Q&A: Bovine rearing in the state of Uttarakhand
Nidhi Sukhija1, Kanaka K. K.1* and AnoopAnand Malik2
1ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
2ICAR-National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi -110012, India
*Corresponding author mail ID: kkokay07@gmail.com
Place : Gadarpur (Latitude: 25°14′40″ N Longitude: 86°58′18″ E)
District: Udham Singh Nagar
Area : Semi-urban
The respondent of the current interview was a farmer, to know the state-of-art rearing of Cattle and Buffaloes in the area, as well as the marketing status of the milk obtained from them. The last question was asked to the procurement officer of a dairy farm in the area. The following questionnaire was asked, to elicit information for the same:
Q: What are the major breeds reared here?
A: Mainly HF crosses, Non-descript cows and Murrah buffaloes are reared, as per the agro-climatic conditions of the farm. Indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal cows and Bhadavari buffaloes are also reared in other households of the same village.
Q: Which breeds do the farmers prefer to rear more?
A: Farmers prefer to rear cross-breeds over indigenous cattle. This may be due to higher per head productivity of crosses compared to the indigenous.
Q: List the major features, strong points and parameters like milk yield, etc.?
A: HF crosses have a patchy black on white colour. They are good yielders and produce around 12 Kg milk/day. Non-descript cow in his herd are brown in colour and produce nearly 5-6 Kg milk/day. Murrah buffalo is jet black in colour and has tightly curled horns and produce nearly 15 Kg milk/day.
Q: What is the average (roughly) number of animals kept in the village?
A: On an average 4 animals are kept per household. The farmer has kept 5 cows out of which 1 is a heifer and 1 is a calf.
Q: What are the main identification systems followed?
A: Ear-tagging and branding are the main identification system followed. The farmer was reluctant towards ear-tagging previously as ear-tags may be indicative of him taking loan from bank, but upon insistence by technician’s policy of ‘’No tag, No AI”, the farmer resorted to AI.
Q: What are the main housing systems?
A: In extensive system, Non-descript are favoured as they are more resistant to diseases and can thrive on pasture, while in semi-intensive system, the cross-bred animals are reared. Tail to tail system of housing is followed as it minimise spread of infections. Cemented walls, brick-pavement floors, sloped drainage and tin-shed covered by gunny bags from interior were seen.
Q: What are the main feedstuffs given to the animals?
A: In winters, they give Berseem fodder, Sugarcane straw while in Spring, they give Bajra, Maize, etc. They give concentrate feed throughout the year, by soaking in water to make it more palatable. Rice bran, Wheat bran, Wheat straw, green grass, paddy straw, etc. are given. There is although a deficit of green and dry fodder in our area. Popular feeds such as, Tara feeds, give good results in animals. Salt and mineral mixture are added to the ration @ 1% and water is fed ad-libitum. Group feeding is done over individual feeding as intake is more. Antibiotics may also be added, as and when needed.
Q: How much milk is produced, on an average?
A: 10 Kg milk/ animal/ day is produced on an average. Low in non-descript and high in buffalo.
Q: Are you in favour of buffalo rearing?
A: Yes, though Buffalo milk is liked by certain households only, who buy it with cow milk only. Buffalo milk is milk of choice for sweet-making, ghee-making, etc. specifically. Standardized milk comprises of both cow and buffalo milk.
Q: Which milking method is used for milking?
A: Full-hand milking method is used. It ensures complete removal of milk from the gland.
Q: How many times the animals are milked?
A: Animals are milked twice a day, i.e., once at morning and once at evening. Morning milk is sold to households, by door-to-door service while the evening milk is procured by the dairy vans of UCDF (Uttarakhand Co-operative Dairy limited), sold under the brand name Aanchal Ltd.
Q: Comment on the marketing aspects.
A: The co-operatives buy milk from the farmers based on fat percent and corrected lactometer reading (CLR). The farmers however prefer to sell milk to the households (Rs. 50/L) as it fetches slightly higher price. The milk is sold in the range of Rs. 25-45/Litre of milk, based on fat and SNF.
Q: Throw light on animal behaviour.
A: Animals are docile and have good dairy temperament.
Q: What is the system of mating used?
A: Artificial Insemination (AI) is used over Natural Service as it provides better calves in the next generation and is economical. AM-PM rule is followed for service.
Q: Are Standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed by the AI technician?
A: The technician brings the frozen semen straws in LN2 container. However, He does not check the temperature upon thawing of straws. He confirms signs of heat in cows. However, He does not ensure that the cow to be inseminated has a clear cervical discharge, indicative of the fact that she is free from infections such as metritis, etc. Cost of each straw is Rs. 8-10 only, but cost of technician is more. May be that’s why conception rate is low.
Q: What are the common diseases prevalent in the herd and locality?
A: Mastitis, Dystokia, Retention of placenta (ROP), Milk fever, Maggot infestation, Tick infestation and Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) are seen more.
Q: What is the main vaccination followed?
A: Triple vaccine: FMD, HS, BQ is given for Foot and Mouth disease, Haemorrhagic septicaemia and Black Quarters. Additionally, Tetanus injection (ATS: Anti-tetanus serum) is given, if needed.
Q: What are the home remedies (ITKs) followed?
A: Ajwain is given during cough and constipation. Turmeric is given in case of infections. In case of maggot infestation, turpentine oil is used.
A question was asked to the procurement officer of a dairy enterprise, as follows:
Q: Which model would be more beneficial in your opinion for a dairy, rearing animals under the ownership of dairy model versus collecting milk from farmers individually by a milking van?
A: The officer said the latter model would be more beneficial, as it is not inclusive of veterinary expenses, variability in production status of animal at different lactations, etc. The dairy regulates the cost of milk depending upon fat and SNF, as mentioned earlier. “Sadly, only a little profit is left for the farmers from this”, he added.
