Characteristics of cattle farming systems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A field survey along with a review of secondary data were conducted to improve understanding on cattle production systems in Sri Lanka. The extent of agricultural land in the country is 1.9 million hectares and 75% of this is used by small holders. The total number of small holdings is about 1.8 million and more than 90% are less than 2 hectares in extent and one third engage in crop-livestock farming. The cattle population is 1.7 million and 65%, 19% and 16% are found in the dry, intermediate and wet zones, respectively and are reared primarily by small-holder farmers. The field survey revealed that cattle population consisted of indigenous zebu, exotic zebu, zebu crosses, exotic Bos taurus and taurus crosses. Four distinct production systems were identified: 1. dry zone traditional village system (DTVS); 2. dry zone irrigated settlement system (DISS); 3. intermediate zone system (IS) and 4. wet zone system (WS). Most prevalent system was DTVS where zebu cattle of mostly indigenous origin were maintained on communal grazing lands with minimal inputs. Primary income of farmers was from meat (45%) while milk, manure and draught contributed 34%, 12% and 9%, respectively. In DISS small herds of dairy type zebu animals were maintained intensively. Milk brought the major income (52%) while meat, draught and manure contributed, 21%, 21% and 6%, respectively. In the IS zebu and taurine crosses were maintained semi-intensively. Primary income was from milk (67%); meat, manure and draught contributed 13%, 11% and 9%, respectively. In WS taurine dairy cows were maintained intensively. Milk brought 91% of the income while meat, manure and draught contributed 4%, 4% and 1%, respectively. This study showed that cattle production systems in the country are heterogeneous with specific factors affecting the sustainability and productivity of each system.