Dairy animal health and housing management practices followed by tribal dairy farmers of Ranchi, Jharkhand

The present study was conducted on tribal dairy farmers in Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Total 180 farmers were selected randomly and information about the existing dairy animals’ health management and housing practices was collected. The study revealed that only 2.78 per cent of the respondents used sterilized blade for naval cord separation of new born and applied antiseptic solution. Colostrum feeding was followed by most of the respondents. Use of bedding material to new born calf, vaccination and castration were followed by most, deworming was followed by only few and dehorning was followed by none of the respondents. About 50 per cent of the respondents provided special attention to the pregnant animals and about 90 per cent of the them buried the foetal membrane after its expulsion. Practices followed in housing management revealed that majority had sheds with Kuchha floor and thatched roof for their animals. Most of them had loose type of shelter, average sanitary conditions and poor drainage system and cleaned the animal shed daily. Majority did not use any disinfectant for the animal houses and follow recommended udder healthcare practices.