Understanding smallholder cattle owning households in Cambodia and assessing the impacts of research for improved livestock management

Abstract

This thesis aimed to understand smallholder cattle owning households in Cambodia and assess the impacts of research for improved livestock management under the ‘Best practice health and husbandry of cattle, Cambodia’ and the Village-based biosecurity for livestock disease risk management in Cambodia’ projects. On average, cattle-raising was the most important and profitable on-farm activity, providing USD1064 per year per household. Forage adoption significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the daily time spent sourcing feed for cattle by 2.21 hours per day. Partial budget analysis determined forage plot establishment and; 1) forage feeding across the herd or; 2) fattening of one animal over a 6-month wet season period resulted in Net Profits of USD139.01 and USD152.94 per household respectively. Forages provided an entry-point for livestock biosecurity practices to be introduced. When FMD vaccination was delivered at the village level, 85% of households had their cattle vaccinated. However, poultry vaccination continues to be a challenge with low vaccination rates (25 - 30%) for Newcastle Disease, Fowl Cholera and Fowl Pox reported. This research represented a valuable contribution to the understanding of smallholder cattle owning households in Cambodia. Where farmers participated in training, used forages for cattle feeding and implemented biosecurity practices, additional benefits included increased livestock numbers per household (6.6 to 7.0 cattle and 50 to 86 poultry), increased income and improved reputation and relationships in the village. These findings, combined with the labour and financial benefits of forages and improved knowledge and skills, suggest farmers that introduced recommended interventions progressed towards more efficient and profitable livestock production and experienced enhanced livelihoods.