Characterization and statistical analysis of milking and housing management practices among crossbred cattle farmers in Jaipur District of Rajasthan

Abstract

The present study was conducted to characterize and statistically analyse milking and housing management practices among crossbred cattle farmers in Jaipur district of Rajasthan. Data were collected from 200 respondents, covering a total of 887 cows (416 from Chomu and 471 from Amer), through structured and pre-tested interviews. The results revealed that knuckling (74%) was the predominant method of milking, followed by full-hand milking (20.5%), whereas machine milking was practiced by only 5.5% of the farmers. The majority of the respondents (97.5%) milked their animals twice a day. About 93.5% of farmers cleaned the udder and teats before milking, while 29.5% washed their hands prior to milking. Most of the respondents (87.5%) cleaned milking utensils using detergent and water, reflecting awareness of hygienic milk production practices.In terms of housing management, 71% of farmers kept their cattle houses attached to their residences, and 85% used iron sheet roofs. The floor type was mainly kachcha (46.5%) or partly pucca (34.5%), and 58.5% of respondents reported having pucca boundary walls. Only 45.5% had mangers within their sheds, while 57% used dry sand and 43% used crop residues as bedding materials. Proper drainage systems were reported by nearly half of the respondents.Overall, the findings indicate that crossbred cattle farmers in Jaipur district follow moderate levels of hygienic and structural management practices. There is, however, considerable scope for improving hand hygiene, adoption of pucca housing structures, and scientific housing layouts to enhance animal comfort, udder health, and milk quality.