ASSESSMENT OF LIVESTOCK EXTENSION SERVICES ON DAIRY FARM’S PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of livestock extension services provided by non-government organization and their role in subsequent livestock products enhancement in the randomly selected from enrolled dairy farms in Punjab. A total of 25 dairy farmers were interviewed to get the desired information. The data were collected for the education level, animal raising purpose, herd structure, breeding of animals, animal health, dairy products and their consumption, input and output of the dairy farms and the role of livestock extension services. All the respondents in this study gained education up to post graduate and a great number of the farmers (64%) were engaged in commercial dairying. Dairy farmers were rearing the Buffalo and various cattle breeds {Sahiwal, Friesian, Swedish, Jersey and crossbred (Sahiwal × Friesian, Friesian × Jersey)} and the population of animals ranged from 35 to 600 at different dairy farms. Breeding of dairy animals was executed by 76% farmers through artificial insemination cum natural mating method. Mastitis was found main disease (54.4%) having negative impact on dairy industry. All the farmers were vaccinating their animals against Foot and Mouth disease and Hemorrhagic Septicemia, whereas only 92% dairy farmers were using anthelmintics. It was revealed that 24% respondents availed training programs offered by non-government organization. It was concluded that livestock extension services developed the interest of people to invest in livestock business, also accelerated the adoptability of innovative technologies and ultimately it improved income and living standards of common dairy farmers.