Scientific dairy management practices followed by dairy farmers in South-Western Punjab

The survey was carried out to identify the present adoption status of scientific dairy practices in South-Western Punjab. To undertake this work, 60 (20 small, 20 medium and 20 large) dairy farmers in Mansa and Sangrur districts were selected where dairy farming was highly concentrated. Overall 28.33 per cent farmers acquired dairy entrepreneurial development training programme whereas 33.33 per cent farmers have taken loan from various financial institutions for establishment of dairy farms. Total 61.66 per cent farmers show the adoption of vaccination for common diseases like H.S., F.M.D. and B.Q., whereas only 26.66 per cent farmers analyzed the feed/fodder samples. Most of the farmers (76.66 %) use mineral mixture and salt for increasing the production and productivity of their animals. Total 26.6 per cent farmers prepared and use the silage whereas only 23.33 per cent farmers use urea for the treatment of wheat straw to use in summer during lean period of green fodder. Overall 63.33 per cent dairy owners know the proper practice of full hand milking practice. Majority of the respondents had also not adopted the correct practice of disposal of animal waste.