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Introduction:
Cattle rearing occupies a unique position in the national economy of the country,
which is predominantly dependant on agriculture. Considering the climatic
and other conditions prevailing in Meghalaya, rearing of dairy animals is
also having a great
potential in the state, particularly in East Khasi Hills District, as milk
consumption in the state is very less as compared to the National level.
Types of Milch animal :
Cross-breed
1. IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE MAINTAINED FOR
ACHIEVING SUCCESSFUL DAIRY FARMING:
1. Foundation
stock can be selected from pedigreed stock only.
2. Selection of the
site – the site for establishing the farm should be a healthy one. Easy
source of water, electricity, communication but far from residential areas
and commercial areas, to prevent easy spread of communicable diseases. |
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3. Cow-shed should be
easy to clean, large enough for the animals to settle freely with good
ventilation and should be construction in such manner to be easy for
enlargement in future.
4. The site for farm
should be such that there is every possible way of easy outlet for sale of
the produce of the farm. Selection of stock should be examined carefully
before the start of the farm as the economy of the farm depends largely on
this matter.
2. Feed
Milch cows require a
minimum of 40 kgs. of green fodder daily and during the dry season this can
be replaced by a self made green fodder called silage. Hay may be given
in winter (during the months of January-May). Along with the hay and stalk,
salt and gur can be given for easy consumption of the animal. Concentrate
feed can be computed as follows:
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INGRIDIENTS |
AMOUNT ( KILOGRAMS) |
|
Wheat bran |
40 |
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Maize/Broken rice |
37 |
|
Mustard oil cakes |
20 |
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Mineral mixture |
20 |
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Salt |
1 |
3. Feed for calf:
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Colostrum should be
given for 1-4 days
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Whole
milk should be given for 5-15 days
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From 16-28 days
milk should be given along with little quantity of wheat bran
till the 84th day.
Heifer
comes to first heat at the age of 12-18 months
Gestation period is 9 months, 9 days or 279-281 days
When the cow is pregnant
60 days prior parturition milking should be stopped. There are many ways for
preventing diseases, therefore, regular checking of any abnormality is
important and any signs of disease are seen the owner should contact the
veterinary authority for prompt treatment. |