NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO AUGMENT THE MILK PRODUCTION IN CAUVERY DELTA REGION OF TAMIL NADU

NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO AUGMENT THE MILK PRODUCTION IN
CAUVERY DELTA REGION OF TAMIL NADU

Suresh Chinnathambi¹, Parthasarathy Mahadevan², Sujatha Vasudevan³ 

1. Assistant Professor and Head, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Nagapattinam – 611001
2. Technician, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Nagapattinam – 611001
3. Assistant Professor, Farmers Training Centre, Tiruvarur – 610004

Affiliation: Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India -600051

*Corresponding author email:drsureshthambi@gmail.com

 Cauvery delta region covers Trichirapalli, Pudhukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvaur, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam District. Paddy cultivation is the main agricultural activity in this region. Hence, feeding of paddy straw is the main practice in rearing the dairy cows. But cultivation of green fodder and green fodder feeding is comparatively lesser than other agricultural regions of Tamil Nadu. Grazing is the main practice and only source of green fodder in the poor quality grass lands with a very few farmers feeding cut green fodders by cultivating the green fodders.Hence, in the Cauvery Delta regions of Tamil Nadu, to increase milk production, it is very important to adopt nutritional strategies in dairy cow rearing. Veterinary University Training and Research Centre (VUTRC), Nagapattinam has significantly increased the adoption of nutritional strategies in cattle feed through training and TANUVAS technologies. VUTRC, Nagapattinam is a Constituent Unit of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai-51 functioning in Veterinary Hospital Campus, Velipalayam, Nagapattinam -611 001.  The following technologies and trainings were carried out for improve milk production in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts by VUTRC, Nagapattinam.

KEY NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES

TANUVAS MINERAL MIXTURE FOR CATTLE

TANUVAS developed the General Mineral Mixture and the Smart Mineral Mixture for livestock, specifically for dairy cattle. The Smart Mineral Mixture is area-specific and contains fewer minerals (5-7) compared to the General Mineral Mixture, which includes both major and minor minerals.

TANUVAS General Mineral Mixture

• This mineral mixture contains major minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, and Chlorine, as well as minor minerals like Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, and Selenium.
• This mineral mixture is distributed through peripheral centers like veterinary university training centre, Farmers training centre, Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the university and procured by the Department of Animal Husbandry for distribution to farmers. Supplementation of this mineral mixture has shown positive impacts on milk production, with a feedback suggesting an increase of at least 10%.

 TANUVAS SMART Mineral Mixture

• SMART stands for specific mineral array for regions of Tamil Nadu. This area-specific mineral mixture contains only 5-7 minerals.
• Formulated based on the mineral profile of different districts of Tamil Nadu.
• Economical as it focuses on supplementing only the minerals deficient in the diet of cattle.
• Suitable for low and medium milk yielding dairy cows.
• Has shown increased milk production in studies.

Supplementation of TANUVAS SMART Mineral mixture 30-50 gram/ day/cow  for 30 days period increased milk yield by one liter and fat and SNF percentage also increased. Regular supplementation of mineral mixture enhances the reproductive performance of heifers. Other than cattle, farmers supplemented the mineral mixture for small ruminants to increase the production performance. Hence, by supplementing TANUVAS Mineral mixture in dairy cattle ration, economic status of the dairy farmers was increased by enhancing productivity of the animals (Vinothraj et al.,2021).

TANUVAS GRAND

• TANUVAS GRAND – TANUVAS Gruel Rooted Additive Nourishment Drops is popularized throughout the Tamil Nadu. Based on the data collected and observation made and the experienced had by the farmers and the feedback from them about the benefits or impact of giving TANUVAS GRAND Supplementation are presented below
• Increased in digestibility observed and optimized the appetite of the cows were observed by the farmers with existing feeding practices.

• Dung consistency is improved to solid state instead of very semi or watery in nature.
• Improvement in fertility.
• Regularization of the oestrus cycle and many cases conceived in one or two artificial inseminations.
• Incidence of laminitis were reduced which occurred earlier mainly due to feeding of rice gruel based diet and sub acute rumen acidosis condition.
• Milk yield were increased from 0.5 ltrs to 1.25 ltrs and average without changing their regular feeding practice.
• Feeding of this TANUVAS GARND supplementation lead to Shiny skin coats to the cows.
• During the supplementation TANUVAS GARND Supplementation Panting or labored breathing also rectified in the dairy cows which were caused mainly due to sub acute rumen acidosis condition.

Thus, TANUVAS GRAND supplement supported animal productivity by increasing the nutrient availability through increased digestibility as well as increased availability of good quality protein through enhanced production of microbial biomass. It was observed that upon 20 ml of GRAND supplementation per animal per day the milk yield started to increase from seventh to ninth day itself. It was also observed that increase in milk production was more in low producing animals (Arulnathan et al, 2023).

TANUVAS Salt Lick

The salt lick is enriched with minerals to enhance livestock health and productivity, particularly in small ruminants like goats. Salt lick can be used to supplement small ruminant diets and improve their overall well-being.

Studies have shown that mineral supplementation, including the TANUVAS mineralized salt lick, can lead to increased body weight in goats, resulting in higher market value. Mineralized salt licks provide essential minerals that contribute to the overall health and well-being of livestock.

(Vinothraj et al, 2024)

TANUVAS – PAM 21

TANUVAS PAM 21 is a supplement based on Dietary Cation Anion Difference. It refers to the balance between positively charged cations (potassium and sodium) and negatively charged anions (chloride and sulfur) in a cow’s diet. It’s particularly important for managing calcium levels and preventing milk fever, especially in dry cows before calving. Anionic salts should be fed three weeks or 21 days before expected calving. It should not be used for lactating animals, calves, sheep, goat and pigs

 UEPS – Urea Enriched Paddy Straw

Urea enriched paddy straw is a cost-effective technique used to enhance the nutritional value of rice straw, a common livestock feed in Tamil Nadu, by increasing its protein content. VUTRC, Nagapattinam popularised this method, along with mineral supplements and other innovative feed technologies, to improve milk production and overall livestock health.

The UEPS units were established in all six blocks (Naluvedhapathy, Panjanathikulam, Venmananchery, Orathur, Sigar and Virkudi) as one unit per block in Nagapattinam district. VUTRC, Nagapattinam is monitoring the effective usage and maintenance of the units by 300 beneficiaries (50 farmers per block).

UEPS units are potentially utilized by the farmers. This technology was well adopted by the farmers in the project. The 28 farmers established UEPS units on their own at Nagapattinam district. Urea enriched paddy straw played a significant role in augmenting milk production. Feeding urea enriched paddy straw increased the digestibility of usual diet and increased the nutrients availability for milk production.

UMMB – Urea Molasses Mineral Block

UMMB blocks were produced in VUTRC, Nagapattinam. The UMMB blocks (20 kgs) were distributed to 150dairy farmers and 150 goat farmers to supplement their livestock in Nagapattinam district (Naluvedhapathy, Panjanathikulam, Venmananchery, Orathur, Sigar and Virkudi Villages).  UMMB block supplementation in cows will increase the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, minerals and soluble carbohydrates to rumen microbes, which increases the digestibility of feeds in the existing feeding practice.

Consequently, the milk production increased at 10-12 percent level than prior existing level in dairy cattle.

A newer technology for popularization (UMMB blocks in Nagapattinam district) is disseminated under NABARD support to enable the farmers to realize the impact of the technology in milk production and weight gain in cows and goat. This transfer technology paved the way for successful adoption of technology and enabled the farmers to buy the blocks on their own cost to get the benefit of technology sustainably. District administration appreciated VUTRC, Nagapattinam to create greater intervention by popularizing UMMB technology in Nagapattinam district

 District Collector, Nagapattinam addressing and distributing the UMMB blocks to farmers

 PRICELESS DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATE INPUTS

FODDER SEEDS AND FODDER SLIPS

Green fodder is an economic source of nutrients for the dairy animals. It is highly palatable and digestible. Micro-organisms present in green fodder help in improving digestibility of crop residues under mixed feeding system. It also helps in maintaining good health and improving breeding efficiency of animals. Increased use of green fodder in the ration of dairy animals may reduce cost of milk production.

VUTRC, Nagapattinam is actively involved in fodder development, distributing priceless fodder seeds (COFS29) and fodder slips (Hybrid Napier (CO4 / CO5) and Desamanthus ), promoting fodder cultivation and azolla cultivation through various programs. This centre has Azolla demo unit and a model fodder plot to distribute fodder slips and azolla seeds to the visiting farmers.

Hybrid Napier (CO4 / CO5)	Desamanthus		COFS29 fodder sorghum seeds
Demonstration and Hands on practices to farmers for green fodder cultivation by Dr.C. Suresh, Assistant Professor and Head, VUTRC Nagapattinam
Priceless distribution of fodder seeds		Priceless distribution of fodder slips

 

AZOLLA

Azolla has the potential to supply cattle as a  sustainable feed. Azolla has been identified as one of the most cost-effective and efficient livestock feed alternatives because of its high protein content and low lignin content (Jain et al., 2019).

Demonstration and Hands on practices to farmers for Azolla cultivation

 

FODDER SEED BANK

 

Fodder seed bank is a system where a university and farmers collaborate to ensure a local supply of high-quality fodder seeds. This model aims to improve fodder production, support livestock farming, and potentially create income opportunities for farmers. Universities involved can provide technical expertise, research, and seed supply, while farmers contribute their land, labor, and knowledge of local conditions.

Model Components

• University Involvement:

• Research and Development:Universities can conduct research on different fodder species, develop improved cultivation techniques, and assess local conditions.
• Seed Supply:Universities can act as seed producers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality seeds for farmers.
• Training and Extension:Universities can provide training to farmers on proper seed selection, storage, and cultivation techniques.
• Technological Support:Universities can offer technical assistance to farmers in managing fodder crops and addressing potential challenges.

• Farmer Participation:
  • Land and Labor:Farmers contribute their land and labor for fodder cultivation, providing a crucial resource for the seed bank.
  • Local Knowledge:Farmers possess valuable knowledge about local climate, soil conditions, and specific fodder species suited to their environment.
    • Income Generation:Farmers can sell excess fodder produced through the seed bank, generating additional income and supporting local livestock.

Seed Bank Function

• Seed Storage and Distribution:The seed bank serves as a central point for storing and distributing high-quality fodder seeds.
• Community Seedbanks:In some models, community seedbanks are established to further distribute seeds and empower local communities.
• Seed Quality Assurance:The seed bank ensures the quality of seeds by implementing proper storage, selection, and certification procedures.

Benefits

• Improved Fodder Production

The model promotes sustainable fodder production by providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds and technical support.

• Increased Livestock Productivity

By ensuring access to nutritious fodder, the model can improve the productivity and well-being of livestock.

• Economic Opportunities

Farmers can earn income by selling excess fodder, boosting their economic status.

• Food Security

Improved fodder production contributes to food security by ensuring a stable supply of feed for livestock, which is essential for many communities.

Conclusion

Nutritional interventions are essential tool to increase the net profit in the dairy farming. The productivity of the cows should be increased with the existing feeding practices by enabling the farmers to adopt the newer nutritional technologies to uplift the plane of nutrition of dairy cows to augment their productivity. Systematic hands on training, credit facility and farm mechanization will enable the farmers to adopt the technologies in their dairy farms.

References

1. Arulnathan, M Chellapandian, S Senthilkumar, J Ramesh, R Murugeswari, P Anuradha and D Thirumeignanam. 2023. The Pharma Innovation Journal; 12(5): 819-821 Effect of critical nutrient supplementation (TANUVAS GRAND) on production performance in dairy cattle in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India.
2. TNAU AgriTech Portal / Animal Husbandry / TANUVAS / Technologies
3. Vinothraj, Dr. P Alagesan, RD Srinivasan, Saravankumar and M Siva. 2021. TANUVAS mineral mixture for enhancing milk yield of dairy cows.  The Pharma Innovation Journal ; SP-10(2): 21-23.
4. Vinothraj, G Thirumalaisamy and P Kumaravel. 2024. Assess the performance of mineralized salt licks to enhance the productivity of small ruminants. Int J of Vete Sciences and Animal Husbandry ; 9(2): 931-932