Authors:

Abstract

The study area Batticaloa occupies the central part of the Eastern Province. The District is divided into 14 administrative divisions and agricultural activities are occurring in all the divisions. Cattle are the most important livestock in the district and play a major role in the livelihood of the small farmers. The present study was undertaken to find out the extent of adoption of improved cattle management practices and to identify the factors that influence adoption of improved cattle technologies. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected from two veterinary ranges in the district and personal interview method was employed to collect data. The study revealed that, cattle farmers in the Batticaloa district had enough knowledge on disease control, modern waste management, deworming, feeding balanced diet, control of parasites and improved castration methods. They had a fair knowledge on the areas of improved breeds, artificial insemination and modern housing methods. Practices like disease control, vaccination, deworming and control of parasites were highly adopted by them. The level of education of cattle farmers significantly influenced the adoption of improved technologies. Family size of the cattle farmers did not significantly influence the adoption of technologies. Various technical, economical, socio-psychological and infra-structural factors were affected the adoption of the improved cattle technologies.

AGRIEAST 2010 (9) p.28-35

Keywords: Adoption, cattle farmers, improved technologies