Promotion of Safe Beef Cattle Fattening Excluding Hormone Application in South-west regions of Bangladesh

Summary: The project activities were carried out in 3 upazilas under 3 districts named Dumuria of Khulna, Tala of Satkhira and Fakirhat of Bagerhat districts. Ninety project beneficiaries were selected from 3 above mentioned upazilas taken 30 from each. A baseline survey was conducted among 90 beef cattle farmers taken at random from 3 upazilas as mentioned above. The survey data were collected using a pretested questionnaire by direct interview of the farmers. Leaflets (500 copies) consisting of suitable technology for safe and profitable beef cattle fattening was prepared, printed and distributed free of cost among the beef cattle farmers of south-west regions of Bangladesh. Day-long training program was arranged in 3 selected upazila of south-west regions of Bangladesh. Before going to arrange the training program, a training manual (250 copies) was printed and distributed free of cost among the beef cattle farmers of south-west regions of Bangladesh. The survey report revealed that 36.7% farmers used growth hormones and 63.3% didn’t use any hormone for cattle fattening purpose. Most of the respondents (87.8%) applied antibiotics as growth promoter for fattening cattle and 12.2% didn’t use. Only 2.2% farmers fed UMS to the fattening cattle and rest 97.8% didn’t feed UMS to their fatten cattle. The results of the study revealed that the beef cattle farmers are using harmful steroid hormones and antibiotics to promote growth of cattle which is a threat for public health as it generates residues of hormones and antibiotics in beef. The training and motivation of beef farmers under the current project would help develop awareness against the application of harmful substances like hormones and antibiotics for beef cattle fattening. On the other hand, by the application of suitable technology like UMS feeding would enhance safe and profitable beef cattle business in south-west coastal regions of Bangladesh.

• Research Project