Evaluation of feeding practices in crossbred cattle by progressive dairy farmers of Punjab - an on-farm study

An on-farm study was conducted to evaluate the feeding schedule of crossbred cows, maintained by a progressive dairy farmer. 12 selected animals were divided into mid, early and late lactation groups of 4 animals each. During the study period, May to September, environmental temperature ranged between 34 and 41°C (max.) and 20 and 28°C (mm) and relative humidity 4 and 83 %. Comparison between the nutrients offered and those required as per NRC standards revealed a great discrepancy. The level of feeding (%) by the farmer to early, mid and late lactation groups were DM 131, 114 and 120; TDN 120, 109 and 107; ME 115, 104 and 105; RDP 92,91 and 81; UDP 119, 115 and 140; Ca 156, 144 and 185; P 267, 265 and 285, respectively of that of requirement by NRC,1988. High intake of nutrients and DM was adding to the heat stress discomfort during the months of June to August when the RH was 70 to 80 percent and maximum temperature 34±5°C. Modifications (reducing the EE content of concentrate mixture, reducing DM intake, urea incorporation and raising the level of feeding of concentrate) were made in the feeding schedule and a test trial with 10 animals (Sanimals in test and 5 in control group)was performed with minimal changes in all other factors(stages of lactation, season, fodder type) and it was observed that the animals under test group produced 19.03. kg milk in comparison to 16.80 kg in the start of the test period, i.e. an increase of 2.24 kg/animal/d (13.3%). In the 5 th week while there was a drop of 800 g in milk production over that of the previous week's production in the control group, the drop in test group was only 180 g/animal/d There was an increase of Rs 12.33 in income/animal/d Interestingly, this income increased to Rs 16.43 during the 5 th week when, the animals in the control group were more affected by the heat stress than those in the test group.