Performens of Cattle Farmers System in Erbil Plain

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating thirty-two domestic cattle breeders and to investigate how dairy cows are raised in Erbil plain, Kurdistan region of Iraq, for the period from 10/12/2021 to 2/1/2022. Breeding and performance of cows in their fields have also been studied. The results obtained revealed that there were significant differences Significant (p ≤0.05) due to age groups of cow breeders, the number of workers used in their fields and the educational qualification. On the contrary, non-significant effect regarding the area used for raising cows, the process of manufacturing and purchasing feed, the method of vaccination got and feeding of cows, weaning of calves, and the age of cows at the birth of their calves. It was evident that there were significant differences in the number of cows used in breeding, the field system consisting of rooms and yards, the rate of milk production, the period between two births, the number of fertilization times, and the presence of feed machines. The results showed that the majority of fields (75%) had a number of workers not exceeding four, and 65% of the fields produce 15 kg of milk per day. Most of the fields follow the system of feeding their cows on the basis of production and the cows got pregnant from the first vaccination. The majority of breeders were having feed processing machines. Referring to the questionnaire form; it was found that the veterinarian used the process of artificial insemination in all fields. No analysis of the feeding stuffs was performed. It was noted that there was no role for the agricultural and veterinary extension services in the process of successful extension, the practical, and scientific awareness of dairy cows raising in the region.