Animal Feed Resources and Current Patterns of Utilization in India | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Overview of Animal Feed Resources and Utilization Patterns in India

• The total annual feed and fodder requirements in India are estimated to be 25.4 million tonnes of concentrates, 353.0 million tonnes of dry fodder, and 308.1 million tonnes of green fodder.
• However, the actual availability falls short, with only 16.5 million tonnes of concentrates, 300.5 million tonnes of dry fodder, and 261.0 million tonnes of green fodder.
• This results in a significant shortfall of 44% in concentrates, 15% in dry fodder, and 38% in green fodder.
• In terms of digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients, the shortfall is 34% and 37%, respectively.

Increase in Milk Production

• There has been a remarkable increase in milk production in India, rising from 17 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 88 million tonnes in 2004-05.
• This increase is attributed to extensive crossbreeding programs, particularly in cattle, and the adoption of higher quality feeds and fodder.
• Buffaloes contribute about 55% of the total milk production, despite receiving less development support.
  

Utilization of Crop Residues and Cellulose Materials

• Crop residues and cellulose materials are crucial components of ruminant diets in India.
• Cereal straws, particularly rice straw, are among the most abundant residues, with an estimated annual production of 200 to 250 million tonnes.
• However, these residues have low nitrogen and mineral content, high lignin and silica content, which result in low digestibility and an inability to meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants.
• To enhance production, concentrates and/or green fodders need to be supplemented along with straws.
• The availability of concentrate supplements is inadequate and expensive, prompting efforts to improve the nutrient quality of straws and bagasse to enhance livestock nutrition.

Enhancing Nutrient Supply for Livestock

• Improving the digestibility of dry matter from 40% to 44% can increase available energy by about 10%, resulting in a doubling of energy available for production.
• This highlights the importance of optimizing nutrient quality and digestibility of feed resources to enhance livestock productivity.