Majority Of Dairy Farmers Research Articles

Adaptation Practices of Dairy Farmers to Climate Change in Coastal Tamil Nadu, India

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the adaptation strategies of dairy farmers in light of climate change in Tamil Nadu. For this research, four out of the 13 coastal districts—Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi—were chosen at random. Two blocks were randomly picked from each district for analysis. From each selected block, two villages were randomly identified from the existing villages. Consequently, 16 villages were included in this study. Fifteen dairy farmers were randomly selected from each village, yielding a total of 240 respondents for the research. Data were gathered using a predesigned interview schedule. The information collected was analyzed with suitable statistical tools to interpret the results of this research. It can be concluded that the area studied was primarily populated by crossbred cattle due to their high productivity, and “no distinct alterations of forage in the diet” were observed by fewer than half (48.33%) of the dairy farmers during periods of heat or cold stress. A notable 62.92 percent of dairy farmers did not employ feed additives during these distressing times, opting instead for a feeding strategy that involved “crop residues + unconventional materials” in drought conditions. It emerged that they were compelled to source water from open areas as adequate drinking water was not consistently available during drought periods. The majority of dairy farmers (70.42%) opted for a combination of “consult veterinarian + ethno veterinary practices” for addressing reproductive issues amid extreme weather events.

Article Socio Economic Impacts of Insufficient Cow Milk Production in Mauritius

Aims: Due to the increase in purchasing power, milk and dairy products have increased steadily in recent years. However, milk production remains insufficient to satisfy the high local demand for milk and dairy products in Mauritius. Adding to the problem of the sector's extinction is the lack of information on the socio-economic impact of dairy production. This study aimed to assess the socio-economic impact of milk production on dairy cattle farms in Mauritius. Methodology: A survey was carried out among 11 respondents in Mauritius, using a validated two-part questionnaire to collect data from dairy farmers and processors. Results: The survey showed that the majority of dairy farmers were ethnic Hindus with secondary (77.8%) or university (22.2%) education. The breeds of cattle raised are generally Creole (56%) and Friesian (44%) with extensive livestock farming being practised. For the majority (77.8%) of respondents, family members are the primary source of labour. The main purpose of raising cattle is to produce milk (55.5%). The price of a litre of milk varies between dairy farmers, ranging from Rs 45 to Rs 70 per litre, with an average of Rs 58 per litre, and the revenue per cow per day averages Rs 1.036. About cheese production, the source of acquisition of cheese production technology is apprenticeship. From an economic point of view, with regard to yield, cost of production and profit margin for cheese production, we were faced with a total refusal of response from the producers. However, the quantity of milk used per day, the quantity of cheese obtained and the unit price per kg of cheese vary from one producer to another. Conclusion: This study has led to the realization that milk is the source of livelihood for the farmer and his family but also for other consumers. The income from the sale of milk contributes to the purchase of food for the farmer’s household and livestock supplements. However, the size of the herd and the low production of milk are an obstacle to the development of this sector.

Assessment of the Existing Feeding and Housing Management Practices of Dairy Animals in Rajbanshi Dairy Farmers

Feeding and housing play a very significant role in utilizing the real potential of dairy animals as both are prerequisite factors for milk production. The study was conducted in the Coochbehar district of West Bengal to explore the existing feeding and housing management practices followed by Rajbanshi dairy farmers. A total sample size of 200 dairy farm families was taken using multistage random sampling for the present study. It was observed that the majority of dairy farmers (63.00%) followed the system of stall feeding and for feeding green fodder majority (94.50%) of dairy farmers depended on naturally grown vegetation/ pastures. The study revealed that the majority (68.00%) of dairy farmers fed paddy straw as dry fodder followed by 32.00 percent of dairy farmers who fed both paddy straw and wheat straw to their animals. The majority (83.00%) of the dairy farmers did not feed mineral mixtures to their animals. Among animal sheds a vast majority (83.50%) were kaccha and the maximum percentage (87.50%) of the housing systems were single row. The majority (83.00%) of the sheds had a full wall in addition to this the walls were made up of tin sheets (45.00%) as well as jute sticks (37.00%). Rice straw was used as bedding material in the winter season by 62.00% percent of dairy farmers. The existing feeding and housing practices among Rajbanshi dairy farmers need improvement, including increased awareness of fodder cultivation, promotion of home-prepared feed, mineral supplementation, better shed construction, sanitation, and waste management.

Assessment of dairy farmers’ awareness and knowledge of Artificial Insemination in Southwest, Nigeria

Nigerian dairy sector regardless of its size, compared with other African nations, is divided, and ineffective, with a milk shortfall of 1.2 million metric tons per annum, despite the immense potential for profits from this venture. The study examined Dairy Farmers' awareness, sources, knowledge of Artificial Insemination, and challenges in dairy production. One hundred and fifty-three Dairy farmers were randomly from three states in the southwest. Results show that the majority of dairy farmers were within the age range of 41-50, 61.44% got information from other farmers,56.21% do not have formal education, 21-30 years in dairy farming, and 62.09% reared Local breeds. Majority (62.3%) of dairy farmers are aware, have no taboo on the use, and do not have contact with the extension staff. Dairy Farmers claimed that the animal’s health status should be considered first for Artificial insemination. Farmers are having high knowledge level of Artificial insemination and their major challenges are accessing credit and insecurity. It is concluded that the utilization of Artificial insemination technology is necessary for the development of dairy industry, therefore, extension contact must increase, the security of lives and property must improve and the introduction of exotic breeds for crossbreeding must also increase.

Problems as perceived by membes and non-members of dairy co-operative societies in Gadchiroli district of Vidarbha region

Studies on problem / constraints faced by dairy farmers revealed that the major problems faced by majority of dairy farmers were related to health, followed by monitory and lastly related to facilities. Problem of high incidence of repeated breeding was mentioned by 76 % and 90.7% of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers followed by high incidence of prolapsed of uterus 70% and 84.7% of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers. High cost of concentrates and high cost of dairy animal was expressed by 69.3% and 53.3% of beneficiary and 69.13% and 78% of non-beneficiary farmers. Irregularity in payments was mentioned by maximum non-beneficiary farmer (86.7%), whereas only 7.3% of beneficiary farmer mentioned irregularity in payments as constraints for them. The problem related to health and money are major in both beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers where as untimely payments of bills is major problems for non-beneficiary and it is negligible problem for beneficiary farmer as co-operatives pay them regularly.

Adoption level of improved dairy husbandry practices in tribal areas of Southern Gujarat

The present study was conducted in the Valsad district of Southern Gujarat. Total 240 respondents were interviewed for the questionnaire prepared about improved dairy husbandry practices adopted by them. The findings indicated that majority of dairy farmers had medium adoption level on different component of improved dairy husbandry practices viz. 67.92% for housing, 64.58% for feeding, 63.34% for breeding, 70% for healthcare, 64.58% for milking management and 70% for calf rearing. The overall adoption levels of the respondents in improved dairy husbandry practices fall under low, medium and high categories are 14.58%, 67.08% and 18.33%, respectively. The adoption index of different aspect of improved dairy husbandry practices of housing, feeding, breeding, health care, milking and calf rearing were 44.89, 29.04, 58.04, 43.31, 37.06 and 54.04%, respectively and overall adoption index of improved dairy husbandry practices was 44.4% which indicated low adoption level of dairy farmers in the study area.

Knowledge level of improved dairy husbandry practices in tribal areas of Southern Gujarat

The present study was conducted in the Valsad district of Southern Gujarat to assess the knowledge level of randomly selected 240 dairy farmers about improved dairy husbandry practices. The analysis of data collected by personal interview method revealed that majority of dairy farmers had medium knowledge level on different aspects of improved dairy husbandry practices viz. 58.78% for feeding, 80.00% for breeding, 60.00% for general management and 69.58% for healthcare. The overall knowledge levels of the respondents in improved dairy husbandry practices fall under low, medium and high categories are 17.08%, 63.34% and 19.58%, respectively. The knowledge index of different aspect of improved dairy husbandry practices of feeding, breeding, general management and health care were 52.03, 76.72, 45.57 and 69.11%, respectively and overall knowledge index of improved dairy husbandry practices was 60.86% which indicated medium knowledge level of dairy farmers in the study area.

The Adoption Rate of Reagent Masofilm Innovation as Teat Dipping to Prevent Mastitis in Kemiri Village, Jabung District, Malang Regency

The research purpose was to identify the dairy farmer's characteristics and analyze the innovation in the adoption of innovative technologies, which as reagent masofilm teat dipping to dairy cattle in Kemiri Village, Jabung District, Malang Regency. Data was obtained by observation participation and direct interview with 39 dairy farmers from KAN Jabung active members from February - March 2020. This research uses primary and secondary data, with participation observation, direct interviews with respondents with a Likert scale (score 1-3), and documentation as a data collection method. Data was then analyzed by using simple statistics and descriptive analysis. The results showed that the majority of dairy farmers in Kemiri Village are productive ages ranging from 25-38 years old, graduated from elementary school, have experience keeping livestock for around 21 years with several livestock ownership around 11-15 head/farmers and using 2 devices to find the information regarding the reagentmasofilm as teat dipping. In addition, the adoption rate of dairy farmers in Kemiri Village, Jabung District, Malang Regency was 76.92% in the fast category, 15.39% in the medium category and 7.69% in the slow category.

Climate change adaptation and adaptive capacities of dairy farmers: Evidence from village tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka

CONTEXTDairy farmers are affected by climate change (CC). To reduce the negative effects of CC, farmers need to take numerous adaptive measures. The ability to adapt is context-specific and there is a dearth of research on the adaptation and adaptive capacity (AC) of dairy farmers in village tank cascade systems (VTCS). OBJECTIVEThe study investigates dairy farmers' perception of CC, their AC, adaptation, and the social and institutional drivers of AC and adaptation in the two selected VTCS in Sri Lanka. The knowledge of this is vital in planning specific interventions to enhance the climate resilience of farmers. METHODSThe level of CC adaptation and AC was measured using the Activity-based Adaptation Index and Adaptive Capacity Index. Using an ordered logistic regression model, the determinants of the CC adaptation were examined. Social dimensions of AC are studied by comparing AC scores across social groups differentiated by income and gender. Data were collected from 200 dairy farmers in two VTCS in the Anuradhapura District, North Central Province of Sri Lanka, where dairy farming is predominantly practiced. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were used for data collection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONPasture shortage, reduction in milk yield, and growth retardation of animals are reported as perceived CC effects by a majority of dairy farmers. The adaptation strategies mostly implemented by dairy farmers are aimed at reducing the effects of CC on animal physiology. A lesser number of farmers implement adaptation strategies that address pasture shortages. Farmer's perception of CC, socioeconomic characteristics and resource endowment determine the level of adaptation, while the AC moderates the relationship between perception and response to CC. The institutional and social context in which dairy farmers operate differentiates the AC of farmers. Women and poorer farmers tend to have a lower AC. The difference in AC across these social groups is explained by access to resources. The study recommends interventions to address social gaps in AC and highlights the importance of strengthening and expanding extension services and rural credit facilities. SIGNIFICANCEGlobally, fewer studies have been conducted on the impacts of climate-related risks on dairy farming systems and adaptation in comparison with such risks and adaptation in crop farming. This study provides insights into resource-poor dairy farmers' responses to CC and potential solutions in using common resources in VTCS to reduce vulnerability to CC.

Tick control management practices of dairy farmers in Kangra district ofHimachal Pradesh, India

Tick infestation is a major problem affecting farm animal welfare and productivity. The study was conducted to assess the nature of tick infestation, awareness and methods of tick control among eight purposively selected village panchayats of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Further out of these 8 panchayats, 200 dairy farmers were randomly selected during 2018-2019.The study indicated that tick infestation is acute in hilly regions of Himachal, India and farmers rely mainly on animal husbandry institutions for seeking scientific inputs/information. Synthetic acaricides were widely in practice (100.0%), though 40 percent of farmers relied on both synthetic and indigenous herbal medications. The high use of acaricides was due to the presence of veterinary institutions in every village panchayat in the region. The majority of dairy farmers (79.5%) reported that these synthetic acaricides were effective up to 30 days only and recurrent infestation on animals was noticed. Suitable extension interventions for improved housing management and proper tick disposal must be applied to overcome the problem in the region.

Consciousness of Dairy Farmers about Rabies an Oldest Zoonosis

Background: The study was carried out to assess the consciousness of dairy farmers about rabies as an oldest zoonosis. Methods: Using the simple random sampling method, 180 dairy farmers from 36 villages of 6 talukas of Panchmahals and Mahisagar districts of Gujarat state (India) were selected. Result: The majority of dairy farmers (90.56%) had high to very high level of consciousness about rabies. The majority of dairy farmers had medium to high level of knowledge (72.22%), high to very high level of sensitivity (91.11%) and favorable to most favorable attitude (95.55%) towards the control of rabies. Path analysis show the maximum positive direct effect had exerted by scientific orientation and mass media exposure and age exerted maximum negative direct effect. Economic motivation and extension participation exerted maximum indirect positive effects. Dairy farmers can enhance their consciousness about rabies through participation in different extension activities with using mass media, internet and other psychological variables. The findings of this study would serve as a guideline for researchers, training institutions, planners, extension agencies and concerned organizations in the formation of effective realistic training programmes to impart consciousness amongst the dairy farmers about rabies and other zoonoses.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of smallholder milk production under changing climate: A case of Nandi County, Kenya

Milk production in Kenya is predominantly smallholder and dependent on rainfall. The study assesses spatiotemporal characteristics of smallholder milk production in Nandi County under changing climate. Climate (Rainfall and temperature), fodder availability (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and soil moisture content) and milk production data were used. Methods included trend analysis, spatial plots, correlation and multi-regression analysis. Monthly NDVI and soil moisture content were high between April and November with seasonal analysis indicating highest/lowest June-August (JJA)/December-February (DJF) values. Percentage change (%Δ) for NDVI was 6.0% (DJF), 1.96% (March-May, MAM), 2.13% (JJA), 4.16% (September-November, SON) and (2.53% (Annual). Seasonal and annual %Δ for soil moisture content ranged 7.2-17.1% at 0-10cm level and 8.1-23.7% at 10-40 level. Trend analysis of milk production showed positive change from 2007 to 2016 and highest/lowest in December/April with seasonal %Δ of up to 186% (MAM), 183% (JJA), 202% (SON), 214% (DJF) and 204% (Annual). Majority of household (HH) owned between 1 and 20 acres of land with only 0.5 to 2 acres allocated to dairy farming while those allocating less than 1 acre practiced zero grazing. On average, HH had 2 lactating cows throughout the year with majority of dairy farmers (98.6%) owning improved cow breeds. Amount of milk per HH supplied to the farmer organization varied between 2.3 litres and 3.8 litres with computed daily average milk produced per HH being 18.8 litres. Active milk suppliers were highest/lowest in December/April whereas daily average milk production per HH between 2010 and 2016 was highest/lowest in January (23.7 litres)/August (15.6 litres). Lowest/highest correlation coefficients were found in precipitation/minimum temperature. Multi-regression analysis indicated that precipitation had significant contribution to dairy productivity. Given the sensitivity of milk production to climate and fodder availability, adequate adaptation and mitigation measures are necessary in order to sustainably enhance milk production.

Smallholder farmers’ perceptions and future aspirations toward dairy farming development in Bandung District, West Java

Dairy farming has an essential role in meeting the ever-increasing demand for milk. However, efforts to develop dairy farming in Indonesia are still facing various obstacles. This paper aims to analyze farmers’ perceptions and expectations toward developing dairy farming and its sustainability, along with its constraints. The data used in this paper are part of the IndoDairy Smallholder Household Survey database conducted between July and September 2017, consisting of 300 smallholder dairy farm households randomly selected from KPBS Pangalengan members. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and clustering analysis. The results show that the majority of dairy farmers (>50%) rated as ‘good’ the availability of extension services, availability of veterinary services, availability of veterinary medicines, availability of credit, and availability of concentrates; rated as ‘fair’ prices paid by buyers for milk, the number of milk buyers, and quality of the grass and forages; and rated as ‘bad’ the price of concentrates and the availability of land to purchase. In contrast, most farmers perceived the availability of land to purchase and the price of concentrates as ‘bad.’ As much as 90.3% of farmers expected to increase their dairy farm operations. The majority of dairy farmers (94%) showed their willingness to participate in training in the village, especially in animal husbandry (31.2%). This study strongly suggests that the government facilitates an increased supply of quality concentrate feed at affordable prices and land availability for dairy farming development.

Socio-Economic Profile of the Dairy Industry in Cagayan Valley: Potential Users of Green Technology

Dairy farming plays a vital role in the social and economic livelihood of the farmer households and cooperatives in the Cagayan Valley. For the adoption of new technologies such as greening technology in dairy production, profiling of the dairy farm is an important factor in developing the assessment of the viability of the green tech to be adopted by the farmers as a means to increase their productivity and efficiency in farming. By considering this aspect, the study was undertaken in the Cagayan Valley and the respondents were purposively selected. There were four cooperatives that represented the region, while 10 farmer households were also randomly selected. The data was collected using a predesigned interview schedule on-farm/site. Key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) will be the means of gathering relevant information. The collected data was analysed using basic descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, proportions, average, and rating. The results indicate that the majority of the dairy farmers in the Cagayan Valley belonged to the aged group, with an average age of 54 and above, with a degree in college, and a high income of up to P15,001-above/monthly, which represents the large and medium-sized families. The majority of dairy farmers had at least 5 years of experience using green technology, and 60% of them had both cattle and carabao as dairy farm animals. The adoption rate of green technology using vermicomposting and using solar panels by both categories of respondents reveals that there is a potential market expansion for the implementation of green technology for the dairy farming industry and for further improvement of the socio-economic status of the farmers and their stakeholders, which may lead to their embracing green tech culture. Adequate research and a contribution from the NGO's and government in this sector are essential to improve the living conditions of the farmers in Cagayan Valley.

Consciousness of dairy farmers about leptospirosis disease as a zoonosis

The study was carried out to assess the consciousness of dairy farmers about leptospirosis disease as a zoonosis. Using the simple random sampling method, 180 dairy farmers from 36 villages of 6 talukas of Panchmahals and Mahisagar districts of Gujarat state (India) were selected. The majority of dairy farmers (88.34 per cent) had medium to high level of consciousness about leptospirosis disease. The majority of the dairy farmers had very low to low level of knowledge (83.89 per cent), very high level of sensitivity (62.78 per cent) and favorable to most favorable attitude (95.55 per cent) towards the control of leptospirosis disease as a zoonosis. The relationship between education, extension participation, mass media exposure, internet exposure, professional training received, scientific orientation, innovation proneness and economic motivation of dairy farmers with their consciousness on leptospirosis disease were found to be a positive and significant. Dairy farmers can enhance their consciousness about leptospirosis disease through participation in different extension activities with using mass media, internet and other psychological variables.

Knowledge and adoption level of dairy farmers about bovine ectoparasites in the operational area of dairy Vigyan Kendra, Vejalpur, Gujarat (India)

The study was emphasized on knowledge and adoption level of dairy farmers about bovine ectoparasites in the operational area of Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK), Vejalpur, Gujarat (India). Using the simple random sampling method, 300 respondents from 30 villages of 10 talukas in the operational area of Dairy Vigyan Kendra, Vejalpur were selected. Majority of dairy farmers (80.33%) reported that their animals were suffering from ticks during study period 2019-20. An arrangement of major components of dairy farmers’ knowledge level about bovine ectoparasites as ‘Symptoms of animal → Prevention & Control of ectoparasite infestation → Transmission → General information → Various diseases transmitted due to ectoparasites’ were ordered in decreasing trend. The majority of dairy farmers (74.67%) had medium level of knowledge about bovine ectoparasites. Dairy farmers (37.67 %) had low adoption level regarding the practices of bovine ectoparasites’ control. Correlation between knowledge level and adoption level of dairy farmer regarding bovine ectoparasites was found to be highly significance at 0.01 level of significance.

Managemental practices followed by the dairy farmers in Tamil Nadu state

The study was conducted in 23 districts of Tamil Nadu state to find out the general management practices followed by dairy farmers on feeding, breeding, health care, production performance of the dairy animals, and also the constraints involved in dairy farming. The majority of the farmers had a medium herd size of 5- 8 animals with cross-bred Jersey cattle as the choice of dairy animal. The average daily milk yield of crossbred HF, cross-bred Jersey, and the non-descript cow was 11.83, 8.57, and 5.2 liters per day respectively. The average sale price of milk per liter was Rs. 31. 18 and it ranged from Rs. 22 to 50 depending upon the availability of marketing demand. The majority of dairy farmers (64%) fed green fodder 15- 20 kg/day/animal and the remaining farmers fed 20-30 kg per day per cattle. The majority of respondents (41.33%) fed 2.5-3.5 kg of concentrate feed per day followed by 33.33 % of farmers fed 1- 2kg of concentrate feed per day. The majority of the respondents (above 90 %) were aware and regularly following of vaccination and deworming practices. All of the farmers following the artificial insemination method to breed animals. The low cost for milk sale price, low milk yield, and high occurrence of reproductive disorders were the major constraints faced by the dairy farmers. The present study will help the policy developers to propose any modifications or improvements needed for the dairy farming production system in Tamil Nadu for the dairy farming community’s betterment.

Rate of Adoption and Diffusion of Dairy Innovations by the Dairy Farmers in Andhrapradesh

Rate of adoption in the present study refers to the acceptance and application by a respondent, some or all the innovations recommended in the package of selected dairy innovations. Rate of diffusion is operationalized as the time taken by the dairy farmer to implement the innovation recommended, to the time form which the farmer is aware of the innovation. A total of 360 dairy farmers, who were first to adopt innovations suggested by the State Animal Husbandry Department from three districts of Andhra Pradesh i.e., Visakhapatnam, Krishna and Chittoor districts were selected purposively for the study. A total of nine dairy innovations were suggested for adoption to the dairy farmers in the study area. Based on adoption quotient computed, the farmers were categorized into low, medium and high adopters and item analysis on adoption of dairy innovations was carried out. Item analysis identified that, out of the nine practices recommended, only five practices i.e., package of practices for rearing heifers, pregnant and lactating animals; feeding of area specific mineral mixture, strategies for enhancement of milk yield and quality, marketing strategies to improve milk sales, use of ICT’s in adoption of innovations were adopted by majority of dairy farmers while remaining four practices i.e., cultivation and feeding of Azolla, hydroponic fodder, use of milking machine and formulation and feeding of complete feed blocks had shown almost low to nil adoption by sizeable section of the respondents. The reasons for adoption of the above mentioned five practices is due to dominant role played by them in influencing production levels, minimum input costs and high economic returns where as the remaining four practices involved high input costs, sound operational skills, low economic returns and non-applicability in all situations which might have been the reasons for their adoption to a meager extent.

ADOPTION LEVEL OF IMPROVED DAIRY HUSBANDRY PRACTICES AND CONSTRAINTS IN RURAL AREAS OF SURAT DISTRICT

The present study was conducted in the Surat district of Gujarat. Total 300 respondents were interviewed for the questionnaire prepared about improved dairy husbandry practices adopted by them and constraints in adoption of those practices. The findings indicated that majority of dairy farmers had medium adoption level on different component of improved dairy husbandry practices viz. 62.33% for housing, 65.33% for feeding, 57% for breeding, 62.34% for healthcare, 68.33% for milking management and 70% for calf rearing. The overall adoption levels of the respondents in improved dairy husbandry practices fall under low, medium and high categories are 9.33%, 75.34% and 15.33%, respectively. The adoption index of different aspect of improved dairy husbandry practices of housing, feeding, breeding, health care, milking and calf rearing were 44.97, 40.90, 64.98, 51.55, 50.60 and 50.85%, respectively and overall adoption index of improved dairy husbandry practices was 50.64% which indicated medium adoption level of dairy farmers in the study area. The majority of dairy farmers had high construction cost (94%), lack of own capital (64%), high cost of feed (97.33%), non-availability of green fodder round the year (85.33%), lack of awareness about treatment of poor quality straw to improve its nutritive value (68.67%), repeat breeding problems in dairy animals (88.67 %), non-remunerative price for milk (93.67%), lack of knowledge in clean milk production (71.33%), high cost of veterinary medicine (78.67%), problem of mastitis in dairy animals (71.33%) and inadequate knowledge of diseases and their control (67.33%) were major constraints in adoption ofimproved dairy husbandry practices.

Identifying influential variables on livestock breeding and rearing knowledge level of cattle keepers in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan

The study was conducted in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan in the year 2016-17. Two villages namely Rajasani and Chopasani Charnan of Tiwri block of Jodhpur district were selected randomly from ICAR-CAZRI’s Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav Initiative (MGMGI) programme. A predetermined sample of sixty respondents, 30 respondents per village were randomly selected. The data were collected through observations with the help of a personal interview schedule. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (36.66%) belonged to old aged group (> 55 years) and had their education (31.67 %) up to middle level. Dairying with agriculture profession was the most (93.33 per cent) prevalent occupation. The data regarding family size indicates that majority of respondents (85 %) are having 4 – 10 members and more than fifty per cent (53.33 %) of the respondents had farm size of 1 – 2 ha. About 68.00 per cent of the respondents possess 1- 2 milch animals. Majority (81.67 %) of the respondents were in medium level of mass media exposure and extension agency contact. Almost 88.37 per cent of the respondents were not participated socially. Regarding the amount of milk production, 63.34 per cent farmers produced about 2 – 5 litres milk per day. More than two-third of the respondents were having medium annual income (Rs. 14,642 – Rs.32, 924) and economic motivation. Among the dairy farmers, more than half of the respondents were medium in their progressiveness and religious belief, while two third of the respondents (75%) had medium level of Fatalism-Scientism. Further the study revealed that the majority of dairy farmers (53.34 %), possessed medium level of knowledge followed by 23.33 per cent each of low and high categories. The results obtained from simple correlation and path analysis indicated that the characters extension agency contact and annual income had strong positive correlation and high magnitude of positive direct effects on knowledge level about dairy farming practices.