UoP Proceedings

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Browsing UoP Proceedings by Author "Abeygunawardena, I. S."

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    A survey of calf management practices among farmers in mid-country dairy production system
    (University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Abeygunawardena, I. S.
    Calf management stands out to be one of the key determinants of success of dairy fanning. Calf survival, prepubertal growth, postpartum fertility and total milk available for sale and hence the profitability of the farm operation very much depends on the method of suckling of calves that the fanner adopts in the farm. A field survey, therefore was conducted to determine the prevalent calf suckling management practices among fanners in mid-country dairy production system as a prelude to a long term investigation into the effects of various calf rearing methods on the above aspects. Two hundred smallholder farms were selected randomly and a field survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect data on calf management practices. Results of the study have shown that 53.0% and 46.5% farmers practiced intensive and semi- intensive management systems, respectively. Extensive management was practiced by 1.5% of the fanners. Almost all the fanners were aware of the value of colostrum feeding. Limited suckling by calves was practiced by 96.4% farmers while zero suckling was practiced by 2.0% of the fanners. The remainder (1.6%) practiced ad- libitum suckling. Within the limited sucking group, 17.0% and 83.0% of calves were allowed to suckle the mothers once and twice a day, respectively. Within this group further differences were found as regard to the method of suckling. Fifty one percent of the fanners left milk in one full quarter for the calf and milked the other three quarters completely while 49.0% farmers milked all four quarters and left the residual milk for the calf. There were also differences as regard to time of suckling; 44.2% allowed both pre-and post-milking suckling and 53.8% allowed only post-milking suckling. the remainder (2.0%) practiced only pre-milking suckling. The average age at weaning was 26.2+ 12.62 weeks.
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    Race horse management practise in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka
    (The University of Peradeniya, 2013-07-04) Wijayarathna, J. M. R. V.; Abeygunawardena, I. S.
    Horse racing and the management of race horses remains amateurish in Sri Lanka, although it is well-developed in many countries. Management of race horses encompasses housing, nutrition, training, exercise, grooming and general health care. This study was carried out to gain basic information on local management practices and to identify related problems. It was also expected to make suggestions for improvement, using information gathered through a literature survey. The Nuwara Eliya district was selected as the study area because rearing horses and racing is mainly performed in this area. Data were obtained by administering a questionnaire to stable workers and horse owners of all stable units in the district. The total number of racehorses in the district was 44, out of which thoroughbreds were predominant (62%). The majority of the race horses (72%) were imported from India. All stables were located on well drained land and were not undesirably close to domestic dwellings. The basic construction design and material were similar in all stables. The daily routine in all stables was the same with only minor differences. The amount of exercise and the type and amount of feed given to the horses during the non-racing period differ from those given during the racing season. The animals are fed depending on the physical needs and not by analysing feed quality or by evaluating the nutrient requirement. Grooming and hoof care comply with recommended methods although health care is not satisfactory as veterinary attention is sought only after the condition of a sick horse worsens. After the horse’s racing days are over it is used for breeding or riding. Constraints faced by race horse owners include high expense in maintaining horses and lack of workers with professional knowledge and expertise. The management of race horses in the Nuwara Eliya district has not reached the standards of countries where horse racing is well established. This study should be extended to the other parts of the country, so that racehorse management practices elsewhere in the country can also be studied. Relevant practices from countries with a developed equestrian industry can be adopted locally to improve management. This will upgrade the performance and welfare of race horses, thus improving the racing industry and attracting more tourists to the area.