Constraints to milk production in intensive cattle management systems in Buyobo sub county Sironko district.

Abstract

Buyobo has for long had a disparity between, the supply and demand of milk. Even at present milk production continues to be less than the market demand. This study aimed at assessing the constraints to low milk production in small holder intensive cattle management system in Buyobo Sub County. The study objectives included; establish the influence of Social constraints on milk production on cattle in Buyobo Sub County, establishing the influence of management practices on milk production in Buyobo Sub County and finding out the influence of Extension Services on milk production in. Buyobo Sub County. The study sampled 102 respondents of which 100 dairy farmers plus two (2) key informants who were interviewed on the major constraints of milk production in the area. Study finding indicated that the following management constraints greatly influenced milk production in cattle within Buyobo Sub County are in line to the following; absolute majority (81/102) of smallholder farmers solely used improved bulls for breeding, whereas (51/102) farmers used Artificial insemination, Majority (59%) of the farmers attribute their limitations to using A.I to being expensive and not readily available. Data from household survey indicated that, 9% percent of farmers practiced, zero grazing, with 73% of fanners admitting not having a garden of pastures for feeding their cattle with absolute majority relying on feeding their dairy cows on natural pastures. It was found out that ticks and Nuisance flies are the most common parasites that affect cows and as such influence milk production in Buyobo Sub County. In management of these parasites farmers further face challenges such as, lack of money and lack of both acaricides and money. It was found out that the poor housing status of most cows in Buyobo to a greater extent also contribute. to low milk yield only 06% of the respondents said has concrete floors and 65% said timbers off (wood). The study shows that majority of the dairy farmers (65%). Majority of dairy farmers of Buyobo being of low educational background (53%) attended primary it is recommended that they need to acquire knowledge and better understanding of livestock management aspects including but not limited to forage/fodder storage and supplementary feeding of dairy cattle using, concentrates and other supplements. This will improve milk production so as to generate more food and improved living conditions for people