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Evaluation of Health Care and Husbandry System of Calves at Buffalo Farms in Southern Bangladesh

A. K. Talukder
Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, BSMRAU, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh

M. A. Rahman
Department of Surgery and Radiology, BSMRAU, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh

M. A. Islam
Department of Medicine, BSMRAU, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh

M. T. Islam
Department of Pathobiology, BSMRAU, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh

A. S. M. Selim
Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, BSMRAU, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh

A. K. Pau
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barisal-8210, Bangladesh

M. A. Rahman

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Calves with optimum health play a crucial role for sustainability of the dairy farms. This study was conducted to evaluate the present status of calf health care and husbandry system on 140 buffalo farms in southern Bangladesh. The data were collected during farm visit and recorded in prepared questionnaire. The results of the present study revealed that significantly lower number of farms (15.0%) had calves with good body condition (p<0.05) during farm visit. Navel cord disinfection to the newly born calves was not practiced in all these farms. Colostrum was fed to calves soon after birth in significantly lower number (4.3%) of farms (p<0.05). Furthermore, 13.6% farmers dewormed their buffalo calves (p<0.05) and calves in 11.4% farms were vaccinated against anthrax and foot and mouth disease (p<0.05). Sick calves were treated by buffalo owner themselves in significantly higher proportion of buffalo farms (59.3%) compared with treated by veterinarian (12.9%) and quack (27.8%) (p<0.05). Overall, the buffalo calf mortality was recorded 14.5% of which higher mortality (74.5%) was observed in first three months of age in comparison to other age groups. Moreover, the number of calves died was affected by herd size in the farms (R²=0.938, p<0.001). The helminthiasis (20.3%) was identified as most prevalent disease in buffalo calves followed by malnutrition (13.2%), indigestion (12.4%) and navel ill (9.3%). It can be concluded that health care and management system of buffalo calves in these dairies are extremely unsatisfactory and buffalo farmers need proper education and training about scientific knowledge of calf rearing practice.

Keywords: Buffalo calf, Health care, Husbandry system

Location: Barisal (Bakergonj Upazilla), Patuakhali (Galachipa and Bauphal Upazilla), Jhalokati (Nolchiti Upazilla) and Bhola (Char-fassion Upazilla)

Start Date: 00-07-2011

End Date: 00-06-2012

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Buffalo

Objectives:

To evaluate the present health care and management system of calves at the buffalo farms in southern region of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study location and period: This study was conducted in four districts of southern Bangladesh (Barisal Division) namely Barisal (Bakergonj Upazilla), Patuakhali (Galachipa and Bauphal Upazilla), Jhalokati (Nolchiti Upazilla) and Bhola (Char-fassion Upazilla) during the period from July 2011 to June 2012.

Data collection: One hundred 40 buffalo farms (35 from each district) were included in this study. A questionnaire was developed to record the relevant information on the selected parameters. Interview with buffalo owners was made for collection of data during visit of these farms. The major parameters observed in this study include calf population, general body condition of calves at farms, health care system (navel care, deworming practice, vaccination and treatment policy), husbandry practices (colostrum feeding, milk feeding, housing and bedding), calf mortality and prevalence of diseases in calves.

Data analysis: Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel Worksheet 2007. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 14.0. One way ANOVA analysis was applied to compare the data among the groups. Linear regression analysis was carried out to see the effect of farm size on number of calves died (absolute calf mortality).

Source of Information: SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 108-120 (2015)

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/SJA/article/view/26572/17824

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results of the present study concluded that health care and management practices of calves in dairy farms is highly neglected and pattern of calf rearing is almost similar in four districts of southern region of Bangladesh. Buffalo farmers need proper education, training and extension works about scientific management of calf health care and husbandry practice to ensure the best quality of breed of buffalo for the sustainable dairy development of Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal