Feed consumption and nutritional status of lactating buffaloes in Agra District under subtropical agro climate
Feed consumption and nutritional status of lactating buffaloes
Keywords:
Agra, Buffaloes, Feed Consumption, Intake, Nutrition, Subtropical agro climateAbstract
The present study was conducted to compare feed consumption and nutritional status of milch buffaloes during various seasons and domesticated by various categories of farmers in the Agra District under subtropical agro climate. Buffaloes (300) were randomly selected from 10 villages of 5 community development blocks in the District containing 2 villages in every 30 farmers, categorized into 5 groups i.e. landless, marginal, small, medium, and larger farmers. Each category includes 10 farmers in each village. They were surveyed during the winter, spring, summer, rains, and autumn seasons. Outcomes were collected with the help of a questionnaire and personal observation. The samples of feed and fodders were analyzed for the proximate principle. The quantity of DM, DCP, and TDN intake of various animals was calculated from the record of intake of feed and fodder using average digestibility coefficient values. Data recorded were statistically analyzed using appropriate methods. The decline in feed consumption with increasing environmental temperature was observed in buffaloes. DMI in the winter season was higher. On an overall basis, animals remained underfed in terms of DCPI and TDNI all season compared to that minimum requirement.
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