Supplementation of urea molasses mineral block to grass fed local cattle of Malenad region.

摘要

A study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of UMMB blocks in local cattle raised solely on grazing in the malenadu (hilly) region. 10 animals were supplemented with UMMB blocks with same number of animals kept as control. The extra nutrition obtained from UMMB blocks enhanced the milk yield (from 2.05 to 2.76 l/day), milk fat per cent (from 3.45 to 3.81%) and intake of paddy straw (from 4.10 to 4.73 kg/day) to a significant level. Economics indicated that farmers got extra profit due to UMMB supplementation through sale of milk (from 625 to 842 liters/lactation period/cow) which is attributed to increased milk yield and milk quality. The general condition and body score of the animals though improved numerically, they were not statistically significant. Licking behavior of the cows fed/grazed on green grass was initiated by smearing the lick blocks with salt or ginger garlic paste. It was able to induce estrus in non-cycling cows to an extent of 62 per cent. The farmers were satisfied with the improvement in body score and general health of the animal.