Effect of Feeding Fodder-based Balanced Ration on Animal’s Productivity, Fertility and Economics of Dairying in Field Conditions
Abstract
The present study evaluated the impact of green fodder–based ration balancing on milk productivity, fertility, and economics of dairy buffaloes under on-farm conditions. On-farm trials were conducted during 2018–19 to 2020–21 in the rabi season, involving five trials per year with 15 buffaloes per treatment, comparing balanced ration feeding (T2) with farmers' practice (T1). Results revealed that buffaloes under T2 recorded consistently higher average daily milk yield (6.85 ± 0.31 to 7.21 ± 0.34 L/day) with an increase of 7.0–8.91% over T1. Fertility performance improved markedly under T2, with conception rate increasing from 13.3 to 20.0% compared to 6.67–13.3% under T1. Economic analysis showed higher net returns (₹16.35 ± 0.71 to 18.28 ± 0.80 per litre of milk) and improved benefit–cost ratio (1.69–1.71) under balanced ration feeding as against 1.57–1.59 in farmers' practice. The study demonstrated that ration balancing using green fodder enhances feed utilization efficiency, improves reproductive performance, and increases profitability. Adoption of fodder-based balanced feeding can therefore serve as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for improving dairy buffalo productivity under field conditions.
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Introduction
Ration balancing is the process of balancing the levels of various nutrients in the ration from available feed resources to optimize feed utilization and meet nutrient requirements for different physiological stages of animals, i.e., maintenance, production, and reproduction (FAO, 2012). A well-balanced ration plays a crucial role in enhancing animal productivity, improving fertility, and ensuring the economic sustainability of dairy farming (NRC, 2001). Animal feedstuffs are broadly classified into four groups: fodder, concentrate mixtures, feed supplements, and feed additives (Banerjee, 2018). Animals are fed two types of fodder: green and dry. Among these, green fodder is vital for maximizing fertility and production because it supplies vital minerals, vitamins, protein, and energy that promote optimal milk production, reproductive efficiency, and overall animal health (Ranjhan, 1998). Feeding a green fodder–based balanced ration improves digestion, increases milk production and quality, and reduces reliance on costly concentrate feeds. Therefore, a fodder-based dairy farming system is not only economical but also supports sustainable livestock management (Kearl, 1982).
Conclusion
The findings clearly establish that green fodder–based ration balancing significantly improves milk yield (7.0–8.91% increase), fertility (two- to three-fold higher conception rate), and economic returns (B:C ratio 1.69–1.71) in dairy buffaloes under field conditions. The intervention demonstrates that low to moderate milk-yielding buffaloes can be efficiently maintained on balanced green and dry fodder with minimal concentrate supplementation, reducing feeding costs while enhancing productivity and reproduction. The consistent performance across three consecutive years confirms the technical feasibility and economic viability of this approach. Wider dissemination through on-farm demonstrations and extension programs is recommended to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of smallholder dairy farming systems in similar agro-ecological regions.
References
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