Supplementation of ragi (Eleucine coracana) grain as a locally available energy source for lactating cows: A field study

Abstract

Energy has been identified as a major limiting nutrient for dairy production in rainfed agri-eco zone of Karnataka. Hence as a nutritional strategy and refinement in the existing feeding schedule using locally available source of energy ingredient like ragi (Eleucine coracana) grain was supplemented to dairy cows during their early to mid lactation period in Anagalapura village in Doddaballapur taluk of Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka, under practical feeding conditions for 90 days. Milk yield (Average 1.9 litre/cow/day), fat and solid not fat content (Av. 0.2–0.3%) of milk were increased and milk urea content was reduced due to feeding of ragi grain. This indicated that strategic supplementation of energy feed ingredient along with bran and cake based diet could increase the efficiency of nutrient utilization in lactating cows and thus increased the production. The village has a co-operative milk producers union society with 100 members as share holders, and collects daily about 275 litre of milk. The technology intervention, refinement of existing feeding system and its demonstration has created a greater awareness of its benefits. The increase in milk production as a result of feeding ragi grain as an energy source has resulted in a net increase in income of about Rs 19.00 (Rs ninteen only) per cow per day. Besides, there are other long-term benefits like improvement in the energy status of cow, and hence reproductive efficiency.