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The Effect of Farm Size and Locality on Dairy Economic Traits in Small and Medium Dairy Farmers in District Gujranwala, Pakistan

Published: December 18, 2013
By: Syed Hassan Raza,M.Riaz, H.M.Zakria (Dept. Livestock Management, Univ. of Agriculture, Faisalabad, PAKISTAN) M. Sarwar and K. Ahmad (Department of Statistics, Govt. College Satiana Rd., Faisalabad)
Summary

Sixty dairy farmers were interviewed from different rural areas of Gujranwaladistrict Punjab Pakistan. The farmers were divided in two groups (small having 1-10 and medium having 11-50 dairy animals. Each group was further subdivided location wise (living near or away the road link). The results revealed that in buffalo CI was 22-24 (40%) and 16-18 (57%) months in SFG and MFG; respectively.  These values for cattle were 13-15 months for 40% SFG and 56% MFG. The values for AFC (age at 1st calving), lactation length (LL) and dry period (DP) in buffalo were found to be 43-48 (57%) and 43-48 (53%),  12-13 (40%) and 10-11 (57%) months; and 115 (30%) and 100-114 (33%) days in SFG and MFG, respectively. The CI, SP and services per conception significantly (p<0.05) differed in both the groups. Whilst in cattle AFC and LL showed the similar trend in both groups. The buffalo in SFG showed 5-6 services (47%)/ conception. These values for cattle and buffalo in MFG were 4 or less than 4 for both species. The MFG in buffalo (50%) showed ideal SP (76-90 days) whilst other groups and species the values were higher than 90 days. The farm size and locality affected the production parameters due to approach and access to market. The medium farmers showed better results than SFG because they were keeping animals with commercial approach and more concerned about production parameters.

Keywords: cost of production, small farmers, production constraints.

Introduction
The small (1-10 animals) to middle (11 – 50 animals) farmers make 50 and 37% of total country cattle herd; respectively, while the number is 52 and 39% for buffalo herds (Livestock Census, 2006). Most of the factors affecting the production performance of animals and dairy sector are not in control of these farmers, therefore, directly hinder their farm productivity (Tauer, 2001). The small and scattered dairy holders are one of the main constraints in improving the milk production and collection. The comparison of small, medium and large farming systems (crop based and Livestock integrated) showed that (Raman and Jain,1992) there was 80, 121 and 163% boost in milk production for small, medium and large farms; respectively. The large farms performed more efficiently. It was pointed out that small, medium and large farmers were having 1.8, 0.62 and 0.23 animals per acre; respectively, indicating that small and medium farmers are more dependent on animal production than large and facing different types of constraints that effect their farm productivity (Raza et. al.,1999 a,b). The cost of production per liter of milk was found to be from Rs. 5.86 to 6.49 in different dairy groups and this cost was negatively associated with farm size (Raza et. el., 2000). The feeding cost was about 60 -70% of the total cost of the farm. Major constraints of small farmers were higher prices of inputs, animal productivity and allied problems. Monetary constraints were inefficient marketing facilities, poor health cover, high input costs, poor incentives for farmers, distressed extension services and uneasy credit facilities (Raza and Peter, 2004). The large farmers performed more efficiently (Uddin et al., 2010). Rajendran et al., (2004) reviewed the current position of selling the milk and dairy co-operatives inIndia. The results indicated that most of the milk produced by small farmers inIndia (80%) is controlled by scattered persons without any organization while very less amount (20%) is controlled by organizations. One reason of small farms to be inefficient was unorganized farming systems (Tauer, 2001). It is noticed that life style was improved in rural areas by enhancing production and marketing of milk by the facilities given by different societies to the farmers. The main problems were middle man, simplicity of dairy farmers and in proper facilities for collection, storage, transportation and processing.
The constraints affecting farm productivity remain varying with time, locality, herd size, animal species, production and marketing systems etc. and their impact also remains changing with time, social and economic factors (Raza et at., 1999 a,b) . So it is desirable that periodically such studies should be carried out and data analyzed to assess the situation and changing trends The present study was designed to investigate the effect of farm size and locality on different dairy traits that directly affect the economics of the farm productivity and profitability.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted in Gujranwaladistrict that is one of the most irrigated and milk production (2.42 M lit.) areas of Pakistan. The randomly selected sixty farms were interviewed using a questionnaire based on different parameters regarding production status The respondents were divided in two groups viz. small farmer group (SFG,1-10 animals) and medium farmers group (MFG, 11-50 animals). Each group was further sub divided into two groups, less than 5 KM (Near road, NR) away from road and up to 15 Km away from road Away from road (AFR). The data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program using χ2 technique to determine the interaction of different parameters.
Results and Discussion
The farmers were not having any type of records of their herd due to illiteracy. The production performance parameters included average values of (1) age at 1st calving (2) calving interval, (3) dry period, (4) service Period, (5) services per conception (6) and lactation lengthof small and medium dairy farms. 
1-   Calving Interval (CI) in Buffalo and Cattle
The results showed that the highest percentage (40%) of SFG was having the CI between 22-24 months and out of it 23% was living away from the road (Table 1). The second highest % (33.33%) of farmers with longer CI was having 19-21 months CI but here farmers in AFR group were involved. Only 6.66% farmers were having CI between 12-15 months. In case of MFG, 56.66% (36.66% AFR) farmers were having CI of 16-18 months showing better results. Only 16.66% farmers were having CI between 22-24 months. In both the groups (SFG, MFG), 10% farmers were having calving interval more than 24 months. 
 
 

The CI plays very important role in dairy production and affects economic value and productivity of dairy animal (Bhatti, 1988) and reduction in calving interval is very essential.   Das et al., (2005) reported 17 months of calving interval in buffalo in Assam. The most of the variation in calving interval was due to service period and this factor was affected by feeding, management and climate etc. The breeding just after 40-50 days of calving with efficient heat detection and insemination practices can significantly reduce the calving interval. Our findings are in agreement with Das et al., (2005).
In cattle, most of the respondents (40%, SFG) were facing the CI of 13-15 months. The second highest % of (33.33%) of respondents with longer CI was having 16-18 months CI and out of it 23% was living AFR. Only 3.33% respondents were having CI between 10-12 months. In case of MFG, 56.66% (36.66% AFR) respondents were having CI of 13-15 months and 16.66% were found 19-21 months. The 65% farmers in AFR with longer CI indicate poor awareness and limited extension workers approach. The 10% respondents from both the groups (SFG, MFG) were having CI more than 21 months. The study conducted by Zafar (2000) also reported the similar results (15.2 and 13.46 months average calving interval in buffaloes and cattle; respectively).
2- Age at First Calving (AFC)
The age at first calving in buffaloes was 43-48 months in 56.66% SFG and 53.33% in MFG (Table 1). Whilst, in AFR it was 37-42 months in 23.33% of SFG and 10% MFG. It shows great difference amongst both the groups (SFG and MFG). The reasons for this variation may be due to lack of good management in SFG as compared to MFG because their main objective of later is milk production and sale. This higher AFC may be attributed due to poor nutrition in rural areas away from road where animals usually kept under stress conditions. The study conducted by Ahmad (2004) found that there were 42 months average age at first calving in Sahiwal cows and this finding is in line with present study. The average age at 1st calving in cows and buffaloes was reported (Khan et al., 1999) 44.5 and 54.5 months; respectively as in this study. The average age at first calving in Swamp buffalo was reported 56.63 months which is in contrast with the present findings that could be due to the different breed and husbandry practices (Das et al. 2005). It was found that in cattle AFC was 43-48 months in 56.66% SFG and 53.33% in MFG, whilst this age was between 37-42 months in 23.33% of SFG and 20% MFG. AFC 30-36 months was observed only in 6.66% SFG and 26.66% MFG respondents. The variation in age at first calving in both the groups in present study and with other workers suggest the scope of improvement in the small rural livestock through proper feeding, management, housing and disease control program etc.
3-  Dry Period (DP)
The average DP in buffaloes was >115 days in (30%) most of SFG but in MFG (33.33%) it was 100-114 days. However, 26.66% of SFG and MFG practiced 100-114 days and 70-84 days of dry period; respectively. The average DP in cows and buffaloes was found 195 and 174 days (Khan et al.,1999); respectively. These results are partially in agreement with present study. Ideally the dry period of dairy animal should be 40 - 60 days showing improvement in production practices to get maximum production (khan, 2008) but in practical condition farmers milk their animals till the last drop without caring the health of animal. The farmers raise their animals in traditional ways taught by ancestors.
For cattle DP was: in SFG (40%) and in MFG (33.33%) most of the respondents were facing 86-100 days of DP. Whilst, in SFG 30% and in MFG 36.66% respondents were having DP more than 100 days. Arif (2009) investigated the production profile of dairy animals and reported average dry period for cattle as 76 days. These results are in line with present study. Prolonged dry period in our local areas expresses the reason of small lactation length and less milk production.
4- Service Period (SP)
 In buffalo average service period was found 91-95 days in 46.66% respondents (SFG) whilst 26.66% were having SP more than 105 days. In SFG Only 6.66% respondents were having SP of 61-75 days. In MFG most of (50%) the respondents were having SP between 76-90 days and only 16.66% were facing SP more than 105 days. The difference in SP length of both the groups suggests that need of improvement in SFG to reduce this prolong SP for better production, shorter DP and economic benefits.
Results show that in cattle same trend was followed in respect of SP. The SP length in cattle was 91-105 days in most (46.66%) of the SFG but in MFG (50%) most animals were having SP between 76-90 days whilst only 16.66% SFG and 10% MFG were facing SP more than 105 days. The prolong CI may be due to the long SP present in most of the respondents in the study area. Long CI results in less number of calves that is a big loss in terms of milk production.
5- Services per Conception (SPC)
In SFG, 5-6 services per conception were required in most (46.66%) animals and more than 6 services were required in 26.66% respondents. Only 13.33% respondents were practiced 1-2 services for conception. In MFG 3-4 services were practiced for 50% of the respondents whilst only 23.33% were having 1-2 services per conception. Only 10% respondents were with more than 6 SPC. Longer CI can be attributed to the high SC or long SP due to low energy feeding. It will put extra feeding burden on the farmer. 
In cattle more than 4 services were needed by 63.33% and 16.66% respondents by SFG and MFG; respectively. The most (53.33%) of the MFG were having 3-4 services for successful conception. Only 13.33% SFG and 30% of MFG were having 1-2 services. Ideally SPC should be 1-2 for optimum production in dairy animals but in actual conditions more than 60% respondents in SFG and MFG practiced 4 or more than 4 SPC in both the species (cattle and buffaloes) of dairy animals. This results in economical losses to the farmers.
6- Lactation Length (LL)
Results showed that in SFGmost (40%) of the respondents were having lactation length between 10-11months in cattle and 12-13 months in buffaloes. The second highest % (30%) of respondents was having LL of 12-13 and 10-11 months in cattle and buffaloes; respectively. The ideal LL of buffalo and cattle is 9-10 months to get maximum production from them (Khan, 2008). The 8-9 months of LL was observed only 10% in buffaloes and 20% in cattle. The longer LL in buffaloes by SFG shows the dependency of this group on milk production. They want to collect every drop of milk from their animals. This results in low wet average and economical losses to the small farmers. In MFG 10-11 months LL was observed in 50% cattle and 56.66% buffaloes. Whilst 8-9 months LL was observed in 20% cattle and 6.66% buffaloes.
Arif (2009) reported 10.66 and 9.12 months LL in buffaloes and cow; respectively which is close to the present study. Zafar (2000) investigated the average LL for cow and buffaloes as 10.9 and 11.8 months; respectively. These findings also support the results of present study. Khan et al. (1999) reported LL for buffaloes and cows as 14.9 and 11.5 months; respectively that is not in agreement with findings of present study. Ehsan (1998) reported LL in buffaloes ranging from 9.09 to 10.05 months and in cow 7.56 to 9.33 months that are in line with present findings.
Conclusion
It was concluded that herd size and extension workers access to farmers significantly affect the production parameters, raising cost, animal performance and farm economic. The longer SP (Service Period) was the main issue resulting in longer DP, CI and economic losses.   
REFERENCES
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Bhatti, J.A. 1988. Prospectus and limitations of livestock production on small farms. M.Sc (Hons). Thesis. Dept: Livestock Management, Uni. of Agri.,Faisalabad. 
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Authors:
Syed Hassan Raza
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Muhammad Adnan Sharif
6 de abril de 2018
It is best to discuss with Askari bank
Rifat Hanif
6 de marzo de 2017

Dear Sir,
I am in trusted dairy farm business and I want to start from 20 buffalo.
May you advise about the shed and land.
Best wishes,
Rifat Hanif.

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