing Model was modified to simulate the economic implications of grassland management strategies for a grass‐based suckler beef calf‐to‐weanling system at the whole‐farm level. The modified model enabled costing of annual grass consumed as grazed grass and silage when the farm grazing and conservation areas are integrated. Grass growth data from sites in the south, east and north of Ireland were used. Sixty‐three scenarios were simulated, enabling analysis of site, stocking rate and silage strategy effects on total annual feed cost for the grass forage production system. Total annual feed cost (of grazed grass and grass silage) ranged from €96 to €111 per 1000 UFL (Unité Fourragère Lait) and €411 to €456 per beef cow unit (CU). The silage strategy with respect to the number of harvests and whether the silage area was grazed in the spring had negligible impact on annual total feed cost per CU. However, a tendency towards reduced annual feed cost under a two harvest, relative to a one harvest, silage strategy was observed. The lowest cost stocking rate was 2 CU ha−1. Site‐specific differences such as seasonal growth distribution and nitrogen fertilizer response rate had the greatest influence on the annual cost of the grass‐based feeding system.