Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Bovine Population Dynamics and Milk Production in Andhra Pradesh.

Abstract

Investigating inter-district variations in bovine population dynamics and milk production and understanding their drivers is essential for targeted efforts and investments for enhanced dairy development. The present study was conducted in Andhra Pradesh to analyze the bovine population dynamics and milk production trends. For spatio-temporal analysis of bovine population dynamics and milk production in Andhra Pradesh, the district-level secondary data from 2007 to 2019 was compiled from various sources, mainly from three quinquennial rounds of livestock census of India, integrated sample survey reports, and statistical abstracts of Andhra Pradesh. The study employed analytical techniques such as tabular and compound annual growth rate analyses, heat maps, and panel data regression. All the districts witnessed a considerably higher rate of increase in the population of crossbred females, indicating the substitution of low-yielding indigenous animals with high-yielding crossbred cattle. Vizianagaram district, an aspirational district with a large tribal population and poverty, witnessed an increase in the share of crossbred cattle by 30 per cent. The density of veterinary institutions, tractor density, and rainfall had a positive and significant influence on the herd efficiency ratio.