Ever considered buying mats for your cattle? If you haven’t, it is probably time to do so. Using cow mats for cattle is a fairly new concept for many farmers in the country. According to livestock officials, the use of mats reduces foot and joint disorders and gives better comfort to the cattle thereby increasing milk production. A farmer in Norbugang Gewog in Pema Gatshel introduced the concept in his locality. And it is already benefitting his fellow farmers.
Palden Dorji, a member of Zambalha Dairy Cooperative bought a Holstein Friesian cow, one of the highest milk-producing breeds, from Pasakha a few years ago. He first saw farmers in Pasakha using the cow mat. And that is when he started buying cow mats for his cattle too.
Cow mats offer a comfortable flooring surface. It also helps protect cattle from the cold and hardness of the soil or concrete floor, while relieving and safeguarding their joints and feet muscles.
“After receiving this cow mat, the milk production has increased. It provides better comfort for cattle,” said Palden Dorji.
After noticing the advantages of the mat, the Gewog Livestock Extension Officer supplied it on a cost-sharing basis to other members of the group.
From more than 140 members in two dairy groups in Norbugang Gewog, over 80 bought the mat last year. They paid only Nu 700 which is 20 per cent of the actual cost of Nu 3,500.
“The legs get wounded because of the concrete floor. So, with this mat, they are comfortable and we can even maintain sanitation. And we don’t have to call the livestock officials because they don’t get sick as they used to in the past,” said Ngawang Tshering, a member of Nganglam Dairy Group.
“The cattle were left to feel cold when we didn’t use the mat. Since last year, we got the mat and we are thankful. Even the milk production has increased,” said Sangay Tshering, another member.
“Holstein Friesian and Jersey cows have soft skin compared to ordinary cattle. And their body part gets wounded easily. After having this cow mat, I didn’t have to worry about these issues as much,” said Magjay, a member of the group.
“Every year, we have been carrying out artificial insemination to improve the breeds. And we are hoping that it will help in preserving those breeds. The usage of the mat will also increase milk production,” said Leki Wangchuk, the Livestock Extension Officer.
The Livestock Department first introduced the concept of using cow mats sometime in 2008.
Knowing the benefits, farmers in Norbugang Gewog are now planning to buy more next year. And rightly so, as better comfort and increased milk production means improved livelihood for the farmers.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
