UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Scientific health care practices (vaccination, deworming, isolation of sick animals and mastitis control) and proper calf rearing practices (timely colostrum feeding, navel disinfection, deworming and appropriate housing) are critical because calves constitute the future productive herd of the farm. A study on breeding, health care and calf rearing management practices of buffalo farmers was conducted in Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar districts of Agro-climatic Zone-1B, Rajasthan. Data were collected from 120 buffalo farmers (60 from each district) through personal interview method using a pre-tested structured schedule. Heat detection was practised by a high percentage of farmers (86.67–100%) with bellowing as the most common symptom. Artificial insemination was adopted by only 25–53.33% of farmers while the majority relied on natural service or a combination of both. Mid-heat was the preferred stage for insemination/service and winter was the peak season of oestrus. Service period of 120–150 days and calving interval of 14–15 months were most commonly reported. Colostrum feeding to newborn calves was universally practised (100%). However, several critical gaps were observed such as low adoption of navel cord disinfection (7.69–26.67%), cleaning of calves after birth (15.38–66.67%), calf deworming and separate calf housing. Overall adoption of scientific practices was better among large herd owners while small and medium herds lagged behind due to knowledge gaps and limited resources. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted extension programmes focusing on farmer education, doorstep AI and veterinary services, and supply of quality inputs to bridge the existing gaps and improve reproductive efficiency, calf survival and overall buffalo productivity in the irrigated north-western plain of Rajasthan.