Questionnaire-based Assessment of Feed Supplementation Perceptions on Productivity and Reproductive Efficiency of Kosali Cows in Raipur Division, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Feed Supplementation is important for productivity and reproductive effectiveness improvement in native cattle. Kosali cows are a resilient Chhattisgarh breed that is traditionally kept but where adoption of nutritional intervention is patchy. What the farmer thinks matters in understanding how they can be targeted with supplementation programs effectively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feed supplementation perceptions among Raipur Division Kosali cattle farmers and its perceived effect on milk production, body condition, weight gain, and reproduction efficiency. A questionnaire of 10 questions in a structured format was used for 200 farmers respondents from five districts (Dhamtari, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Gariyaband, Mahasamund). Demographic information, educational status, occupation, and experience in farming were gathered. Mean score, standard deviation, coefficient of variance, and t-tests were used for analyzing responses to identify significant perceptions regarding supplementation impacts. Among all 200 respondents, 12 were middle-aged, and 30 had an education level below high school. All respondents were from rural areas and had more than 10 years of experience. Mean perception scores ranged from 2.44 ± 0.39 (Raipur) to 2.85 ± 0.45 (Dhamtari), indicating moderate awareness and spatial variation, with Dhamtari farmers perceiving greater benefits in milk yield and lactation efficiency. Feed supplementation was found to greatly enhance conception rates and reproductive cycle in all districts. Milk yield and body condition considerably improved in Raipur, Baloda Bazar, and Mahasamund. District-wise variation mirrored differences in feed quality, availability, experience of farmers, and exposure to extension services. Farmers’ perceptions remained below neutral, showing a weak and statistically insignificant correlation between perceived and actual benefits for productivity (r = −0.347, p = 0.568) and reproductive efficiency (r = 0.399, p = 0.506). Economic perception of supplementation was positive in Raipur and Mahasamund, which affected willingness to adopt. Farmers identify feed supplementation as valuable for reproductive and productive performance in Kosali cows. Extension programs focused on protein, energy, and mineral supplementation can raise adoption, assist breed conservation, and enhance livelihood.