Nearly 45% of dairy animals infertile in Tamil Nadu, finds study
A study conducted in Tamil Nadu reveals that nearly 45% of dairy animals assessed are infertile, with significant reproductive challenges impacting milk production. The research highlights that buffaloes face higher infertility rates than cows, posing a threat to the profitability of small-scale dairy farms.
Why it matters
The findings underscore significant agricultural and economic challenges for small-scale farmers in India, impacting food security and rural livelihoods.
CHENNAI: Nearly 45% of dairy animals assessed for infertility in a study of small-scale dairy farms in Tamil Nadu were found to be infertile, while 20.4% of those assessed for repeat breeding were repeat breeders, highlighting significant reproductive challenges that could affect milk production and farm profitability..The cross sectional study, conducted between 2023-2025, analysed data from 2,254 animals and 579 farmers involved in small-scale dairy farming in Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Dindigul.The study, published on May 20 in the peer-reviewed journal Tropical Animal Health and Production, was conducted by researchers from Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science, Kumaraguru College of Technology, the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, and KCT Business School.Of the 1,318 animals assessed specifically for infertility, 589 (44.7%) were classified as infertile.
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