Study of Socio-Economic Status and Calf Management Practices Followed by Kunari Cattle Owners in Kunar Province, Afghanistan
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Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study to invistigate the socio-economic status and calf management practices followed by Kunari cattle farmers in three districts of Kunar provimce. Livestock rearing is crucial in Afghanistan for food security, involving both poor and wealthy farmers. Cattle are raised for milk, meat, and power. Livestock plays a vital role in dry rural areas, and farmers rely on agricultural byproducts for feeding. In Kunar province, small and marginal farmers and landless laborers raise 2-4 animals per household on average, despite limited land holdings of 1.5 to 2 acres.
Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted properly in eastern region Kunar province, Afghanistan. Three districts namely (Watapur, Dara-E-Peach, and Chapa Dara) were randomly selected. Cattle owners with 2-10 Kunari cattle were purposively chosen. Seven villages from each district were randomly selected, and Eight respondents that random were chosen from each village, resulting in a sample size of 170 cattle keepers. Microsoft Office Excel will be utilized for organizing the questionnaire's data and analyzed using SPSS 26.0.
Findings: Farmers lacked awareness and knowledge about the importance of calf rearing management practices, resulting in a lack of scientific care for newborns. Illiteracy was a significant issue, despite having sufficient land for agriculture and animal husbandry. Traditional methods were followed for newborn care, with limited understanding of the significance of hygiene and sanitation. Lack of access to veterinary facilities may have contributed to this situation.
Conclusion: Animal husbandry practices primarily involved cows and elderly bulls, forming an essential part of their livelihood. Traditional methods were followed for the care of newborns, with limited awareness of the significance of hygiene and sanitation. This lack of understanding could be attributed to the absence of veterinary facilities.
Keywords
: Socio-economic status, Calf, Kunari cattle, Management practices, Kunar province, Afghanistan##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##
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