An education management model based on cognitive learning for small dairy farmers in the tropics

Abstract

An activity-based cost accounting model was developed for Thai dairies as the first step in educating farmers. The second step was to introduce the dairy cow lifetime milk production model to illustrate potential profitability based on genetic potential of the cows and to facilitate a higher levels of cognitive learning. In teaching these steps the four noble truths of Buddhism were used to create an awareness of the problems, their causes and the solutions. The result was to focus education on feeding management in the transition period prior to calving and the critical two month
period after calving.