Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Dairy farming is a critical component of India’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and milk production. Optimizing feed efficiency is paramount for enhancing milk yield and profitability for dairy farmers. Ration formulation, a key aspect of dairy animal management, involves balancing the nutrient requirements of the animal with available feed resources. This question assesses the ability to apply principles of animal nutrition to formulate a balanced ration for a dairy cow, considering various feedstuffs and their nutrient composition. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) plays a crucial role in promoting efficient dairy farming practices across the country.
Calculating Nutrient Requirements
First, we need to determine the total Daily Digestible Nutrient (TDN) and Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) requirements for the cow.
- Maintenance Requirement:
- DCP: 250g
- TDN: 3 kg = 3000g
- Milk Production Requirement (10 kg milk):
- DCP: 10 kg * 45g = 450g
- TDN: 10 kg * 300g = 3000g
- Total Daily Requirement:
- DCP: 250g + 450g = 700g
- TDN: 3000g + 3000g = 6000g
- Wheat Straw: 0% DCP, 40% TDN
- Green Berseem: 2% DCP, 12% TDN (limited to 15 kg)
- Concentrate Mixture: 12% DCP, 70% TDN
- WS = Wheat Straw (kg)
- GB = Green Berseem (kg)
- CM = Concentrate Mixture (kg)
- DCP from GB: 15 kg * 0.02 = 0.3 kg = 300g
- TDN from GB: 15 kg * 0.12 = 1.8 kg = 1800g
- DCP: 700g - 300g = 400g
- TDN: 6000g - 1800g = 4200g
- Wheat Straw: Provides a bulk of the ration and contributes to TDN.
- Green Berseem: Provides essential nutrients and contributes to both DCP and TDN.
- Concentrate Mixture: Provides the remaining DCP and TDN to meet the cow’s requirements.
Ration Formulation
We have the following feedstuffs available:
Let's denote the quantity of each feedstuff as follows:
We know GB ≤ 15 kg. We need to formulate a ration that meets the DCP and TDN requirements.
Considering Green Berseem (GB) as 15 kg (maximum allowed):
Remaining Requirements:
Now we need to meet these remaining requirements with Wheat Straw and Concentrate Mixture.
Let’s assume the ration composition:
| Feedstuff | Quantity (kg) | DCP (g) | TDN (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Berseem | 15 | 300 | 1800 |
| Wheat Straw | 5 | 0 | 2000 |
| Concentrate Mixture | 3.85 | 462 | 2691 |
| Total | 23.85 | 762 | 6491 |
Calculation for Concentrate Mixture:
DCP Requirement: 400g
TDN Requirement: 4200g
Let CM be the amount of concentrate mixture in kg.
0.12 * CM = 400g => CM = 400/0.12 = 3333g = 3.33 kg
0.70 * CM = 4200g => CM = 4200/0.70 = 6000g = 6 kg
To satisfy DCP, CM needs to be 3.33 kg, but to satisfy TDN, CM needs to be 6 kg. Therefore, we need to adjust the amount of Wheat Straw.
Since TDN is the limiting factor, we will use 3.85 kg of concentrate mixture to satisfy TDN requirements. The DCP will be slightly higher.
Nutrient Contribution Summary
Conclusion
The formulated ration aims to meet the DCP and TDN requirements of the dairy cow, utilizing readily available feedstuffs. The ration comprises a combination of wheat straw, green berseem, and a concentrate mixture, strategically balanced to optimize nutrient intake. Continuous monitoring of milk yield and body condition score is crucial to fine-tune the ration and ensure optimal animal performance. Further research on alternative feed sources and improved ration formulation techniques can contribute to sustainable and efficient dairy farming practices in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.