Existing housing and breeding management practices adopted by dairy farmers in Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India

A field survey was conducted to collect the information on existing housing and breeding management practices followed by the dairy animal owners in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The results revealed that 91.25 per cent of farmers adopted group housing system for their animals. Kuccha type of floor and asbestos roof was observed in 79.38 per cent and 26.25 per cent of animal houses respectively. Poor drainage facility was observed in 41.50 per cent of animal sheds. About, 89.38 per cent farmers provided their animals with provision of shade from trees. Around, 87.50 per cent farmers considered body weight as the main criteria to consider first time mating and 83.00 per cent farmers relied on mucus discharge along with bellowing as most important signs of heat detection. 98.12 per cent of farmers preferred artificial insemination over natural service as method of mating in their animals, but only 9.00 per cent farmers relied upon the views given by experienced veterinarians. About, 88.13 per cent of farmers practiced mating through A.I or natural service between 8 to 12 hours after heat detection. Pregnancy diagnosis was preferred by only few of farmers 6.00 per cent however, it was performed by qualified veterinarian in 2.50 per cent cases. All of the farmers adopted the practice of maintenance of breeding records of their animals.