Study on improving the cattle/buffalo production system in a small-scale integrated crop/livestock/fish farm under rainfed conditions

Cattle (Bos indicus)/buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) production system in a small-scale integrated crop/livestock/fish farm under rainfed condition was monitored for one month in August, 1989 to identify immediate problems standing in the way of its improvement. From September 1989 to May 1990, improvements were implemented, and changes were measured and evaluated. New areas to be improved were identified and improvements were introduced in a continuous problem solving process. Feed supply in the farm was found greatly affected by rainfall pattern. During September, October and November, it was sufficient to meet the growth requirements of 3 cattle and 2 buffaloes but it was sufficient only to meet the maintenance requirement of 3 cattle of about 200 kg live weight each during dry season (December-April); the buffaloes had to feed off-farm for most of the dry season. Poor housing condition, intestinal worms of the cattle, disease in one buffalo, and scarcity of feed in the farm during dry season greatly affected animal growth. On average, the cattle grew faster than the buffaloes. Good quality of compost which was rich in nitrogen, and average in potassium and phosphorus became ready for use in crops within each 3 months of decomposition. Part of manure was lost in the off-farm area when the buffaloes had to be taken out for grazing. Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, when planted along the border of pastures were found suitable for making living fence if 6-12 months old plants were pruned at a height of 25-30 cm from ground and allowed to grow to a height of 1.5 meter later. To improve the income of the farm, it was estimated that 6 cattle of different live weight (3 cattle of 100-150 kg LW each and 3 cattle of 200-250 kg each) could be raised during wet season and 3 marketable size be sold at the beginning of dry season leaving 3 smaller sized for fattening during next wet season. Three cattle of 100-150 kg live weight should be added every year at the beginning of wet season to make total number to 6 during wet season.