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Background: Bovine herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1) the causative agent of Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is of great concern to dairy farmers and veterinarians due to great economic impact caused by the virus in terms of loss of production and abortion. Therefore, the study was planned to detect the virus circulating in the bovine population of the region under study. This virus is an important pathogen of bovine respiratory diseases. The aim of the present study was to isolate the BoHV-1 virus from the upper respiratory tract of bovines. Methods: A total of 13 nasal swab samples were subjected to virus isolation in Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells lines. A PCR assay was applied to confirm the BoHV-1 DNA by targeting gI glycoprotein gene in isolates. Result: Total two IBR virus isolates were recovered from 13 nasal swab samples of bovines. Both isolates exhibited cytopathic effects i.e. clumping and rounding of cells. A 468 base pair of amplified product from both isolates confirmed the IBR virus in gI gene specific PCR for BoHV-1. This study concludes that IBR virus exists among cattle population of Punjab and it is present in the upper respiratory tract of infected animal and shed through respiratory route. The PCR detection assay for detection of BoHV-1 from nasal swab samples is considerably more sensitive than virus isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general practice of selection of dairy animals concentrating high milk production has unwanted consequences like occurrence of health problems and fertility issues. Functional traits, including health and fertility, have significant genetic association with production and reproduction performance traits. Functionally superior dairy cows are healthy and sustained producers of healthful food for calves and human consumption. Improvement in functional traits rises the economy of dairy farmers by reducing the cost of input. These facts emphasised the inclusion of functional traits along with other economically important traits in selection criteria for the improvement of dairy animals. Hence, most of the dairy advanced countries have included genetic evaluation of functional traits as a routine practice in their dairy cattle selection programmes. In India, comparatively limited works have been carried out on functional traits and it suggested exploring more on this area for further development of the dairy sector. This review details the importance of inclusion of functional traits in genetic evaluation of dairy cattle for overall development of the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dairy animals, lameness due to hoof and leg ailments is one of the major managemental problems which often results due to improper shoeing. It causes economic losses to the farmer and is also an important animal welfare issue. The main objective of the study was to design and develop affordable and durable Cowslips (rubberized shoes) for dairy animals to protect the hoof from injuries. The size range of the hooves was determined by measuring different hoof parameters on 46 dairy cows maintained at the institutional dairy farm. Based on the size-range data obtained, we designed and developed Cowslip of different sizes (small, medium and large) by using used rubber tyre wastes with the aim of withstanding an average body weight of the dairy animal (400-550 kg). Rubberized Cowslips prepared in the present study were evaluated for their retention periods and compared with the imported Cowslip devices. Rubberised Cowslip was found to be equally comparable with the commercial Cowslip in its efficiency and high affordability. These Cowslips will be helpful for the dairy farmers as a preventive device in the effective management of lame animals under field conditions. The data generated on morphometry of hoof would serve as a baseline data for designing indigenous Cowslips. Thus, effectively utilizing rubber obtained from scrap automobile tyre is not only beneficial in terms of cost reduction but has also the less ecological impact in keeping the environment clean and to achieve the better balance of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Eastern semi-arid region of Sétif (Algeria). 63 dairy cattle farmers were surveyed through personal interview using a well-structured questionnaire to collect the information about cattle husbandry practices followed in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics performed with SPSS software (version 19). The results revealed that the majority of farmers (68.85%) rely on family labor and 31.15 per cent use wage labor. As for the age group, operators aged between 21 and 35 represent the highest proportion (74.6%) and 21.1 per cent of the population aged between 36 and 50 years. On the other hand, chiefs over the age of 51 represent only 4.3 per cent. The free stall housing is the mode most practiced by the majority of farmers surveyed (59.01%) versus 40.99 per cent are practicing the stanchion stable system. The majority of respondents (90.16%) fed readymade concentrate to their animals followed by home prepared concentrate (9.84%). Artificial insemination is used by 19.67 per cent of farmers surveyed; the majority uses the natural service for breeding their animals. Pregnancy diagnosis is followed by all surveyed farmers but it was done by a qualified veterinarian. Calving interval was 12 months for all farmers surveyed. The majority of cattle farmers (96.82%) are calf producers-fatteners. The fattened calves and culled cows are main categories of cattle made in market for slaughtering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines vulnerability of dairy based livelihoods to climate change applying index based approach underlying the principles of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), using 28 indicators to construct an overall Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) to climate change, an important step in evolving appropriate adaptation strategies to climate change. Detailed house hold level data of dairy based livelihoods of Ratnagiri region of Western Ghats were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and personal interviews from 180 randomly selected farmers of three talukas of Ratnagiri district complemented by thirty years of gridded weather data and other secondary data sources. The analysis revealed that the dairy farmers of Lanja taluka were most vulnerable among those of Ratnagiri district. The index score of dairy based livelihoods of Lanja taluka was negative with overall value -4.17 with 48% farmers having high level of vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was carried out to determine the impact of IPARD supports on dairy enterprises in Afyonkarahisar. IPADR beneficiary group found to have 3-5 years of experience, university graduate owners with no extra income where records are kept and statistical analysis is performed. Non-beneficiary group was more experienced with less educated owners, half had an extra income but did not keep records and not perform statistical analysis. In the first group, average daily milk yield was 25 liters, calves were weaned at 90 days, automatic milking system was used, hoof care was regularly performed, manure was removed by scrapers, teats were cleaned before and after milking while in the second group average daily milk yield is 10-30 liters, calves were weaned between 30-90 days, mobile milking machines were used, hoof care was slightly performed, manure was collected manually, teats were cleaned before milking. Consequently, IPARD grants were useful for improving the production quality, hygiene and amount in dairy enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was made to study the adoption status of concentrate feeding and to identify factors affecting its adoption in India through primary data collection from 360 dairy farmers. The study revealed that majority of the respondents had not adopted this practice, followed by full and partial adoption in the study area. Further, the study also pointed out that about 21 per cent farmers adopted concentrate feeding since 3-6 years, while about 19 per cent farmers had adopted the practice from 6-9 years. The adoption status revealed that there was highly significant difference across the states for concentrate feeding in dairying. Multinomial logit model depicted the Chi-square value of 144.84 indicating that the model was highly significant (p<0.001). The study suggested that researchers and extension experts need to make farmers more aware about the benefits of concentrate feeding to improve productivity in the dairy sector. Further, the scientists have to analyse the problems of dairy farmers and find suitable solutions for higher diffusion and adoption at field conditions by participatory technology generation and transfer approach with adequate representation of farmers so that their feedback can be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was taken up to measure the impact "Integrated Murrah Development Schemes (IMDS) on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries as well as on productive and reproductive performance of the Murrah buffaloes of the beneficiaries. 'Z' test analysis indicated that there was significant difference in socio-economic status of the beneficiaries and non beneficiaries viz; milk consumption, milk sale at 5 % level of probability, while; herd size, type of animal shed, material possession, milk production, annual income from dairying, annual gross income of the respondents at 1 % level of probability. Similarly, there was significant difference in productive and reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes of the beneficiaries and non beneficiaries viz; age at first calving, calving interval, at 5 % level of probability; while, number of AIs required per conception, lactation length, dry period, average lactation milk yield, average daily milk yield and peak yield at 1 % level of probability. Most of the beneficiaries (73.75%) had medium level overall impact of IMDS on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries followed by high (17.50%) and low (8.75%). Whereas, medium level overall impact of IMDS was found on the productive and reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes of the majority beneficiaries (89.38%) followed by high impact on few (10.63%). Such development programmes should be promoted for the improvement of socio economic status of farmers as well as improvement of milk productivity of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farming is one of the important activities undertaken by Self Help Groups (SHGs). The present study was undertaken in Kamrup district (Metro and Rural) of Assam to find out the socio-economic and communication profile SHG members and non-members, to appraise and compare the knowledge and adoption level of improved dairy farming practices (IDFPs) of the members and non-members and to delineate the factors affecting the knowledge and adoption level of IDFPs. From 20 randomly selected SHGs, 100 members were selected randomly and 100 non-members also selected randomly were included for the study. Most of the members were young while non-members were middle aged. Dairy SHGs in the districts were dominated by the male farmers. Both members and non-members were marginal farmers. Members' knowledge and adoption level of IDFPs were found to be medium while non-members were in low knowledge and adoption category. Occupation, community relation and extension contact contributed positively and significantly to the knowledge gain and adoption of IDFPs. SHG programme improved socio-economic status of the members and positively influenced in knowledge gain and adoption of technologies in the farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of investigation were 3940 buffaloes from the Murrah breed, raised at the dairy farm of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana for the period 1971-2010 to study the culling pattern in them from an organized herd. The reasons for culling were classified into: low milk production; reproduction related problems; health type; disease; senility and miscellaneous conditions. The part of buffaloes culled for low milk production was the biggest - 30.77 %, followed by reproduction related problems -30.39%, old age-14.76%, disease -9.64%, health type -8.89% and miscellaneous condition accounted for 5.55 % and it was found that culling has significant effect on period, season and parity (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profitability of dairy animals has direct relation with the performance of productive and reproductive parameters of dairy animals. Hence, an attempt was made to measure the productive and reproductive performances of dairy animals and farmers' knowledge on these aspect in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. For this purpose 150 farmers engaged in dairying were interviewed and it was found that the 38.62 percent of respondents were having medium level of knowledge about dairying, while about 36.55 percent of respondents were having high levels of knowledge on the productive and reproductive aspect of dairy animals. Knowledge index on productive and reproductive parameters of dairy animals was calculated and observed that respondent were possessing 66.79 per cent knowledge in study area. It was further observed that respondents were having good knowledge (68.91%) on productive practices as compared to reproductive practices (66.10%). Simultaneously the respondents who reared Crossbred cow based herd were having knowledge up to the extent of 72.87 per cent on productive and reproductive practices. Though the respondents were facing serious constraints in rearing, they were frequently updating their knowledge on productive and reproductive practices as compared to Buffalo and indigenous cow based dairy farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was under taken to analyse the productivity of resources in milk production in the state of Tamil Nadu. From the four sample districts (Kanchipuram, Erode, Nagappattinam and Thoothukudi), 120 dairy farmers from 12 villages (10 farmers from each village) were selected by simple random sampling technique. In all, a total sample size of 480 dairy farmers was selected for the study. Information relating to various aspects of dairy farming was collected from the selected farmers by survey method with a well-designed and pre-tested interview schedule. The data collected were tabulated and analysed with a view to achieve the objectives of the study. The results of the Cobb- Douglas milk production functions showed that the co-efficients of all the resources viz.,concentrate, green fodder, dry fodder and veterinary charges except labour were positive for all the function, while the labour variable had a negative sign for all the functions.The efficiency of allocation of the resources involved in milk production was studied by comparing the MVP (Marginal value product) with the MFC (Marginal Factor Cost) of each factor of production. The MVP-MFC ratio was more than unity for concentrate (1.59), dry fodder (1.96) and veterinary care (37.24), indicating that these resources were under utilized, and there was scope for enhancing the use of these resources in the study area. The results also showed that the ratio was less than unity for green fodder (0.93). The resource wise results indicated that the resource concentrate was more than unity and this resource was under utilized in all the four districts. The variable veterinary care showed a higher MVP-MFC ratio for all the four district which means that this resource was under utilized in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses to analyze the psychological dimensions and entrepreneurial traits of dairy farmers. The study was conducted in the purposively selected two districts i.e. Erode and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu. It was found that comparatively more percent of respondents were noticed low level of overall knowledge level (41.25 %), neutral attitude (57.50%) and most of the respondents had medium level (56.67 %) of economic motivation towards Improved Dairy Farming Practices (IDFP's). In the relational analysis it was found that the most of the selected socio economic variables found to be positively significantly related with entrepreneurship traits of the dairy farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simple realization that a situation demanding improvement in dairy farming is based on motivation of dairy farmers towards adoption of improved dairy farming practices. Motivational factors which were found to have non-significant correlation with extent of adoption were scienticism, security, members of co-op societies and recognition motives of the milk producers. Economic motive has been conceptualized as characteristics of dairying as comprehended by a dairy farmer that it is a source of higher economic gain. It is a desire on his part to perceive to be able to get more than his investment. Affiliation motive reflects the desire for socialization or join professional groups to accept information or just for the fun it has. The practice of getting the cow serviced within 60-90 days after calving had highest adoption index, followed by treatment of repeat breeders and sterile animals. The adoption of feeding colostrum to new born calves and feeding colostrum continuously up to 5th day of its birth had highest adoption index. The reason for higher adoption of many feeding practices is an indication of positive attitude towards dairying, and to earn more profit through multiplication of healthy offspring. High adoption index for balanced feeding of milking animals was due to practical experience gained by the farmers as a result of exposure to dairy development programmes. Adoption of health care practices in the study area was low, indicating poor attention of the respondents towards these practices. The level of adoption of dairy management practices like practicing clean milk production was adopted to a greater extent by the farmers in the selected area. Majority of the dairy farmers (47.5 per cent) in the selected area had fallen in medium adoption category. Slightly less than fifty per cent (48.3%). had medium level of adoption of feeding practices. The lower farm size leads to lower herd size, to lower social participation, to lower extension contacts and to lower family education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cognitive test to assess the knowledge of farmers about scientific management and feeding of calves was developed. An initial item pool of 25 items on scientific management and 19 items on feeding of calves were initially constructed for item selection. The discrimination and difficulty indices of each of these items were calculated after administering it to 72 respondents. Nine items with respect to both domains having difficulty indices in the range 30- 80 and discrimination indices in the range 0.3-0.55 were selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalo calves naturally infected with T.vitulorum and classified on the basis of clinical signs into mild and moderate ascariosis were treated with Levamisole @ 7.5 mg/kg b.wt orally. The PCV and various biochemical parameters (Calcium, Phosphorus, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, Glucose, Total bilirubin, Total protein, Albumin, Globulins and A:G ratio) were estimated before and 3rd and 7th day of treatment so that these values were not influenced by reinfection under natural conditions. These values were compared with the normal values. The results indicated either slight decrease, or slight increase or maintenance of status quo. Many of the parameters did not return to normal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to assess the gain in awareness of farmers by on-farm testing on mineral mixture feeding to dairy animals for three years in tehsil Sangaria of Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. Thirty animals were given three treatments i.e. farmers practices, recommended practices and refinement for 90 days. The awareness level of the farmers was measured on two major parameters i.e. milk yield and decrease in anoestrous cases. The results indicated that there was a notable change in the knowledge of animal rearing in all the three aspects of use of mineral mixture after completion of on-farm testing. An increase of 2.53 (1.33-3.64), 5.9 (4.83-8.00) and 6.39 (5.00-9.09) percent in milk production for T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively was recorded. Twenty females (66.7%) were also detected in oestrous during the trial period. Major source of information for farmers was Subject Matter Specialist of KVK followed by neighbouring farmers and farmers got knowledge about mineral mixture feeding in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to analyse the constraints perceived by dairy farmers in accessing one type of modern ICT interventions, namely village Information Centre. By following Ex-post-facto research design, the present study was conducted on three major ICT-Village Information Centres initiators in Tamil Nadu. Randomly two Village Information Centers from each initiator and 30 dairy farmers who are users from each centre were chosen. Thus, a total of 180 respondents constituted the sample for the study. It was found that general problem was considered as foremost constraint with highest mean score of 5.11 and was ranked first, followed by socio-personal (4.12), content problem (3.15), physical facilities (0.93) and socio-cultural problems (0.05). These problems could be overcome by providing battery back up during summer; in order to reduce connectivity problem broad band connection may be required and content should be updated regularly based on the need of people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]