Studies on existing neonatal calf managemental practices adopted by dairy farmers of Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

field survey was conducted to collect the information on neonatal management practices followed by
the dairy animal owners in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The results revealed that 100% of farmers clean
mucous membrane of newborn calf immediately after birth. Around 74.38% allowed suckling within 15
minutes of birth and 23.12% between 30 minutes after birth. Majority of farmers 73.75% practiced feeding
colostrum within half an hour of its birth and continuing upto the first five days. Practice of cutting and
disinfection of navel cord after birth was uncommon (10%). Temporary identification method was common
as compared to permanent type which were 87.50% and 12.50% respectively. Most of farmers feed their
calves from two teats and 11.25% of farmers practice feeding of milk from all four teats. Dehorning was
done by majority of the farmers (97.50%). Castration of male calves at 30-40, 40-50 and >50 days of age
were practiced by 42.50, 27.50 and 23.75% of farmers respectively. Weaning of calves was done at 40-60
days of age by 83.12% of farmers.
Key words: Colostrum, Dehorning, Neonates, Weaning
Indian ranks first in the world in terms of milk
production and contributes to about 14% of the
total milk production of the world 3. Understanding
the factors affecting farmers’ adoption of dairy
technology is critical to success of development
and implementation of policies and programmes
in dairy industry development. Previous adoptionoriented
research has examined the use and
diffusion of