Constraints on Small Scale Cattle Production in Kandal Province, Cambodia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Kandal Steng and Saang District, Kandal Province, Cambodia, to determine the constraints on small scale cattle production in this area. Sixty small holding cattle keepers were interviewed using semi-structure questionnaires. Faeces samples from 80 cattle were selected and subjected to intestinal parasite investigation at the Royal University of Agriculture Laboratory. Cattle are kept for draught power and reproduction purposes. Crossbreed animal types were dominant in these areas. The average herd size is 2.5, ranging from 2 to 3 heads. Eighty five of respondents practiced vaccination and 26% de-worming. However, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Haemorrhage Septicaemia disease usually occurred as it was mentioned by farmers. Five types of parasites (Fasciola, Paramphystomum, Gastro-intestinal strong (GIS), Eimeria and Toxocara) had been detected; majority of GIS (68%) was found in feaces. The farmers expressed that the major constraints to cattle production are disease outbreak (95%), lack of feed (35%) and that price of cattle is low (26%). In order to improve livestock production at small scale level, animal health services for vaccination and treatment should be strengthened and animal bio-security management should be applied. Technical support should be in place, in order to encourage farmers to provide proper feeding management, sufficient amount and quality of food so that growth rate, reproductive performance and disease resistance of animals can be improved.