APPLICATION OF GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES TO EVALUATE FEEDING PATTERNS FOR MILK PRODUCTION OF BUBALUS BUBALIS (BUFFALOES) IN DISTRICT KASUR, PAKISTAN.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore relationship between feeding patterns and milk production of Bubalus bubalis (Buffaloes) using Geographic Information System (GIS). A total of 919 buffaloes from 38 dairy farms of Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan were included in this study. Milk production per annum for grazing, non-grazing and partial grazing feeding category of B. bubalis was recorded with a minimum value of 1808, 1856 and 1780 liters, respectively, while with a maximum of 2455, 2334 and 2902 liters, respectively. Availability of water lines and using both the land cover classes 1 and 3 with partial grazing feeding category significantly enhanced the milk production. Comparison among the feeding patterns was determined by one way Anova. The results also revealed a positive correlation of partial grazing feeding pattern with B. bubalis milk production. In conclusion, partial grazing feeding category attained high milk yield with existing resources than grazing and non- grazing feeding category.