Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Scientific Dairy Animal Feeding and Breeding Practices: A Case of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh

Author: Divyanshu Singh Tomar, Surender Singh Lathwal, Pawan Singh and Indu Devi

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Abstract

This study was conducted in order to assess the degree to which dairy farmers in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh adopted scientific feeding and breeding practices, and their correlation with the socioeconomic profile of the dairy farmers. In this study, a sample of 200 dairy farmers was randomly chosen from 4 villages that are within a 10-kilometre radius of ICAR-NDRI's field operational centre in Lalukheri village of Muzaffarnagar district. Overall adoption rates for breeding management (71.2%) were better than those for scientific feeding management practices (56.4%) among dairy producers in the studied area. Further, it was demonstrated that the improvement in socio-economic characteristics such as family income, landholding, educational attainment, and contact with extension agencies led to a rise in the adoption of scientific feeding and breeding practices by dairy producers. Often dairy farmers were unaware of modern scientific management practices. If feeding and breeding practices are properly managed, the desired amount of milk production would be feasible. Given this fact, the study managed to improve farmers' understanding of the significance of appropriate breeding and feeding practices.

Keywords

Adoption, Breeding practices, Dairy animals, Feeding practices, Socio-economic

Conclusion

According to the study, the total adoption rate of scientific feeding and breeding methods was about 56% and 71%, respectively, in the study area. The correlation between landholdings, education, annual income, and extension contact was extremely significant (p < 0.01). Conversely, there was a significant negative connection (p < 0.05) between experience in dairy farming and adoption. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the adoption of better animal husbandry practices and household size, age, herd size, or milk yield. These associations showed that farmers with higher levels of education, land ownership, annual income, and extension contact may be more likely to adopt more advanced animal breeding and feeding practices. To increase the degree of adoption of scientific dairy animal breeding and feeding practices and other aspects of animal management as well, it is necessary to regularly undertake training and awareness programmes with regard to animal management issues. That would guarantee the dairy cattle owners' long-term economic security.

References

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How to cite this article

Divyanshu Singh Tomar, Surender Singh Lathwal, Pawan Singh and Indu Devi (2023). Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Scientific Dairy Animal Feeding and Breeding Practices: A Case of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 768-773.