Assessing factors contributing to low milk production in Pece division, Gulu district.

Abstract

A study was conducted in Pece division Gulu district to assess the factors contributing to low milk production. 103 respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The data collected was analysed using statistical package of social science (spss version 16) to find frequencies and percentages which were presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. The study identified that majority of farmers (42.7%) fed dairy cattle on natural pastures which are qualitatively low in nutrients (36.9%) Crop residues and (20.4%) fed grasses and legumes. (85%) respondents provided no supplements to dairy cattle, the high cost and unavailability of protein rich concentrates resulted in inconsistent and inadequate concentrate supplementation for increased milk yield. Most of the farmers provided drinking water for their animals (77.7%); From the study, it was found out that (84.4%) of the farmers sprayed their animals to control ectoparasites. Most of the respondents (87%) did not provided houses/shed for dairy cattle. This predisposes animals to foot rot, cold stress and production decrement. The study revealed that (81.4%) of farmers had no access to extension service delivery which limits farmers access to improved dairy technologies. The study revealed that (82.5%) experienced disease incidence, common diseases are (66%) tick-borne diseases, (10.2%) mastitis, (8.7%), Trypanosomiasis (7.7%) Helminthosis and (7.4%) lumpy skin disease. Basing on the findings of the study it is recommended that in order to improve milk production among dairy farmers in the study area there is need for technical and institutional intervention to alleviate the constraints through dissemination of appropriate technologies like disease control strategy feeding, extension service delivery, improved dairy animals. awareness which will increase milk productivity