Ranathunga, R.A.P.Kumari, K.W.S.N.Jayasinghe, J.M.P.Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.2019-05-292019-05-2920199789550481255http://erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/718/522.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yIn Sri Lanka, dairy cattle farming is well known as a key subsector of livestock which plays a significant role in rural livelihood in both economic and nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the current status, constraints and factors affecting on dairy cattle milk production in Badulla district. 382 dairy farmers in 15 veterinary regions were selected by Multi-stage Stratified and Simple Random Sampling. Socio-economic, production and management practices data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Socioeconomic, production data were subjected to descriptive analysis and Regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting milk production. Results showed that 47.5% of farmers operate dairy farming as major income source and majority practiced semi-intensive system (93.97%). Male farmers dominate in dairy farming (57.7%) and an average age of the farmers and experience in cattle farming were recorded as 50 and 20 years respectively. Calves were weaned at age of 6 months and Jersey crossbreed was dominant (86.4%) breed. The highest (9.705±8.28 L/cow/day) and lowest (3.29 L/cow/day) milk productions were reported in Haputhale and Mahiyangana respectively. Best fitted Multiple Linear Regression (R2=59.63%) predicted, cows in heard, breeds, forage type, feeding method and amount of night feeding, mineral supplement, concentrate feeding and type of concentrate, availability of housing facilities significantly affected on the average daily milk production (p<0.05). Low quality forages and seasonality, less success in Artificial Insemination, lack of high yielding animals, high prices of concentrates, less availability of supplements and poor housing condition were frequently reported as major constraints for dairy cattle milk production in Badulla. Proper address to the constrains is a key to improve the status and livelihood of the dairy cattle farmers.enAnimal ProductionAnimal Production TechnologyAnimal SciencesOther