Vol. 10, Issue 5, Part F (2025)

Author(s): Usha S and Mahesh T

Abstract: The study was carried out in the Kangayam taluk of Tamil Nadu to understand housing and feeding management followed for Kangayam breed of cattle in its native breeding tract. The data was collected through questionnaire, direct interview and through phone call from 100 farmers. Majority of the farmers (65%) provided shelter for cattle nearer to their residence. 72% farmers were rearing Kangayam cattle along with other cross-bred cattle. 88% of farmers practiced semi intensive system. Most farmers (74%) offered open shed. Among the closed shed, half of the sheds were (51%) made with tiled/asbestos roofing material. Most of the farmers (96%) had earthen floor in their shed. The cleaning of sheds practiced (46%) twice daily. About 2 and 44 percent of the sheds had no facility of waterers and mangers respectively. 51% of them replaced top soil layer in their sheds once in a year. Most of the farmers (92%) stored manure in the form of open heap. Most of the farmers (80%) allowing animals for grazing up to 9 hours and above. The grazing time was highest (12 hrs) in summer and lowest in rainy season (10 hrs). Generally, cattle (58%) covered a grazing distance of 3-5 km. Green fodder and concentrate feeding was adopted by 84% and 100% farmers respectively. Homed made and commercially available concentrate were fed by 54% and 46% farmers respectively. Mineral mixture and salt licks were not provided by 69% cattle farmers. All farmers followed colostrum feeding. 91% of the farmers practice sending calves around 2 months of age for grazing. Creation of awareness among cattle farmers to pursue scientific housing by periodical training and conducting demonstration are essential to improve the productivity and profitability of this region.