Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education

Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal -637 002

Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

A study was conducted to assess the knowledge level of rural weaker sections in scientific calf rearing and clean milk production practices in Vellore and Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected from 100 dairy farmers belonging to scheduled caste category in Vellore and Cuddalore districts. The findings of the study revealed that the rural weaker sections of both  the districts had poor knowledge in most of the aspects of calf rearing viz. aseptically cutting of umbilical cord, time of first deworming, quantity of milk fed to new born calf, age of introducing green fodder, age of introducing concentrate, dehorning practices and age at weaning. More than 70 % of the farmers of both districts had knowledge regarding time of colostrum feeding, removal of mucus from nostrils, assisting weak calves to suck milk. In regard to clean milk production practices, the rural weaker sections of both the districts were found to be not aware of mastitis detection test, use of teat dip, right method of milking and storage of milk in cool place until dispatching. It could be concluded that rural weaker sections involved in dairying lacked knowledge on the importance of scientific calf rearing and clean milk production practices. Therefore awareness on these aspects should be imparted through various extension programmes and training.

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