MVSc

The impact of the calf feed subsidy scheme, a continuing
dairy development scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department,
Kerala, on farm women in terms of behavioural changes in the
areas of attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption regarding
scientific calf and dairy management practices was assessed.
A static group comparison design of research was adopted.
The study was carried out in Thrissur district of Kerala
state, among 75 each of beneficiary and and non-beneficiary



women.


The non-beneficiary group served as the control.



Comparison was made on 11 variables and since it was required
to know differences in the attitude towards scientific calf
rearing, knowledge of scientific calf rearing, extent of



adoption


of


calf


rearing


as


well


as


dairy


farming



technologies between beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups
and since ready to use measuring scales were not available to
measure these variables, suitable scales were developed.
In general, beneficiary women differed significantly in



their


attitude,


knowledge


and


extent


of


adoption


of



scientific


calf


rearing


and dairy


farming


technologies



indicating the positive impact of the scheme.


However



certain deficiency areas were identified which need immediate



educational


intervention. For instance, most


beneficiary



women


did not


have correct knowledge regarding early


breeding as well as etiology of infertility; two-third' had
not adopted these technologies as well.
Many of beneficiary

women did not have correct knowledge of the schedule of foot
and mouth disease vaccination as well as deworming and a
majority had either discontinued or not adopted these
technologies.
Fewer women had correct knowledge of the
amounts of green fodder and ration to be fed to heifers, dry
animals and
those pregnant: adoption of these technologies
was substantially low.
Knowledge and adoption of the correct
procedure of ligation of navel cord was one low. None of the
beneficiaries had adopted post milking teat dipping while a
few had adopted record keeping.
Nearly half of the
beneficiaries had not adopted the practice of quick reporting
of out breaks and had either not adopted or discontinued
technologies pertaining to flooring and drainage in cattle
sheds.
Two-third had not adopted the practice of culling
bull calves at the right time.
To make up these deficiencies,
intensive extension
educational measures are to be organised under the auspices
of the scheme.
In all such instances, women participatory
programs
need
emphasis.
Attitude
building
exercises,
demonstrations etc wherever required should be organised and
followed up.