International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Kalyankar BB, Nande MP, Kolhe SR, Gondawane HR, Doiphode AY, Bhokre SM and Bhalerao SM

abstract
This study analyzed socio-economic characteristics and healthcare management practices among dairy farmers across four agro-climatic zones (ACZ) in Western Maharashtra. A total of 240 dairy farmers from 24 villages, with 10 farmers from each village, were surveyed to explore their socio-economic conditions, and healthcare management practices adopted by dairy farmers. Most farmers showed medium levels of social participation, marginal landholdings, medium-sized herds, and moderate-income from dairy farming. Farmers typically had medium experience and relied primarily on agriculture. ACZ IV, however, exhibited significantly higher income levels, produced the highest milk yields, and had more experienced farmers. Dairy farming was increasingly becoming a primary livelihood, particularly in ACZ IV. In feeding practices, such as the use of concentrates and mineral mixtures, were widely adopted across all zones, with ACZ-II showing the highest adoption rates. In health management, ACZ-II had a high adoption of practices like feeding colostrum to newborn calves, vaccination, and deworming. ACZ-I universally adopted management practices, including washing the udder before and after milking. Other practices, like animal identification and shed cleaning, had high adoption rates in ACZ-I. ACZ-IV had a higher adoption rate for fodder preservation and regular deworming.