The Dairy Farm came into existence as an independent unit during the year 1997 and at present is the largest unit of COVAS entrusted with maintenance of dairy herd and other livestock species for teaching and research. Currently two sachem namely VNP-006-45(Establishment of livestock farm) and VPL-004-45(Strengthening of facilities for livestock farm) are operational under the livestock farm. Besides the faculty posted at the farm is actively engaged in teaching, research and extension education activities. The salient achievements of the farm are summerized as below:
Performance of dairy herd:
The total herd strength during the begining of the year was 213 animals. Subsequently, 123 animals were added to the herd on account of birth and 68 calves were received back from department of Animal Nutrition, thus increasing the herd strength to 416. Due to reduced budget provisions, the herd strength was reduced to 227 animal by end of the year. The comparative performance of the farm for economic indicators is as under:
|
Sr.No. |
Parameter |
Performance during the year | |
|
|
|
2000-2001 |
1999-2000 |
|
1. |
Total milk production (lit) |
2,96,538.2 |
313517.2 |
|
2. |
Wet Average (lit/cow/day) |
6.87 |
6.46 |
|
3. |
Herd Average (lit/cow/day) |
5.47 |
5.04 |
|
4. |
Total revenue receipts (Rs.) during financinal year |
4869717 |
4272988 |
|
5. |
Total contingent expenditure(RS.) during the financial year |
4361417 |
4272988 |
Performance of dairy herd for economic traits:
Efforts were made to optimize the performance of dairy herd for various economic traits by improved management, feeding and disease control measures.
Fodder production and land development:
Higher fodder production was achieved during the kharif season due to timely farm operations and good rainfall. However, due to unusual and long dry spell during rabi season, a signficant decrease in the fodder availability was experiences. The season-wise availability of fodder and area sown is given in the table. About 40% of the grassland area was under thick cover of bushes. During the year, efforts were made to clear the area from the bushes. Approximately 4.0 ha area was cleared of the bushes. Subsequently, 0.5 ha area was newly developed and put for fodder crop cultivation for the first time. Furthermore, 1065 qt silage was also got prepared during the kharif season. About 4440 qt of FYM was spread in the fields, besides the sale of 1970.5 qt to different departments and private people.
Comparative statement of the fodder availability
|
Season |
Source |
Area Sown(ha) |
|
Green Fodder(qt) |
|
Dry Fodder (qt) |
|
|
|
|
2K-2001 |
1000-2K |
2K-2001 |
1999-2K |
2K-2001 |
1999- |
|
KHARIF |
Farm area |
71.69 |
70.88 |
8331.67 |
8220.33 |
- |
- |
|
|
Other department |
- |
- |
801.53 |
965.5 |
279.00 |
389.50 |
|
|
Purchased |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
622.55 |
|
RABI |
Farm area |
64.00 |
67.52 |
2386.0 |
4304.43 |
- |
- |
|
|
Other department |
- |
- |
36.97 |
10.25 |
- |
286.25 |
|
|
Purchased |
- |
- |
- |
- |
995.25 |
1820.35 |
|
GRASS LAND |
|
- |
- |
2726.52 |
2699.55 |
101.00 |
1124.46 |
|
TOTAL |
|
- |
- |
14282.69 |
16200.06 |
1375.25 |
4243.11 |
