Article

Buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms: A field study in Uttar Pradesh (India)

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Abstract

The present study was conducted on ninety commercial dairy owners in the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh by selecting 30 livestock owners each from small, medium and large size dairy farms and their dairy calf management practices were studied in detail. Results of the study indicate that calves are highly neglected in the commercial dairy farms. The herd structure of these dairies reveals that out of total sample only 22.22 percent of the dairy owners had cattle calves while 33.33 percent had buffalo calves. The calf health care practices in the commercial dairy farms are very poor. In fact these dairy owners find the calf rearing uneconomical The poor care of calves in the commercial dairies is revealed by the fact that the mortality rate in buffalo calves in these dairies was 81.09 percent . This is mainly due to the poor management of calves which are not even given the minimum care of naval cord disinfection, timely colostrums feeding, deworming, appropriate space, proper milk feeding and timely treatment. In fact it can be said that these dairy owners are really not interested in rearing the calves due to the notion of false economy prevailing among these owners that rearing of calf is not beneficial.

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... High survival rate in dairy farm helps to increase the selection pressure which is one of the main factors controlling genetic gain and profitable returns (Sreedhar et al., 2010) [9] . The growth performance of calves in the rural dairies revealed poor health condition, which indicated lack of awareness among farmers on scientific management (Tiwari et al., 2007) [10] . The production efficiency traits can be utilized for the selection of future dairy buffalo for both production and reproduction potential and profitability (Verma and Thakur, 2013) [11] . ...
... High survival rate in dairy farm helps to increase the selection pressure which is one of the main factors controlling genetic gain and profitable returns (Sreedhar et al., 2010) [9] . The growth performance of calves in the rural dairies revealed poor health condition, which indicated lack of awareness among farmers on scientific management (Tiwari et al., 2007) [10] . The production efficiency traits can be utilized for the selection of future dairy buffalo for both production and reproduction potential and profitability (Verma and Thakur, 2013) [11] . ...
... The data revealed to health care practices followed by livestock owners that the vaccination was adopted by 75.00 percent of the livestock owners and 25.00 percent did not follow the practice. The present findings are encouraging the finding of Singh et al. (2007) [10] and Sabapara et al. ...
... It was observed that only 32.91% of farmers had cut the navel cord of buffalo calves. In their study, Tiwari et al. (2007) observed that none of the farmers were used to cut the navel cord of the newborn. The majority of buffalo owners had provided colostrum (99.58%), milk (98.75%) and concentrate feed (87.92%) to their calf. ...
... A similar result related to the present study was reported by Mahla et al. (2015). Contrary to this, Tiwari et al. (2007) observed that the majority (87.80%) of the farmers had supplied colostrum after expulsion of placenta. Late supplementation of colostrum by the buffalo owner is mainly due to a lack of awareness about scientific animal husbandry practices. ...
... Similarly, Tiwari et al. (2007) also observed lacunae in the regular provision of deworming agents to the calves. More than half of the buffalo owners had given FMD vaccine to their buffalo calves, while vaccination for Hemorrhagic Septicemia and Brucellosis was observed very low, respectively. ...
Article
The state of Gujarat, home to a vibrant network of dairy cooperatives, plays a significant role in milk production, accounting for 7.69% of the country’s total milk output. It ranked fifth in milk production among all Indian states and union territories in 2017–18. The state piloted a unique and specialised dairy extension program for dairy farmers through Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK) to promote dairy farming in its Panchmahal district. The DVK aimed to train rural dairy farmers and improve their socio-economic conditions. This study examines how DVK interventions increase the income from dairy, the herd size and milk production of the beneficiary farmers in the Panchmahal district. The result shows that farmers’ participation in DVK training increased their income from dairying. Further, the results highlighted that DVK intervention significantly increased milk production in the Panchmahal district. Our results conclude that the government can replicate the DVK training model in other districts of Gujarat, helping millions of dairy farmers enhance their skills and obtain more output and income from dairy farming.
... Major causes of mortality were improper management, malnutrition, worm load, cold etc. Make it clear that majority (92%) of the calf owners were not following deworming of pregnant dam in last trimester [28]. ...
... It is evident that most of the livestock owner were using the calves as a stimulator for getting the milk let down and were not feeding required quantity of milk. In the commercial dairy farms expected to get maximum milk production from the animals and use the calves only to stimulate milk let down [28]. The farmers believed that dam does not release placenta if they feed colostrum to the calf, they also believed that colostrum causes diarrhoea [14,16,21]. ...
... Whereas, majority (55%) were dewormed their calves after infestation and 28 per cent were dewormed their calves after two weeks of birth and 15 per cent were deworming after one month of birth. In a study [28] reported that most of livestock owner dewormed the calves when the calf was off feed or they observed worms in the faeces [4,22] reported similar findings. The practice of vaccination was adopted by majority (88%) of buffalo owners. ...
... It was observed that only 32.91% of farmers had cut the navel cord of buffalo calves. In their study, Tiwari et al. (2007) observed that none of the farmers were used to cut the navel cord of the newborn. The majority of buffalo owners had provided colostrum (99.58%), milk (98.75%) and concentrate feed (87.92%) to their calf. ...
... A similar result related to the present study was reported by Mahla et al. (2015). Contrary to this, Tiwari et al. (2007) observed that the majority (87.80%) of the farmers had supplied colostrum after expulsion of placenta. Late supplementation of colostrum by the buffalo owner is mainly due to a lack of awareness about scientific animal husbandry practices. ...
... Similarly, Tiwari et al. (2007) also observed lacunae in the regular provision of deworming agents to the calves. More than half of the buffalo owners had given FMD vaccine to their buffalo calves, while vaccination for Hemorrhagic Septicemia and Brucellosis was observed very low, respectively. ...
Article
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Background: The study aimed to observe the prevailing buffalo calf rearing practices and mortality patterns in the operational area of Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK), Vejalpur, Gujarat, India. Methods: Using the simple random sampling method, 240 buffalo owners from 24 villages of 6 talukas from the operational area of Dairy Vigyan Kendra were selected. The data were collected based on the interview schedule. Result: The majority of buffalo owners had not adopted the different management practices viz., provision of milk replacer, calf starter, mineral mixture, salt, deworming agent at every month up to six months and vaccine. An overall buffalo calf mortality was observed 24.26% in the study area. There was a higher mortality rate in male calves (45.00%) than female buffalo calves (14.58%) because of negligence towards the male calf. The mortality rate observed was higher during the first three months of age (90.98%) and during winter (45.08%). A negative and significant relationship was observed between some important calf rearing practices like colostrum feeding time, providing milk replacer, calf starter, concentrate feed, mineral mixture, dewormer and vaccines to calves with female buffalo calf mortality. Participation in various animal husbandry training programs and adoption of scientific management practices to large herd size farms will be helpful to reduce female buffalo calf mortality rate at the field level.
... About 63 percent of cows calves were found in case of to its herd size. Similar finding has been reported by Tiwari et al. (2007) who found that percentage of cattle calves is higher (58.90 %) as compared to buffalo calves (33.33%). This revealed that the percentage of buffalo calves to herd size is very serious compared to cow's calves to herd size. ...
... Table 1 showed that the mortality rate of buffalo calves in urban dairies was 84.93 percent. Similar finding has been reported by Tiwari et al. (2007) who found 81.09 percent mortality in buffalo calves. ...
... The owners of dairy farm were tied their calves in the corner of adult animal shed in a crowded manner, which shows that almost all the dairy farm owners (96.67 %) were not paying proper attention towards the proper housing to newly calves. Similar observation made by Speicher & Hepp (1973), Tiwari et al. (2007) and Ahmad et al. (2009). ...
Article
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Data regarding buffalo calves rearing and calves mortality was collected from 60 buffalo dairy farms of Badwani city in Madhya Pradesh by selecting 20 dairy farmers each from small , medium and large dairy farmers and their dairy calves management practices were studies in detail. The results showed that mortality rate in buffalo calves of large size of dairy farm was 91.01 % , while it was 77.73 & 86.05 % in small and medium dairy farm size , respectively . None of the dairy farms adopted the deworming, cutting & disinfection of naval cord, manger provision to feed their calves. Only 25 % of dairy farms adopted the vaccination in their calves. Timely feeding of colostrum within 2-3 hours after birth was adopted by only 11.67 % dairy farm, while, 88.33 % dairy farms fed first time colostrum to their calves after release of placenta. The calf health management practices in commercial dairy farm were very poor. The high mortality rate in calves in urban dairies was mainly due to poor adoption of health & management practices. The study also showed that owners of urban dairy farm were not interested in rearing the buffalo calves because of poor return from their sale. Thus there is an urgent need to educate these dairy owners to make calf rearing an economic Proposition.
... The situation regarding colostrum ingestion and eventual outcomes is less well documented on the Indian Sub-Continent than in intensive Western farming systems. A study of small, medium and large farms in Uttar Pradesh found only 12% of dairy buffalo farmers reported feeding colostrum within 2-3 hours of birth [17] and a study of small holders in Bihar found only 15% of rural and 10% of peri-urban cattle keepers reported feeding the calf colostrum prior to the passage of the placenta by the cow, as they believed colostrum feeding delayed expulsion of the foetal membranes by the cow [18]. In the Rahim Yar Khan District of Pakistan a study of small, medium, and large dairy farmers found only 12% of farmers reported feeding colostrum to buffalo calves prior to the passage of the placenta [19]. ...
... The majority of participants described allowing their calves to consume between 0.5 and 1 l of colostrum, usually starting between 1 and 2 hours after birth. This is better than the situation described in other studies on the Indian Subcontinent [17,18,19,21]. However, the provision of colostrum for newborn calves in the study village is still below the target of 10-15% of bodyweight, and this has potentially far-reaching consequences for survivability, health, growth and long term productivity. ...
... The reason behind low colostrum intake of calves is primarily the local practice of taking colostrum and using it to make sweets. Unlike previous studies [17,18,19] only a few farmers related early colostrum feeding to neonatal diarrhoea or retained foetal membranes, though the statement "yellow colour (of colostrum) (should be) faded in milk before calf drinks" resonates with the findings of some authors investigating human neonatal health in other areas of India [20]. Investigations in the Kanha region of Madha Pradesh indicate that taking colostrum to make sweets is a normal practice in that region [24], and the practice known to occur throughout the Indian subcontinent [25]. ...
Article
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Smallholder cattle farming in Assamese villages is sub-optimal in terms of calf survivability, growth, age at first service, and milk yield. Proper understanding of the local situation is essential to formulate appropriate, locally driven, livestock keeper education to sustainably improve animal health, welfare and productivity. In-depth interviewing and direct observation were used to understand the farming strategies, husbandry practices and challenges to health and productivity in a cluster of typical villages in the Kaziranga region of Assam, India, where resource use is balanced between the needs of humans and livestock, with competition from wild species. Knowledge of the importance of colostrum consumption by calves is poor. Timely consumption of sufficient colostrum (locally called “phehu”) by calves was clearly sub-optimal in the majority of households. The reasons behind this are nuanced, but the practice of collecting colostrum from newly calved cows to make confectionery for human consumption is an important contributory factor. Care of the umbilicus of the newborn is not routine practice in the locality. Local women are the key group assisting with young and sick animals, including cases of simple dystocia and retained foetal membranes. Cows are usually milked once daily, to attempt to balance the needs for milk of household with those of the calf, which can result in suboptimal nutrition for calves. There are clear opportunities to improve animal health and productivity through locally provided farmer education, particularly with reference to colostrum provision, and the engagement of women farmers in any such programme is key to success.
... Proper management of young ones plays an important role in the development of the dairy and meat sector of the country. The care of young ones is not only essential for sustenance of the dairy industry but is also essential in the wake of preserving and maintaining good quality germplasm (Tiwari et al., 2007) [2]. Prompt and effective development of the livestock industry involves prevention and control of diseases among these animals and particularly related to their young ones. 1 2010 21 17 23 9 70 2 2011 20 16 13 7 56 3 2012 15 19 12 3 49 4 2013 26 11 12 7 56 5 2014 26 19 15 11 71 Total number of postmortem conducted on different young ones 108 82 75 37 302 3. Result and Discussion 3.1. ...
... Proper management of young ones plays an important role in the development of the dairy and meat sector of the country. The care of young ones is not only essential for sustenance of the dairy industry but is also essential in the wake of preserving and maintaining good quality germplasm (Tiwari et al., 2007) [2]. Prompt and effective development of the livestock industry involves prevention and control of diseases among these animals and particularly related to their young ones. 1 2010 21 17 23 9 70 2 2011 20 16 13 7 56 3 2012 15 19 12 3 49 4 2013 26 11 12 7 56 5 2014 26 19 15 11 71 Total number of postmortem conducted on different young ones 108 82 75 37 302 3. Result and Discussion 3.1. ...
... (2012) [17] also reported that gastro-enteritis, pneumonia, enteritis, pneumo-enteritis was main causes of mortality. The present findings are in close agreement with those reported by Tiwari et al. (2007) [2] ; Sreedhar et al. (2010) [29] and Srivastava et al. (2013) [30] . Mishra et al. (2015) [8] reported highest mortality due to gastroenteritis and pneumonia in cattle calves. ...
Article
Full-text available
Postmortem records of young ones of ruminants affected with digestive and respiratory system disorders upto six months of age brought to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS, Hisar during the period of five years (starting from January, 2010 to December, 2014) were analyzed for age-wise, sex-wise, system-wise, month-wise mortality. The maximum age-wise mortality in young ones of ruminants was in age group of upto 1 month followed by 1 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months. The overall sex-wise mortality in male young ones of ruminants was higher than females. Overall month-wise mortality in young ones of ruminants was higher in summer (March-June) followed by winter (November-February) and minimum in rainy (July-October) season. Pneumonia was the main affection of respiratory tract and enteritis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis were main gastrointestinal tract affections. The overall system-wise cause of mortality in young ones of ruminants was higher due to involvement of digestive system along with respiratory system and other systems affections. Digestive systems alone accounted for mortality whereas respiratory system alone accounted for mortality.
... Epidemiological studies in calves have revealed that E. coli was the major cause of neonatal diarrhoea (Fagiolo et al., 2005 andFoster andSmith, 2009) [10,11] . The mortality rate is high, particularly in calves of less than 3 months age in India (Tiwari et al., 2007) [20] . The strains of E. coli that can able to produce a toxin called cytotoxic necrotising factor (CNF) are defined as Necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC). ...
... Epidemiological studies in calves have revealed that E. coli was the major cause of neonatal diarrhoea (Fagiolo et al., 2005 andFoster andSmith, 2009) [10,11] . The mortality rate is high, particularly in calves of less than 3 months age in India (Tiwari et al., 2007) [20] . The strains of E. coli that can able to produce a toxin called cytotoxic necrotising factor (CNF) are defined as Necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC). ...
Article
Full-text available
A study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology, molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance of Necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC) isolated from diarrhoeic calves in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana States (TS). A total of 129 faecal samples from diarrhoeic buffalo calves of 1 to 90 days were collected from various districts in AP and TS, of which 60 E.coli were isolated. The cnf2 gene was detected by PCR and In vitro antibiotic susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion methods. The prevalence of E.coli associated diarrhea in calves was 46.51% of which 5.0% was due to NTEC based on the presence of cnf2 gene and none of the E.coli isolates possessed cnf1 gene. The NTEC isolates from diarrhoeic calves showed higher antibiotic resistance to tetracyclin and aztreonam (66.67%) and sensitive to ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, amoxycillinclavulinicacid, gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and imipenem antibiotics. The present study provides baseline data on epidemiology of E.coli associated diarrhoeia, NTEC prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in calves which will help in formulating prophylactic and preventive measures in this geographic region.
... Regarding the practice of test of faecal sample only few dairy farms (40%) were followed the practice of test of faecal sample for diagnosis of parasitic infection in their animals. This finding is encouraged by the result of Tiwari et al. (2007) [12] who reported that most of the dairy farms were followed the practice of testing of faecal sample and schedule of deworming. These result indicate that more than half (55-60%) of the dairy farms were highly aware regarding the deworming practice and change of dewormer drug. ...
... Regarding the practice of test of faecal sample only few dairy farms (40%) were followed the practice of test of faecal sample for diagnosis of parasitic infection in their animals. This finding is encouraged by the result of Tiwari et al. (2007) [12] who reported that most of the dairy farms were followed the practice of testing of faecal sample and schedule of deworming. These result indicate that more than half (55-60%) of the dairy farms were highly aware regarding the deworming practice and change of dewormer drug. ...
Article
Full-text available
A study was carried out to compare the feeding management practices of specialized dairy farms of north and south Gujarat. The data were collected from each ten specialized dairy farm each from north and south Gujarat. Analyzed data revealed all dairy farms were followed practice of vaccination. Around 30 per cent farms were not followed booster and subsequent dose of vaccine as per standard recommendation. Only 17.5 per cent of the dairy farms were followed deworming at regular interval. More than half dairy farms were providing rubber mat to their animals. Results are statistically similar for both the regions. Only few dairy farms (40%) were followed faecal sample testing for diagnosis of parasitic infestation in their animals.
... Calf mortality acts as one of the major obstacles and 20% calf mortality reduces net profit to approximately 40%, further, calf mortality ranges from 12.5 to 30% in Indian condition (Singh et al., 2009) [11] . Sometimes it may be even as high as 81% (Tiwari et al., 2007) [15] . Organized farm is also having calf mortality ranging from 5-10%. ...
... Calf mortality acts as one of the major obstacles and 20% calf mortality reduces net profit to approximately 40%, further, calf mortality ranges from 12.5 to 30% in Indian condition (Singh et al., 2009) [11] . Sometimes it may be even as high as 81% (Tiwari et al., 2007) [15] . Organized farm is also having calf mortality ranging from 5-10%. ...
Article
Full-text available
The required information pertaining to calf rearing was collected by personal interview from 20 each dairy farm locates in urban and peri urban area. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed for frequency and chi square test. About (72.5 %) of the respondents attended calving day & night and 15 per cent practiced ligation/ cutting and disinfection of the navel cord. All the respondents fed colostrum to new born calf and more than half of the respondent fed within one hour. Only 40% farmers practiced weaning of calves and 40 per cent regularly followed deworming of calves. No one provided bedding material to calves. The welfare aspects in both regions were studied by selecting 20% animals from all 40 farms, randomly. Selected animals were scored as per standard practice by one researcher. The welfare indicators studied were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that shed floor cleanliness score was around 2.30, whereas farm stead premises score was 2.35 and water trough score was 2.15. Average animal hygienic score was 2.24, lameness scoring was 1.36 and hock &knee injury score was 1.03 in urban and peri urban region.
... Calf morbidity and mortality are a constant problem for milk producers worldwide, especially in the tropics where high temperatures and humidity promote the multiplication and transmission of infectious agents. In India, calf mortality ranges from 12.50 to 30 per cent (Singh et al., 2009), even if it may be as high as 81 per cent (Tiwari et al., 2007). Due to the high mortality of calves in India because of mismanagement, calf rearing should be taken on scientific lines with economically sound footing (Banerjee, 1998). ...
Article
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The study aimed to know the prevailing crossbred calf rearing practices and crossbred calf mortality and its patterns in the Anand district of Gujarat, India. Using simple random sampling methods, 200 crossbred cattle owners from 20 villages of 4 talukas from the Anand district were selected. The data were collected based on the interview schedule. The majority of crossbred cattle owners had not adopted the different calf management practices viz., cutting the navel cord with sterilized sharp object, provision of milk replacer, calf starter, salt, bedding facility, deworming agent at every month up to six months and vaccine. An overall crossbred calf mortality was observed 51.68% in the study area. There was a higher mortality rate in male calves (71.64%) than female calves (31.57%) because of negligence towards the male calf. The mortality rate observed was higher during the first three months of age (73.18%) and during monsoon (44.93%). A major reason for death of calf said by crossbred cattle owner was diarrhoea/ dysentery (35.51%). A negative and significant relationship was observed between providing milk to the calf, providing calf starter with crossbred calf mortality. A negative and significant relationship was observed between experience in dairy farming of crossbred cattle owner, training in animal husbandry and crossbred calf mortality. Participation in various animal husbandry training programs and adoption of scientific management practices will be helpful to reduce crossbred calf mortality rate at the field level.
... Scientific rearing of calf will help to produce a healthy animal that will produce high yields in the subsequent times. Good care of calf is pivotal for future stability of the dairy sector and is also necessarily required for preserving & maintaining the good germplasm (Tiwari et al., 2007). An important aspect in healthy rearing of calves is good housing. ...
Book
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Vet Alumnus, an official organ of the Alumni Association, College of veterinary Science (Ludhiana), Guru Angad Dev veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Punjab-141004, Punjab, India. The current issue December 2022, volume 44, issue 2 contains 18 articles on the various aspects of veterinary medicine and animal sciences.
... Usually when we talk about calf management, the first question that farmer asks is when to feed the colostrum to the neonatal calves? Some farmers have perception that the new born calves should be fed colostrum only after the expulsion of placenta (Tiwari et al., 2007) and they think that feeding of colostrum to calves before placenta expulsion will result in poisoning to calves. But, this is a misconception. ...
Book
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Vet Alumnus is a biannual journal, published by the Alumni Association, College of Veterinary Science (Ludhiana), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Punjab-141004, India. The issue , 45(1) contains 19 articles.
... Among the households ,producing more than 5000 liters of milk/annum, 54 per cent belong to marginal and small landholders. Tiwari et al. (2007) revealed that majority of commercial dairy farms in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh had a poor and unscientific management, very poor housing and overcrowding of animals. Majority of these dairy owners purchased milch cattles and buffaloes with characteristics of good milch breeds (Murrah and Nili Ravi buffaloes and Holstein Friesian and Jersey breeds of cattle) which have a high production potential. ...
Thesis
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The present study was conducted in four districts of Maharashtra namely Kolhapur and Sangli from western region; and Nagpur and Bhandara from eastern region. Data were collected from 240 respondents through structured interview schedule. Also 30 experts in dairying were selected to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of commercial dairy farming in the study area through questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools, which led to meaningful major findings. Majority of the respondents had small herd size upto 20 animals and annual income between Rs. 1.5 to 5 lakh. Most of the respondents had medium level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Well-developed infrastructure for dairy development, efficient input support and services provided by dairy cooperatives were regarded as major strengths in western region than that of eastern region by the experts. High cost of inputs, low emphasis on clean milk production, lack of funds for extension activities were major weaknesses in western region, whereas lack of availability of green fodder, lack of emphasis on hi-tech dairy farming, scarcity of water, poor adoption of improved dairy farming practices were major weaknesses in eastern region as reported by the experts. Regarding use of ICT, most of the respondents used mobile phone followed by radio, TV, dairy information system, automatic milk collection system and information kiosk. Most of the respondents had medium level of adoption of recommended scientific dairy farming practices. Higher price for milk in urban market, timely payment by dairy cooperatives, remunerative price for milk by dairy cooperatives, adoption of improved dairy farming practices, timely extension support were regarded as major factors influencing commercial dairy farming. The well developed infrastructure and established network of cooperative provides better environment for development of dairy sector. Remunerative price for milk and procurement by dairy cooperatives, government and private milk plant provides good prospects for commercial dairy farming as an entrepreneurial venture.
... Calves disease pattern in the commercial dairy farm[15] ...
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Agriculture has a good stake in the world’s GDP. In many countries, agriculture and allied sectors have a good stake in national GDP. This paper covers details related to livestock since 1960s. The workforce has managed livestock for many decades. The workforce increases as the number of animals increases; it is an energy, time-consuming, and economically costly approach. Apart from it, there is no assurance about animal welfare in case of diseases, breeding, and feed intake issues. In the 21st century of digitalization, technology has a key role in improving overall monitoring, controlling, and processing in livestock management. This paper has gone thoroughly into the manual and automated livestock farm management, aiming welfare of animals, livestock products, consumers’ benefit, and sustainable environmental approaches.
... Despite this fact, bull calves are often ignored by livestock owners as they offer no immediate benefits to milk production. In developing countries, bull calves are often sold or provided a lower maintenance ration until they attain puberty (Tiwari et al. 2007). Inadequate nutrition during the early stages of life can have long-lasting negative effects on the growth performance of cattle (Khan et al. 2019) and it can lead to decreased reproductive efficiency, and increased susceptibility to diseases. ...
Article
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This study aimed to see the effect of oral supplementation of specific trace minerals mixture on the growth, immunity, and reproductive development of indigenous growing bull calves. Eighteen Sahiwal bull calves, with an average age of 6 months were chosen and divided into three groups. Group 1 was fed with a basal diet, Group 2 was provided with an additional specific trace mineral supplement to achieve a diet containing 70 ppm of Zn, 17.50 ppm of Cu, 65 ppm of Mn, and 1.75 ppm of Cr. Group 3 received a 25% extra supplement to achieve a diet containing 87.50 ppm of Zn, 21.87 ppm of Cu, 81.25 ppm of Mn, and 2.18 ppm of Cr. The experiment was carried out for a total of 180 days. According to the findings, there was no significant impact of specific trace minerals supplementation on the animals’ body weight, morphometric parameters, dry matter intake, average daily gain, nutritional value, digestibility and nitrogen retention. However, higher levels of Zn, Cu, and Mn led to increased (p < 0.05) total retention, while Cr retention remained the same. Serum mineral concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn increased significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 compared to the G1 group while Ca, P, and Cr had no significant change. Blood plasma glucose, albumin, globulin, and total protein showed no significant differences. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity improved significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 but alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and IGF-1 remained unchanged. Superoxide dismutase activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total immunoglobulin concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 groups, however, catalase activity and IgG count did not change among the groups. Mineral-supplemented groups (G2 and G3) showed a significant change (p < 0.05) in testosterone production during the 120th and the 180th day of the trial. Scrotal circumference and temperature gradient of the scrotal surface did not show any significant change. Supplementing growing bull calves with specific trace minerals above the basal level (70, 17.50, 65 and 1.75 ppm of Zn, Cu, Mn and Cr) has no direct beneficial effect on the growth parameters but can have positive effects on their antioxidant status, immunity and reproductive development as the related blood parameters were positively affected.
... Calf morbidity and mortality are a constant problem for milk producers worldwide (Radostits et al., 2007), especially in the tropics, where high temperatures and humidity promote the multiplication and transmission of infectious agents (Moran, 2011). In India, calf mortality ranges from 12.50 to 30 per cent (Singh et al., 2009), even if it may be as high as 81 per cent (Tiwari et al., 2007). Due to the high mortality of calves in India because of mismanagement, calf rearing should be taken on scientific lines with economically sound footing (Banerjee, 1998). ...
Article
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The study objective is to know the prevailing crossbred calf mortality & managemental practices in the operational area of Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK), Vejalpur, Gujarat, India. A total of 300 crossbred cattle owners from 30 villages of 10 talukas were selected using the simple random sampling method for the study from August to December 2022. The data were collected based on the pre-tested structured interview schedule. Overall crossbred calf mortality was observed 33.70 per cent in the study area. There was a higher mortality rate in male calves (56.78%) than in female crossbred calves (16.98%) due to limited attention towards the male calf. The mortality rate was recorded higher during the first three months of age (70.78%) and during the monsoon (39.72%). The primary reason for calf mortality was malnutrition/ male calf negligence. Farmers urgently need extension services on scientific calf rearing practices such as providing concentrate feed, cutting navel cord with the sterilized object, providing milk as per body weight, on-time colostrum feeding, provision of milk replacer, calf starter, salt, mineral mixture, deworming, and vaccinations against diseases.
... In a dairy farm, a high survival rate aids in increasing selection pressure, which is one of the most important elements determining genetic gain and profitable returns (Sreedhar and Sreenivas, 2015). In rural dairy farms, the growth performance of calves revealed poor health condition, which indicates that lack of awareness among farmers on scientific management of calves (Tiwari et al. 2007). Dairy cattle mortality is important not only with regards to financial losses, but also in terms of animal health and welfare. ...
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Data on survivability traits of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at RCDP on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra was collected for a period of 15 years (2005-2019) to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. Traits studied were survivability at day 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 3-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days. To determine the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits, least squares analysis of variance (Harvey, 1990) was applied, considering the fixed effects like genetic group, season and period of birth, parity of dam and birth weight of calves. The least square means of survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 31-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days were 96.17±0.80, 86.17±2.12, 89.23±2.03, 80.39±2.89, 83.41±3.02 and 95.61±1.79 per cent, respectively. The significant (P<0.05) effect of period of birth was found on calf survivability trait at different ages viz. days 31-90 and days 181-365. Parity of dam had non-significant effect on calf survivability traits of the Gir crossbred calves. Significant (P<0.05) effect of season of birth on calf survivability was observed only at 0-3 days age survivability trait. Significant (P<0.05) effect of sex of calves on survivability traits was recorded at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30 and 31-90 days. In the present study, birth weight of calf had significant (P<0.01) effect on calf survivability at 0-3 days after birth. The non-significant effect was reported among the survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups.
... High mortality rate of buffalo calves indicates that farmers were not following scientific management practices. Calf mortality was mainly due to poor management like lack of minimum care of naval cord disinfection, untimely colostrums feeding, and not proper use of de-worming, insufficient milk feeding and not giving timely treatment (Tiwari et al., 2007). Major causes of mortality were improper management, malnutrition, worm load, cold etc. as observed during data collection and reported by buffalo owners (Shakya et al., 2017). ...
... Calves mortality is the most serious problem in India's dairy industry. In India, calves mortality ranges from 12.5 to 30%, with some cases reaching 81 percent Tiwari et al., 2007). The highest mortality of calves was reported within the first three months of life (Yadav et al., 2019;Rao, 1980), and gastrointestinal and respiratory problems were the leading causes of death during this time (Yadav et al., 2019;Rao, 1980). ...
... Practice of availability of foot dips at entrance was never followed by 51.7% of respondents. The results were in concurrence with the findings of Tiwari et al. (2007) who conducted research in Uttar Pradesh and concluded that majority of the farmers cleaned their shed. ...
Article
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Result revealed that although of the respondents fell under low and medium adoption gap categories for most of the scientific management practices but still major adoption gap percentage was found in health care (47.4%), feeding management (42.9%) and calf management (31%). The health care practices which were not followed included screening of herd for mastitis and tuberculosis. Medium gap in feeding practices was observed in silage making, processing of feed and UMMB feeding. Practice of calf scour management was sometimes followed by majority of the respondents. Other practices which were never followed by majority of the respondents include practice of availability of foot dips at entrance, feeding milk replacer to calves, milking animals in milk barn and insurance of animals. State animal husbandry department, dairy cooperatives and farmers organisation working in those areas should disseminate knowledge about fodder preservation, health care and hygiene of animals as well as clean milk production which in return would prevent them from incurring economic losses due to disease outbreak and fetching them high price for the clean milk produced.
... This indicated that farmers did not give much importance to deworming of their cattle every 3 months unless they suspected digestive disturbance or when suggested and offered by Veterinarian. The findings of Tiwari et al. (2007), Gupta et al. (2008), Vijay et al.(2008) and Sabapara et al. (2015) were in agreement with the findings of present study, who reported that, majority of the farmers did not practice deworming. ...
Article
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The present study was undertaken to evaluate reaction of 10 popular finger millet varieties viz., Indaf-7, Indaf-9, MR 1, MR 2, GPU 28, GPU 48, GPU 66, GPU 67, KMR 301 and KMR 204 along with susceptible check Indaf-5 during Kharif 2015 and 2016. With a mean foot rot incidence ranging from 0.45 to 4.59 and 1.77 to 3.47 per cent at tillering and maturity stage, respectively, six and three varieties were found resistant. The varieties MR 6 and KMR 301 were also found to be significantly superior for grain yield of 4135 and 3765 kg ha-1 compared to 2165 kg ha-1 in the check. It is evident that compared to old varieties the newly released varieties were highly beneficial in terms of highest productivity realization with low foot rot incidence.
... The main feed resources in the highlands are natural pastures and agricultural leftovers, which have low digestibility, protein, and mineral concentrations (Seyoum & Zinash, 1998). The availability of incorrect and insufficient nutrients in feed has mostly impacted low milk production, poor growth, high death rates, and poor reproduction performance (Qureshi et al., 2002;Tiwari et al., 2007;Sarwar et al., 2009;Pasha & Khan, 2010). During the winter months, a shortage of quality and quantity of feed is the most common cause of cattle underperformance. ...
... 273 that overall buffalo calf mortality in and around Jabalpur district was 42.11% which is higher compared to our study. Tiwari et al. (2007), in their study of buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms, had also reported 81.09% mortality which was just four times more than our study. ...
Book
On the occasion of the ICSSR sponsored National Seminar titled “Indian Dairy Sector @75: From Self-reliance to the verge of becoming World Leader” on 5th March 2022, we feel privileged to publish this edited book with ISBN which contains the Research and Technical articles submitted during the seminar by worthy authors from various institutions. This book grew out of our aspiration for systematic compilation and thereafter wide dissemination of thoughts expressed by various authors on the theme of the seminar. ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. The struggle of Indian Dairy Sector also started around our Independence when the dairy cooperative movement was initiated with guidance and leadership of leaders like Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Tribhuvandas Patel, Shri Morarji Desai, Dr. Verghese Kurien and others. With the implementation of effective long-term development schemes like – Operation Flood (1, 2, 3), National Dairy Plan (NDP), Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), the Indian dairy sector has become self-sustained and is on the verge of becoming the World Leader. Certainly, this edited book will be of great value and importance to all stakeholders of Indian Dairy Sector including- Students, Faculty Members, Researchers, Academic institutes, Industry and Policy makers and serve as a handy reference for them. We thank all the authors who showed keen interest in the seminar and submitted valuable articles to be included in this book.
... Several reports showed that irp2 was detected in pathogenic E. coli strains from humans [61,62], we observed a very high frequency of irp2 gene (87.3%). Additionally, eaeA (intimin) observed in DEC were found to be more pathogenic in humans and are involved in zoonotic transmission [63], a similar result was found in our study. Therefore, our study indicates that strains harbored irp2 may bring a risk for human and companion animals health. ...
Article
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Antibiotic resistance genes of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from companion animals were still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) resistance genes of E. coli from companion animals in Shandong, China. A total of 79 isolates (80.6%) were recovered from 98 healthy or diarrheal companion animals in 2021, among which ESBLs-producing isolates accounted for 43.0% (34/79), and more than half of ESBL E. coli (ESBL-EC) strains (n = 19) were isolated from healthy companion animals. Diarrheagenic E. coli isolates (45.6%, n = 36) were represented by enterotoxigenic (ETEC) (32.9%), enteropathogenic (EPEC) (10.1%) and enteroinvasive (EIEC) (2.6%), 20 isolates of which were from healthy pets. Among tested antibiotics, resistance to tetracycline (64.6%) was the most commonly observed, followed by doxycycline (59.5%) and ampicillin (53.2%). Notably, all isolates were susceptible to meropenem. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) rate was 49.4%, 20 isolates of which were ESBLs producers; moreover, 23.4%, 16.4% of ESBL-EC strains were resistant to 5 or more, 7 or more antibiotics, respectively. Among the 5 β-lactamase resistance genes, the most frequent gene was blaCTX-M (60.76%), followed by blaSHV (40.51%). The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene aac(6’)-Ib-cr was detected in 35 isolates. Additionally, ESBL-associated genes (i.e., blaCTX-M, blaSHV) were found in 76.5% ESBL-EC strains, with six isolates carrying blaCTX-M and blaSHV. The marker gene of high-pathogenicity island gene irp2 (encoding iron capture systems) was the most frequency virulence gene. Our results showed that ESBL-EC were widespread in healthy or diarrhea companion animals, especially healthy pets, which may be a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance, therefore, enhancing a risk to public and animal health.
... 273 that overall buffalo calf mortality in and around Jabalpur district was 42.11% which is higher compared to our study. Tiwari et al. (2007), in their study of buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms, had also reported 81.09% mortality which was just four times more than our study. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Information is protection, in times when Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are on an increase in the country, labelling on food products act as an instrument of information for customers related to product nutritional contents. Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are increasing rapidly in India. NCDs continue to be major public health problem in our country. As per report of WHO, back-of-pack labels usually given in numerical information table format with details on nutritional composition of the food – is a mandatory requirement in most countries. However, studies have shown that back-of-pack nutrient declarations are rarely used in purchasing situations, and consumers report that they are difficult to understand, in particular by those with lower levels of education or nutrition knowledge. Increase in NCDs and Obesity cases due to consumption of pre-packaged and processed foods has become a concern for governments of many countries. In order to prevent or control further widespread of such diseases, various public health policies have proposed a way out through Front of Pack Labels (FoPL). FOPL can make consumers aware about the nutritional contents in the pack in an easier and precise way, as labelling on package is source of information for the consumer to understand the contents of the packaged food products and FoP labelling will also help the consumer in taking buying decisions based on nutritional contents of the product. The Front of Pack Labels will create NCDs related health awareness among packaged food consumers.
... 273 that overall buffalo calf mortality in and around Jabalpur district was 42.11% which is higher compared to our study. Tiwari et al. (2007), in their study of buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms, had also reported 81.09% mortality which was just four times more than our study. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
The COVID 19 pandemic and its associated long-term blockade have had a significant negative impact on various sectors, including agriculture and other related sub-sectors in India and several other countries. This review aims to show the impact of this pandemic and lockdown on the dairy sector of one of the fastest growing sectors in recent years. The pandemic and its associated lockdown not only brought millions of poor and marginalized farmers great difficulty in saving crops and livestock to support their livelihoods, as well as poultry and dairy products. It affected the entire other agricultural industry. Value has influenced chains, nutrition and health care, and workforce availability. The paper highlights various dimensions of the impacts, namely, reduction in demand of different commodities, wastage of the produce due to the closure of transport and market chains, distress sale of the produce, and labor shortage and revival strategies taken by the government and associated enterprises. The situation of is caused by COVID19 pollutants in the country, and the views expressed by various workers on the impact of on the dairy sector are reviewed here to develop future strategies. Problems faced by the dairy sector include reduced demand for milk and dairy products, transport restrictions leading to livestock feed shortages, simultaneous rises in feed and feed prices, and no room for dairy farmers to escape. This situation. As workers and others moved from towns / workplaces to their hometowns, activities such as coffee shops, hotels, restaurants and candy shops were shut down. Livestock farmers are unable to sell milk or unproductive / surplus animals on the market, adding to the additional burden of raising these animals during this difficult blockade, complicating the situation. To Therefore, efforts have been made to know the situation of dairy farmers nationwide
... 273 that overall buffalo calf mortality in and around Jabalpur district was 42.11% which is higher compared to our study. Tiwari et al. (2007), in their study of buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms, had also reported 81.09% mortality which was just four times more than our study. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
India is the dominant producer of milk and milk products in the world. The aim of the paper is to study and CSR activities of different dairy sectors in India. The information was collected from different secondary sources such websites, magazines, etc. The study revealed that CSR activities which led the weaker section of the society in forward direction. This study will help to the new entrants to frame their CSR activities and make the strategies which will create a brand among consumers.
... 273 that overall buffalo calf mortality in and around Jabalpur district was 42.11% which is higher compared to our study. Tiwari et al. (2007), in their study of buffalo calf health care in commercial dairy farms, had also reported 81.09% mortality which was just four times more than our study. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
India is the dominant producer of milk and milk products in the world. The paper aims to study and compare the business models of dairy sector, especially to the case companies Amul, Maahi milk, and Heritage Foods. These three companies have shown growth over the last many years. The comparative study revealed that both Amul and Maahi milk was favorable to farmers, which gives an immense amount to their products based on quality. This study will help the new entrants to formulate the strategies for the growth of the company.
... As per Blood and Radostits (1989), there is a 40% reduction in profit if calf mortality is of 20%. Calf mortality in India mostly ranged from 12.5 to 30% (Verma et al. 1980), which may be as high as 81% in rare conditions (Tiwari et al. 2007). Infectious causes lead to neonatal diarrhoea or calf scour, septicaemia and pneumonia (Kochewad et al. 2013). ...
Article
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Neonatal calf mortality is a major concern to livestock sector worldwide. Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD), an acute severe condition causes morbidity and mortality in calves. Amongst various pathogens involved in NCD, E. coli is considered as one of the major causes. The study was targeted to characterize E. coli isolates from neonatal calves for diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) types (pathotyping), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling and to correlate with epidemiological parameters. From neonates, a total of 113 faecal samples were collected, out of that 308, lactose fermenting colonies were confirmed as E. coli. Pathotypable isolates (12.3%) were represented by STEC (6.1%), EPEC (2.9%), ETEC (1.9%), EAEC (0.9%) and EHEC (0.3%). Occurrence of STEC was more in non-diarrhoeic calves, whereas ETEC was observed more in diarrhoeic calves. EPEC occurrence was observed in both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic calves. Fishers extract test showed no significant association for occurrence of DEC types to type of dairies, health status, species, breed, age and sex of neonatal calves. Two hundred and eighty isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The isolates showed maximum resistance towards ampicillin (55.4%) followed by tetracycline (54.3%), while minimum resistance was observed towards meropenem (2.5%). Multidrug resistant E. coli isolates were found to be 139 (49.6%), and Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers were 120 (42.9%). DEC pathotypes like STEC, ETEC, EHEC and EAEC that are also multidrug resistant present in neonatal calves have zoonotic potential and hence are of public health significance.
... This indicated that farmers did not give much importance to deworming of their cattle every 3 months unless they suspected digestive disturbance or when suggested and offered by Veterinarian. The findings of Tiwari et al. (2007), Gupta et al. (2008), Vijay et al.(2008) and Sabapara et al. (2015) were in agreement with the findings of present study, who reported that, majority of the farmers did not practice deworming. ...
Article
Full-text available
Dairy farming provides sustainable income and reduces unemployment of a large number of the rural poor. The study on management practices (housing, breeding and healthcare practices) in crossbred cows was purposively conducted to associate relationship with days open in crossbred cows of Bengaluru rural district of Karnataka. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected from the four taluks of the district for the study. An exploratory research design and multistage random sampling technique was applied for the study and data were collected using a structured interview schedule. The study on management practices by farmers revealed that majority (50.00 %) of dairy farmers had high score in adopting overall scientific housing practices. Among the respondents, 53 per cent and 77 per cent of the respondents had medium level of adoption of scientific breeding and health care practices related to days open of crossbred cows. The housing practices, breeding practices and health care practices followed by dairy farmers had negative and non-significant correlation with days open in crossbred cows. Still, there was a considerable gap existing between recommended scientific management practices and the existing management practices followed by farmers.
... It has roughly 2-3 folds cost advantage over mutton and chevon. Even farmers do not consider raising male buffalo calf to be financially rewarding, eventually the country experiences immense loss in respect of elevated mortality rate (80 % to 84.69 %) on account of poor care and managemental practices (Tiwari et al., 2007). In India, buffalo meat is predominantly obtained from slaughter of used up dairy buffaloes at the end of their fruitful life after complete exploitation. ...
... However, a study in Pakistan revealed an average of 17.98% mortality rate among buffalo calves [42], which was lower than this study. Other studies from India recorded that the mortality rate among dairy buffalo farms was 81.09% [43]. According to Panchasara et al. [42] and Othman et al. [12], the death of buffalo calves was usually reported during the third to fourth weeks of age, during certain seasons (monsoon, winter, or during heavy rainfall season) and improper feeding management, which had led to metabolic disease such as ketosis. ...
Article
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Citation: Mohd Azmi, A.F.; Abu Hassim, H.; Mohd Nor, N.; Ahmad, H.; Meng, G.Y.; Abdullah, P.; Abu Bakar, M.Z.; Vera, J.; Mohd Deli, N.S.; Salleh, A.; et al. Comparative Growth and Economic Performances between Indigenous Swamp and Murrah Crossbred Buffaloes in Malaysia. Animals 2021, 11, 957. https://
... insufficient land holding for green fodder cultivation. In addition to these, high calf mortality, occurrence of diseases, delayed maturity in heifers, prevalence of nondescriptive breeds with low milk productivity and low price remuneration for milk have been threats for buffalo rearing in India (Tiwari et al., 2007;Sastry, 2003). Practices of feeding, breeding, health and housing management have a great influence on buffalo performance and ultimately influence dairy farmers' economy. ...
Article
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The present study on Murrah buffaloes was conducted at Cattle and Buffalo Farm (Livestock Production and Management Section), ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Reproductive data pertaining to post partum interval to estrus (PPIE), service period (SP), number of services per conception (NoS/C) and breeding efficiency (BE) were recorded and analysed to examine the effects of pre-partum body condition score, lactation order, age at calving, season of calving, body weight at calving and dry period on various reproductive traits. Age at calving, season of calving, Body weight at calving and dry period had significantly influenced the reproductive parameters like service period, post partum interval to estrus and breeding efficiency while, the factors did not show any significant effect on number of services per conception. Hence age, season and body weight at calving could be considered as indicative parameters and used as a tool to modify the management while aiming for the improvement of reproductive traits in tropics.
... The government policy on restriction of sale and culling of male calves and decreasing demand for bullock for farm work were also important factors responsible for their negligence (Ranjan, 2017). Similar reports of high calf mortality in commercial dairy farms of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have been observed for calf mortality and gender difference (Sreedhar and Sreenivas, 2015;Tiwari et al., 2007). Most farmers used manual teat massage for milk let down. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: Mastitis is the most common and economically important disease of dairy cattle. Subclinical mastitis is a more important form in India than clinical mastitis. Subclinical mastitis (SCM) detection done by periodic examination of the udder health by evaluation of milk at the herd level or the individual cow level by milk somatic cell count (SCC), followed by culture of random milk samples. The presented study was undertaken by survey and sampling of milk from lactating crossbred cattle of unorganized dairy farms and farmer’s dairy of the peri-urban region of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. The objective of the study was to monitor the status of SCM in crossbred cattle and associated changes in milk constitutes and oxidative stress in milk. Methods: A total of 147 lactating crossbred cattle were screened for SCM using the modified California Mastitis Test (CMT) using detergent based CMT reagent and compared with conventional CMT reagent, followed by SCC, milk constituents, bacterial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity testing (ABST). General information was collected in pre-tested questionnaire. The data obtained were statistically treated to evaluate significance of the study. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in peri-urban cross-bred cattle was 36.74% which varied with parity and stage of milking. Prevalence of subclinical mastitis was highest (55.77%) in cross-bred cattle in mid-lactation and Parity 3-5. The mean SCC was significantly higher (7.21±0.27) in subclinical mastitis compared to CMT negative (3.66±0.06) milk sample. Somatic cell count was positively and significantly correlated with CMT reactions using conventional CMT reagent (rs=0.86) as well as modified CMT reagent (rs=0.815) attempted using Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. The mean values of milk pH, fat and lactic acid acidity increased significantly (P0.01) in SCM compared to the milk of healthy cattle, except lactose which decreased significantly in SCM milk. The common contagious bacteria responsible for SCM isolate were coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. (64.82%) isolates from these SCM milk followed by Streptococcus spp. ABST test conducted on random CMT positive milk sample indicated that gentamicin as most sensitive, followed by enrofloxacin. The present finding indicates the suitability of enrofloxacin as the most useful antibiotic for the treatment of subclinical mastitis in cross-bred cattle of the peri-urban area of middle Indo-gangetic plains.
... Calves are the livestock industry of the future. The care of buffalo calves is not only essential for sustenance of the dairy industry but is also essential in the wake of preserving and maintaining good quality germplasm (Tiwari et al., 2007). According to USDA (USDA Part 1, 2002) respiratory diseases are responsible for 21.30 % of mortality in pre-weaned calves and 30.4% of deaths in weaned heifers. ...
Article
Aetio-pathological study was undertaken for the respiratory affections of twelve buffalo calves received for necropsy at post mortem facility of LUVAS, Hisar during the period of seven months from August, 2018 to February, 2019. Maximum mortality was noticed in the age group of 0-3 months followed by 3-6 months. The mortality was higher in females as compare to males. Grossly, the lesions observed were congestion, consolidation, fibrinous deposits on the pleura and hydrothrax. Histopathologically, sero-fibrinous and interstitial pneumonia were observed. 18 bacterial cultures from lung, heart blood and tracheal swab revealed E. coli (14 isolate), Staphylococcus vitulinus (1 isolate), Aerococcus viridans (1 isolate), Providencia struatii (1 isolate) and Acinetobacter baumanni (1 isolate). Serotypes of E. coli detected from these isolates were O83, O134, O149, O120, O118, O2. Maximum numbers of bacterial species were isolated from tracheal swab followed by lung. The results of in vitro drug sensitivity to different bacterial species isolated from carcasses of buffalo calves revealed that most of bacterial strains were found sensitive to cefoperazone/sulbactum and resistant to cloxacillin. Keywords: Buffalo calves, Interstitial pneumonia, In Vitro Drug Sensitivity, Sero-fibrinous pneumonia, Serous pneumonia
... (Martin) reported that calf mortality of 20% decrease the profit of livestock farm to 38%. The main cause of high mortality in commercial dairy farms is the inadequate feeding and health facilities like colostrum feeding, inadequate milk feeding, naval cord disinfection and timely treatment (Tiwari et al., 2007). Calf mortality can only be reduced by finding and targeting its specific O n l i n e ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cattle breed type on (a) cow serum IgG and serum total protein concentration (b) colostrum immunoglobulin level and (c) their respective calves’ serum immunoglobulin and serum total protein concentration. Three breeds of cattle were observed: Jersey, Holstein Friesian (HF) and local Pakistani cow breed Achai. To assess serum IgG, sodium sulphite precipitation technique was used while IgG in colostrum were determined using digital Brix refractometer (Atago RX-1000) and serum total protein (STP) in cows and calves were analyzed by chemistry analyzer (Procan PS-520). Overall Achai breed of cattle showed highest mean value for pre and postpartum serum immunoglobulin (11.78 ± 0.92 mg/ml, 10.00 ± 1.09 mg/ml) than Jersey breed (9.80 ± 1.30 mg/ml, 7.86 ± 1.01 mg/ml) and HF breed (7.86 ± 1.30 mg/ml, 6.43 ± 0.92mg/ml) respectively. Calf serum IgG was higher (P < 0.05) for Achai cow breed than other two cow breeds. The mean Brix (%) value for colostrum of Achai breed was higher (24.03% Brix) than Jersey and HF breeds. In the current study, there was a positive significant (P<0.05) correlation found for pre-partum IgG with postpartum STP and calf serum IgG. The results revealed that Achai breed had better potentials for serum and colostrum immunoglobulins (IgG) and total proteins (STP) production under local environment than HF and Jersey. Calf serum immunoglobulin concentration was affected by cattle breed type and showed a positive correlation with cow serum IgG decrease before parturition. It was found that the Partum stage of different cattle breeds has a significant effect on IgG in colostrum and serum of their respective calves. Therefore, the present study provided a baseline for the improvement of passive transfer of immunity to newborn calves while manipulating IgG concentration in the pre-partum stage of cattle.
... Smallholder dairy farmers tend to underfeed the young stock as they are usually more interested in selling milk for an income than investing in the maintenance of a new-born calf, more so if the calf is a bull (Listiari et al., 2015). This underfeeding is primarily attributed to the time span that the young stock have between any financial investments and returns while on the farm (Listiari et al., 2015;Moran, 2009;Tiwari et al., 2007). Even though this is the case with smallholder dairy farmers, it is evident that the general profitability of a calf rearing enterprise is highly dependent on adequate and appropriate nutrition for calf health and optimal growth (Chang Lanyasunya et al., 2006). ...
Article
The objective of this study was to assess potential impact of selected enhanced feeding practices on growth of smallholder dairy calves. In the period between May and August 2012, 36 privately owned Kenyan smallholder dairy farms with newborn calves were purposively selected to participate in a randomized control trial. The calves were randomly allocated to one of nine feed intervention groups based on three groups of Calf Starter Intake (CSI; 20% protein) and three groups of Milk Intake (MI): control, half, and full. Full CSI intake involved lead feeding to achieve up to 1 kg/day feed intake at weaning, half CSI was to maximize intake at 0.5kg/day at weaning, while control CSI was the farmers' normal practice (0-0.2 kg/day). Full MI was 4 Liters/day and half milk intake was 2 Liters/day, while control MI was the farmers' normal practice (2-10 Liters/day). Each of the nine intervention groups had four calves per group (one calf died during the 1st week) resulting in 35 calves. Data on calf weight and height were collected weekly through farm visits for a period of eight weeks, and management data were collected through an in-person questionnaire. The results showed significant differences in the mean average daily weight gains across the different feed intervention groups at P (<0.001). All full CSI groups had weight gains over 0.5 kg/day. The full CSI + control MI had a positive association with the mean average daily weight gain at (0.61 kg/day), higher than the other two full CSI groups because of higher MI in this small group. In mixed multivariable linear regression analyses, weekly calf weights were higher with calf age and body condition score, a normal gastrointestinal tract, and amount of calf starter consumed per day, along with feeding sweet potato vines.
... Smallholder dairy farmers tend to underfeed the young stock as they are usually more interested in selling milk for an income than investing in the maintenance of a new-born calf, more so if the calf is a bull (Listiari et al., 2015). This underfeeding is primarily attributed to the time span that the young stock have between any financial investments and returns while on the farm (Listiari et al., 2015;Moran, 2009;Tiwari et al., 2007). Even though this is the case with smallholder dairy farmers, it is evident that the general profitability of a calf rearing enterprise is highly dependent on adequate and appropriate nutrition for calf health and optimal growth (Chang Lanyasunya et al., 2006). ...
Article
Full-text available
The objective of this study was to assess potential impact of selected enhanced feeding practices on growth of smallholder dairy calves. In the period between May and August 2012, 36 privately owned Kenyan smallholder dairy farms with new-born calves were purposively selected to participate in a randomized control trial. The calves were randomly allocated to one of nine feed intervention groups based on three groups of Calf Starter Intake (CSI; 20% protein) and three groups of Milk Intake (MI): control, half, and full. Full CSI intake involved lead feeding to achieve up to 1 kg/day feed intake at weaning, half CSI was to maximize intake at 0.5kg/day at weaning, while control CSI was the farmers’ normal practice (0-0.2 kg/day). Full MI was 4 Liters/day and half milk intake was 2 Liters/day, while control MI was the farmers’ normal practice (2-10 Liters/day). Each of the nine intervention groups had four calves per group (one calf died during the 1st week) resulting in 35 calves. Data on calf weight and height were collected weekly through farm visits for a period of eight weeks, and management data were collected through an in-person questionnaire. The results showed significant differences in the mean average daily weight gains across the different feed intervention groups at P (<0.001). All full CSI groups had weight gains over 0.5 kg/day. The full CSI + control MI had a positive association with the mean average daily weight gain at (0.61 kg/day), higher than the other two full CSI groups because of higher MI in this small group. In mixed multivariable linear regression analyses, weekly calf weights were higher with calf age and body condition score, a normal gastrointestinal tract, and amount of calf starter consumed per day, along with feeding sweet potato vines.
... Calf mortality was found 8% and 7%, respectively in HYI and CI system. Ninety percent farmers noticed that diarrhorea and pneumonia were common diseases of buffalo calf which is similar to the findings of Islam et al. (2016) and Tiwari et al. (2007). ...
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An attempt was made to study the existing production and management system under intensive buffalo farming at Dinajpur district, a drought area of Bangladesh. Thirty two farmers were selected for this study. Direct interview with farmers, farm observation, community discussions and key informant interview (KII) were carried out to achieve the study. Two types of intensive system were found, namely – household yard (HYI) and completely intensive (CI). It was observed that in HYI system during the day time the animals were kept in yard and in confinement at night. On the contrary, animals were always remained in the shed under CI system. Feeding practice and utilization of feed resources were found different in HYI and CI farming. Showering of dairy buffaloes was observed as common practices in both production systems. All productive e.g. milk yield, lactation yield, lactation length and dry period and reproductive traits e.g. service per conception, age at first pregnancy, age at first calving and post/partum heat period under CI production system were found significantly (p≤0.05) better than that of the HYI systems. Significantly (p≤0.05) higher total solids and fat were found in milk from CI system compared to the HYI system, but in case of protein it was opposite. Natural breeding showed as more prominent practice than that of the artificial insemination in both farming systems. All the farmers practiced colostrum feeding and the calf mortality ranges from 7-8%. Regarding the primary health care, CI farmers were found to be more attentive than the HYI farmers. Most of the buffaloes showed heat from early night to early morning (78.7%). Problem matrix revealed that the top ranked order of problems were “inadequate knowledge”, “high price of feed” and “low milk price”. However, both systems were found as a profitable venture (benefit cost ratio1.33 in HYI and 1.25 in CI). Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 103-117, 2018
... Management of young animals plays an important role in the development of the dairy and meat sector as calves are the future of the livestock industry. The care of buffalo calves is not only essential for sustenance of the dairy industry, but also essential in the context of preserving and maintaining good quality germplasm (Tiwari et al., 2007). Therefore, to attain maximum gains from livestock industry, it is vitally important that young ones be reared into healthy and productive animals. ...
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... Calf mortality was found 8% and 7%, respectively in HYI and CI system. Ninety percent farmers noticed that diarrhorea and pneumonia were common diseases of buffalo calf which is similar to the findings of Islam et al. (2016) and Tiwari et al. (2007). ...
... (Martin) reported that calf mortality of 20% decrease the profit of livestock farm to 38%. The main cause of high mortality in commercial dairy farms is the inadequate feeding and health facilities like colostrum feeding, inadequate milk feeding, naval cord disinfection and timely treatment (Tiwari et al., 2007). Calf mortality can only be reduced by finding and targeting its specific O n l i n e ...
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