Comparisons of beef buffalo and beef cattle production systems in northeastern Thailand

The goal of this study was to compare production systems and potential for further development of beef buffalo and beef cattle farms in northeastern Thailand aiming at an improvement of production and as a consequence of farmers' livelihoods. The specific objectives were: 1. to better understand and re-examine characteristics of the livestock farms and reasons for keeping livestock, 2. to assess socio-economic and livelihood benefits of the livestock for the farmers, 3. to investigate the livestock husbandry including farm management, feeding and breeding practices, 4. to explore farmers' perceptions of favourable traits of buffaloes and cattle and reasons for the decline of the buffalo population, 5. to investigate social and environmental impacts as well as problems and needs of the livestock farming according to the farmers' point of view. The following hypotheses were tested to achieve the objectives of the study: 1. Characteristics of livestock farming and reasons for keeping livestock differ between beef buffalo and beef cattle farms and between herd sizes. 2. Differences between beef buffalo and beef cattle farms and between herd sizes have an effect on socio-economics and livelihoods of the farmers. 3. There are differences in farm management, feeding management and breeding practices between beef buffalo and beef cattle farms and between herd sizes. 4. Beef buffalo farms have a lower level of farm inputs and a higher potential for improving the production. 5. Community and environmental conflicts are caused by livestock farming depending on animal species and herd size.