Estimation of Milk Losses due to Fasciolosis in Uttarakhand

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]