Small holder cattle farming in East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Malaysia: Farmers’ perception on type, breed and crosses

Breed and types of cattle in the small holder farming system were investigated by direct
survey method in East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Malaysia. A group of 508 cattle
farmers operating in the region were the participants of the study. Data were collected by
administering a questionnaire filled during the face to face interviews conducted with each
individual respondent. Results showed that beef type cattle predominate in all the states with
a range of 81.98 to 97.49% but 18.01% dairy cattle exist in Mersing district of Johor. Holstein
Friesian (HF), Jersey (Jer), Local Indian Dairy (LID), Mafriwal (Maf) and different crossbreeds
constitute the dairy cattle population. Beef cattle industry consists of both tropical and
temperate cattle. Kedah Kelantan (KK), Brahman (Brah) and Bali cattle comprises the Bos
indicus group while Limousin (Lim), Belgian Blue (Belg), Angus (Ang), Charolais (Char) made
up the Bostaurus group. KK–exotic crosses are also abundant. Farmers of Johor have more
inclination to dairying than in other states. Farmers’ choice of the breed/breed type differs
from state to state. Of the dairy type they prefer HF, LID and Maf than other types. Among beef
types KK is the most preferred breed. KK is a small bodied local stable synthetic breed which
predominates in number all through the region. Hot and humid climate as well as small
holders extensive farming system in Malaysia seems to be unsuitable for raising Bos taurus
genotypes. KK cattle demand conservation and genetic improvement. However, extensive
studies involving breeds and types of cattle need to be undertaken towards development of
suitable beef and dairy cattle breed pertinent to ECER, Malaysia.