Utilization of Male Dairy Calves in Thailand

Abstract

There are no reports of the utilization of male calves of dairy cattle for beef production in Thailand. This study was conducted to determine how dairy farmers in two regions of Thailand dispose of male calves. A total of 137 dairy farmers in northern Thailand and a further and 200 dairy farmers from central Thailand were interviewed. Most of the farmers revealed that they sell male calves as soon as possible after birth. In northern Thailand all male calves were fed and maintained in a similar manner to the female calves prior to sale, whereas in central Thailand only 78.50 percent (P<0.01) of male dairy calves were fed milk before they were sold. Most of the dairy farmers (94.89%) in northern Thailand sold their male calves to “retailers” whereas in central Thailand most farmers (96.00%) sold male calves to “male dairy calf stockers”. It was found that the farmers in central Thailand received less money per calf (P<0.05) than those in northern Thailand. The farmers in the north expressed more interest in rearing the male calves to supply a future male dairy beef production program than those in the central region. This was reflected in the more organized and embedded male calf business in central compared to northern Thailand. As a consequence it would be more difficult to promote large scale dairy beef production in central compared to northern Thailand. Based on the results of this study it will be necessary to implement an appropriate strategy and educational program to encourage and convince dairy farmers of the benefits of a dairy beef production program, especially in the main dairy production area in central Thailand.