Significance of socio-economic factors of farmers on the milk production of crossbred cows in Thrissur district of Kerala

Abstract

A basic study on milk production of crossbred cattle in Thrissur district in Kerala was undertaken using 1 114 cows in 6 centres th.at calved during 2002-2004 period. Milk production ofcows in a standard lactation was predicted on the basis of milk recording at monthly intervals. Least squares analysis of variance was used to study the influence of socio economic factors .of farmers on the milk production of their cows. Theleast squares mean 305-day milk production of the crossbred cows was 1.862 + 60.3 kg. The ANOVA showed that the different centres, years of calving, parity and herd strength exerted highly significant influence on milk yield and tlle season of calving had significant effect at 5% significant level. Socio-economic factors of farmer such as land holding, occupation, educational levels type of sheds did not influence the milk yield of cows.