ISSN : 1997-1052 (Print)
2227-202X (Online)
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Farmer’s Perception on Cause`s, Consequences, and Practices of Mastitis in Cow
Bimal Chandra Karmakar
Abstract

Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland, causes huge economic losses in the dairy industry because it decreases milk yield and degrades milk quality. Contagious organisms in the farm environment, improper sanitary practices in pre and post-milking time, and poor udder hygiene are the causes of mastitis in dairy cows. Farmer’s knowledge and their practices in dairy farm management can play an important role in this aspect. The study aims to know the perception of dairy farmers regarding the causes, effects, and mastitis management practices. Eighty dairy farmers of Cumilla and Sirajgonj districts having at least 5 cows were selected and interviewed purposively with a pretested questionnaire. It was reported that among the dairy breeds, there were 66.53% Holstein Friesian, 19.66% Jersey, 9.66% Sahiwal, and 4% cattle of the indigenous breed. It was found that 95% of farmers know about the cause and consequences of mastitis and are also aware of the predisposing factor of mastitis. However, it is also noted that 91% of study farmers stated that they experienced mastitis infection in one year of study. It means the farmers do not follow what they know or what they are doing is not correct. The farmers (73%) opined that Friesian cows are comparatively more prone to mastitis compared to Jersey and Sahiwal breeds. The farm floor was mainly made of concrete (53%) and brick-soiled floor (47%). It was found that 64% of farmers do not follow milking time, and 87.5% of farmers do not use any sanitizer before and after milking. Dirty floor, milkers hand, bedding mat, incomplete milking, and some unknown factors are responsible for mastitis opined by 50%, 28%, 6%,4%, and 9% of respondents respectively. After mastitis infection in 47.5% of cases, farmers call quack because of easy access and low cost which leads them to get inappropriate treatment. A total of 97.5% opined that mastitis decreases average milk production by up to 50%. The study found that the farmers are aware of the cause but are less sincere in preventing the cause, especially in hygiene and sanitation. So, it suggests boosting awareness among dairy farmers about hygiene and sanitary practices in dairy farm management to prevent mastitis in dairy cows.

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