Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Dairy buffalo farming is a significant contributor to India's milk production, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Proper nutrition is paramount for optimal milk yield, reproductive performance, and overall health of these animals. A balanced ration, tailored to the buffalo's physiological stage (lactation), body weight, and production level, is crucial. This question explores the formulation of a ration for a lactating buffalo, assessing the nutrient adequacy of a provided diet and highlighting potential imbalances. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) emphasizes the importance of balanced feed formulations for enhanced productivity and farmer profitability.
Formulating a Ration for a Dairy Buffalo: Key Considerations
Formulating a balanced ration for a dairy buffalo involves several key considerations:
- Physiological State: Lactating animals have higher nutrient requirements compared to non-lactating ones.
- Body Weight: Larger buffaloes require more feed to meet their maintenance needs.
- Milk Yield & Fat Content: Higher milk production and fat content demand increased energy and protein intake.
- Feed Availability & Cost: Locally available and cost-effective feed ingredients should be prioritized.
- Digestibility: The digestibility of feed components significantly impacts nutrient utilization.
- Palatability: Palatable feeds encourage voluntary intake.
- Mineral and Vitamin Requirements: Adequate provision of macro and micro minerals along with vitamins is essential.
Nutrient Analysis and Requirement Calculation
Let's analyze the given ration and compare it with the buffalo's requirements. The buffalo weighs 450 kg, produces 10 kg milk (7% fat), and is in her first lactation.
1. Feed Composition & Intake
| Feed Ingredient | Quantity (kg) | DM (%) | DCP (%) | TDN (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Maize | 20 | 25 | 1.2 | 16 |
| Wheat Straw | 5 | 90 | 0 | 40 |
| Concentrate Mixture | 4 | 90 | 14 | 68 |
2. Nutrient Requirements
- Maintenance: DCP = 280 g, TDN = 3-4 kg
- Milk Production: DCP = 63 g/kg milk, TDN = 460 g/kg milk
3. Nutrient Intake Calculation
Total DCP required = Maintenance DCP + Milk DCP = 280 + (63 x 10) = 910 g
Total TDN required = Maintenance TDN + Milk TDN = (3-4) + (460 x 10) = 4630 - 4600 g = 3.63 - 4.6 kg
Now, let's calculate the actual intake of DCP and TDN from the given ration:| Feed Ingredient | DM (kg) | DCP (g) | TDN (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Maize | 20 x 0.25 = 5 kg | 5 x 1.2 = 6 g | 5 x 16 = 80 g |
| Wheat Straw | 5 x 0.90 = 4.5 kg | 4.5 x 0 = 0 g | 4.5 x 40 = 180 g |
| Concentrate Mixture | 4 x 0.90 = 3.6 kg | 3.6 x 14 = 50.4 g | 3.6 x 68 = 244.8 g |
| Total | 12.6 kg | 56.4 g | 504.8 g |
Correcting for DM content:
Total DCP intake = (56.4/100) * 12.6 = 7.14 g (This seems extremely low. Let's recalculate considering the DM content of each feed item and its contribution to total intake.)
Let's recalculate the intake based on DM: Green Maize: 20 kg * 0.25 = 5 kg DM; DCP = 5 kg * 0.012 = 0.06 kg = 60g; TDN = 5 kg * 0.16 = 0.8 kg = 800g Wheat Straw: 5 kg * 0.90 = 4.5 kg DM; DCP = 4.5 kg * 0 = 0 kg = 0g; TDN = 4.5 kg * 0.40 = 1.8 kg = 1800g Concentrate Mixture: 4 kg * 0.90 = 3.6 kg DM; DCP = 3.6 kg * 0.14 = 0.504 kg = 504g; TDN = 3.6 kg * 0.68 = 2.45 kg = 2450g Total DM intake: 5 + 4.5 + 3.6 = 13.1 kg Total DCP intake: 60 + 0 + 504 = 564 g = 0.564 kg Total TDN intake: 800 + 1800 + 2450 = 5050 g = 5.05 kg4. Deficiency/Excess Analysis
- DCP: Requirement: 0.91 kg, Intake: 0.564 kg. Deficiency: 0.346 kg (346 g)
- TDN: Requirement: 3.63 - 4.6 kg, Intake: 5.05 kg. Excess: 0.42 - 1.42 kg
Corrective Measures
To address the deficiencies and excesses:
- DCP Deficiency: Supplement with protein-rich ingredients like oil cakes (groundnut, soybean) or mineral mixtures containing protein.
- TDN Excess: Reduce the concentrate mixture proportion and increase the proportion of roughage (wheat straw) to balance the energy intake.
- Mineral Supplementation: Ensure adequate provision of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
Conclusion
The ration provided to the lactating buffalo exhibits a significant deficiency in DCP and an excess of TDN. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for maintaining optimal milk production, animal health, and reproductive efficiency. Adjustments in the feed composition, specifically increasing protein sources and reducing concentrate levels, are necessary. Regular monitoring of milk yield, body condition score, and feed intake is essential for fine-tuning the ration and ensuring its effectiveness. Consultation with a qualified animal nutritionist is highly recommended for tailored ration formulation.
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.