Assessment of survey method for estimating annual milk production

Abstract

The study objective was to evaluate the method of probability sample surveys for estimating annual milk production. Field survey was conducted in Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhag (district) from September-November 2016. Field sampling included 1058 households from total households of 2257 with milking cattle. Questionnaires were used to interview respondents of 11 gewogs (block). Planning Analysis tool was used for estimating milking cattle population growth and milk production. Results showed that majority of dairy cattle in production were Jersey cross, followed by Thrabum and Jatsham. Milk yield of Jersey cross was highest round the year with peak in summer between May and August. Maximum milk production in the dzongkhag was contributed by this breed. Total milk production estimated for Samdrup Jongkhar for 2016 was 3,662MT. The error margin of estimate was within the 5% level suggesting that the estimate was reasonably accurate. Thus, the systematic sample survey of households could address ambiguity in annual livestock census for which data was usually collected in lean season (November[1]December). However, for improving its reliability, the method needs re-validation in other representative dzongkhags through appropriate sampling design and data collection. The study concluded that the estimate derived is within 95% confidence level indicating that quality of data collected by extension staff during the annual census and surveys were good. The results also suggest that there are opportunities to enhance milk production in the study gewogs.