Constraints in Buffalo Rearing and Disease Investigation for Livelihood Improvement in Haor and Border Areas of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Background and Objective: Haor and border areas are very suitable for buffalo rearing zoogeographically, therefore, this study was designed with the aims of knowing the status of buffalo rearing and production, identification of different constraints such as farmer’s demography, zoogeography, investigation of buffalo diseases, motivational approach for farmers to increase buffalo rearing and production at haor and bordered hilly areas. Materials and Methods: Five haor and bordered Upazila of Sylhet District were selected as study areas. A survey was conducted using a pretested questionnaire to collect all sorts of data from the study areas. Retrospective hospital prevalence data (4 years) were collected from the registered book of Upazila Veterinary Hospital and livestock office and disease occurrence was investigated from 300 randomly selected study buffalo during the study period by clinical examination and close observation. The lab investigated blood protozoan diseases. Examination of blood and parasitic infestation was identified using different fecal laboratory tests. Marginal farmers were motivated by conducting group discussions and training. Descriptive statistics (percentage) were performed. Results: The study found that 47.5% of landless farmers were involved in buffalo rearing, with 87% of buffalos raised in free-range systems and primarily fed on green grass (87.3%). Commercial feed and artificial insemination were absent. Consumers (65-85%) held positive attitudes toward buffalo milk and meat. Parasitic diseases, particularly fascioliasis (20.5%), were more prevalent than infectious ones, with an overall parasitic prevalence of 84.5%. Trematode infections (45%) were more common than nematode infections (23%). Conclusion: It is concluded that buffalo rearing and production can be increased by ensuring veterinary services, farmers’ motivation and controlled breeding programs of buffalo such as artificial insemination.