Title: A SCALE TO MEASURE THE ATTITUDE OF DAIRY FARMERS TOWARDS SCIENTIFIC REARING PRACTICES OF CALVES

Authors: V. M. Chaudhary, U. M. Patel and S. J. Jadav

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: attitude, Dairy farmers, Scientific rearing practices

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0016

Abstract: At present, low productivity of dairy animals and high calf mortality are major challenges affecting the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming. These issues reduce the economic returns of farmers due to poor growth, health, and survival of calves. Scientific rearing practices play a crucial role in improving calf health, growth, and future productivity of dairy animals. However, the adoption of these practices largely depends on the attitude of dairy farmers. A favourable attitude can enhance adoption, while an unfavourable attitude may hinder the use of improved practices. Thus, it is essential to study the attitude of dairy farmers towards scientific rearing practices of calves. A scale has been constructed to measure the attitude of dairy farmers towards scientific rearing practices of calves using the Scale Product Method, which combines equal appearing interval technique for item selection and summated rating technique for measuring responses. The process involved identification of relevant aspects, collection and editing of statements, and analysis through judges' rating. A total of 24 statements were initially selected, out of which 15 statements were finally included in the scale. The scale was tested for reliability using the split-half method and was found to be highly reliable. Content validity was ensured through expert evaluation. The final scale consists of fifteen statements and was found to be reliable and valid.