A Study on Cow Farm Characteristics and Management Routines Related to Cow Health in Quetta District, Balochistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7903244Keywords:
Farmers, Breeds, Cow farming, Milk quality, Quetta, Dairy IndustryAbstract
This study examined the demographic and animal characteristics of 70 cow owners in Quetta District, revealing that cow farming in the area is predominantly owned by men with limited education and experience and small-scale operations. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cow health but were largely unaware of milk quality regulations and the effects of antibiotics in milk. Foot and mouth disease were found to be the most prevalent disease among cows and farmers seek the help of veterinarians in case of abortion cases in cows. Most cows are kept with pet animals and cow owners maintain hygiene conditions of farms. However, there is a lack of understanding of the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and farmers largely do not execute it on cows. Most farmers do not comply with safe milk production guidelines and sell unpasteurized milk/milk products without following guidelines for milk selling. The traditional bucket method is used to feed the cows and they are given green grass twice a day. Cows consume between 10-15 kg of feed per day and produce an average of over 8 liters of milk per day during the summer season.
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