Rearing and Feeding Strategies of Indigenous Buffalo in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

The study was carried out to identify the rearing scenario and existing feeding management practices of buffaloes in selected areas of Rajshahi, Pabna, Jamalpur and Bhola districts, respectively. A direct survey on 200 household buffalo farmers were conducted. The survey results revealed that 78% of buffalo farmers were literate. Higher extensive rearing systems were practiced in Madarganj (96%), whereas maximum semi-intensive farming at Godagari (90%), compared to other areas. Additionally, only 8% of household farmers were practiced in intensive way and higher in Ishwardi. Maximum average herd size was found in Madarganj (24.54±7.94) followed by Ishwardi (16.36±8.91), Char Fasson (14.12±7.64) and Godagari (13.84±5.52) upazilas. Rice straw, bathan mixed local grass, concentrate feed and other unconventional feed resources were the main feed for rearing buffaloes in the study areas. About 53% of the farmers were supplied concentrate feed for their lactating buffalo and the supplied amount was below 0.5 kg. Results showed that calf birth weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher (33.24 kg) in Madarganj followed by Ishwardi (26.62 kg), Godagari (24.88 kg) and Char Fasson (21.20 kg). Significantly (P<0.05) higher lactation length was found in Ishwardi (225.50 days) whereas higher milk production was also found in Godagari (3.37 kg/d). Average age at first heat of buffaloes were significantly (P<0.05) lower in Madarganj whereas the calving interval was lower in Godagari (14.76±0.89). This study attempts to unearth the present scenario and find out the constraints of buffalo production. Further research with large samples and increased areas should be conducted to find out the overall scenario of buffalo rearing and feeding management practices in Bangladesh.