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A Case Study on Year Round Fodder Production Scheme for Smallholder Dairy Producers in Bangladesh

N.R. Sarker
Fodder Research and Development Project, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh.

F. Tabassum D. Yeasmin
Fodder Research and Development Project, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh.

M.A. Habib
Fodder Research and Development Project, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh.

M.R. Amin
Fodder Research and Development Project, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was undertaken to develop a year round fodder production model for small scale dairy farmers. Five pregnant dairy cows of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) genotype were selected. For rearing five cows, 66 decimal of land was selected from existing fodder plots under Pachutia Research Farm at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. The selected land was divided into two parts (33 decimal in each). One part was brought under perennial (Napier-4 and Splendida) and the 2^nd part of land for seasonal (Maize & Matikalai) fodder production. Data on live weight and live weight gain of cows, birth weight of calves, feed intake, milk production, actual biomass yield for both perennial and seasonal fodder, yearly manure production were recorded and calculated. Napier-4 grass, splendida, maize, straw, silage were supplied to the experimental cows according to the seasonal availability in different months. Concentrate mixture were also supplied consisting of wheat bran, kheshari (red gram), soybean meal, maize crushed, til oil cake, DCP and common salt. Economics of the model revealed that considering the sale of milk, calves and manure and cost included only feed and land leased, a farm/family rearing 5 indigenous dairy cows with his/her family labours, he/she could earn around BDT 98 thousand in a year (1$ = 85 BDT) and the benefit cost ratio of the model on total variable cost and total cost were 1.86 and 1.66, respectively. Therefore, it may be recommended that a farmer having 5 adult dairy cows with 66 decimal land under fodder cultivation may earn substantial share of his/her family income as small-scale rural dairying.

Keywords: Fodder production model, Smallholder dairy. Cost-benefit analysis

Location: Pachutia Research Farm at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Fodder

Objectives:

To develop a year round fodder production model for small scale dairy farmers.

Methodology:

Five pregnant cows of indigenous Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) genotype were selected to conduct the experiment in Pachutia Research Farm, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka. For rearing five cows, about 66 decimal (2 Bigha) of land was selected from existing fodder plots.The selected land was divided into two parts i.e. 33 decimal in each. One part (33 decimal) was brought under perennial fodder (BLRI Napier-4 and Splendida in approximately 50:50 land) and the 2^nd part of land was allowed for seasonal fodder (Maize & khesari as intercropping pattern) production. The later part of land was utilized into two cropping system; rice cultivation in summer and seasonal fodder production in winter. The straw from rice cultivation was used for feeding cows when the scarcity of green grasses was existed. Land preparation and fodder production was followed according to the standard method adopted at BLRI (Farm yard manure, urea, triple super phosphate and muriate of potash at the rate of 20 tons, 60, 70 and 30 kg per hectare, respectively, were applied before ploughing and top dressing with urea at the rate of 60 kg/ha during first weeding after 30 d of plantation along with adequate irrigation). Silage was prepared during the time when there were abundant supplies of perennial fodder, especially in monsoon. Data on live weight and live weight gain of cows, birth weight of calves, feed intake, milk production, actual biomass yield for both perennial and seasonal fodder and yearly manure production were recorded and calculated. Economics of the model was also calculated based on cost-profit analysis. About 14.34 tons of perennial and 4.8 tons of seasonal fodder along with 1.1 tons of rice straw had been produced from 66 decimal of land in a year which had been supplied to 5 cows. The intake was determined by subtracting the amount of leftover from the amount of feed supplied on the previous day in case of grasses, straw and silage. Required amount of concentrate mixture composed of wheat bran, khesari (red gram) bran, soybean meal, maize, til oil cake, di-calcium phosphate and common salt was also supplied daily. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS package.

Source of Information: Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&2), 2019: P. 79-102

Article Link (Online Journal): https://doi.org/10.3329/bjlr.v26i1-2.49940

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Based on the above findings, it may be concluded that a farmer having 5 indigenous adult cows with 66 decimal of land may earn substantial share of his/her family income as small-scale rural dairying. Further, on-farm in-depth trial is needed considering the socio-economic perspective of the farmers and land availability for fodder production in the respective areas.

Knowledge Management: Journal