Estimation of Milk Losses due to Fasciolosis in Uttarakhand§ Bardhan D.a,*, Kumar Rajeev Ranjanb, Nigam S.c, Mishra Hiteshc, Bhoj Swatic aDivision of Livestock Economics, Statistics and Information Technology, Indian Veterinary Research institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Uttar Pradesh bDepartment of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar – 263 145, Uttarakhand cDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar – 263 145, Uttarakhand *Author for correspondence Email: dwaipayanbardhan@gmail.com
JEL Classification: Q10, Q12 §This paper is based on the findings of a research project ‘Economic impact assessment of Fasciolosis and Mastitis in Uttarakhand - An action research project’, sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. Online published on 5 January, 2015. Abstract The milk loss due to Fasciolosis in dairy animals has been assessed in four major agro-ecological regions, viz. High-hills, Mid-hills, Bhabar, and Tarai area of Uttarakhand state. The prevalence rate of Fasciolosis has been found lower in the High-hills than in Mid-hills, Bhabar, and Tarai regions. A comparison of prevalence rates of Fasciolosis across different species and breeds has revealed a higher prevalence rate of Fasciolosis in buffaloes than in crossbred and indigenous cows. In buffaloes, the adverse effect of Fasciolosis, in terms of reduction in milk yield, becomes more prominent during the latter stages of lactation. The milk loss in the state due to Fasciolosis has been observed highest for buffaloes, followed distantly by crossbred and indigenous cows. The annual milk loss in the state of Uttarakhand due to Fasciolosis has been estimated to be of  90.41 crore. The milk loss has been found highest in buffaloes and since the adult female buffaloes constitute 66 per cent of the total bovine population in the state, Fasciolosis seems to be an important parasitic problem which needs to be tackled adequately to prevent substantial milk losses. Top Keywords Fasciolosis, economic analysis, ruminants, Uttarakhand. Top |