Dietary regimens to increase milk output

BHUBANESWAR: Ration balancing would be soon introduced in Jagatsinghpur and Ganjam districts under the National Dairy Plan of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The project, undertaken on a pilot basis in the two districts, envisages formulation of proper feeding schedules and regimens to enhance productivity of milch cattle. Ration balancing is promoted in a big way by the NDDB to ensure that the milch animals are appropriately fed and with proper fodder varieties so as to enhance milk production and balance production costs. According to the NDDB, farmers usually feed animals with readily-available feeds like grass and crop residues along with other fodder. The dietary schedule is not evaluated in a scientific manner leading to under-feeding which affects milk productivity. In many cases, the milch animals are over fed which adds to the cost of milk production.  Ration balancing aims at providing farmers with scientific dietary regimens, complete with appropriate fodder mix, by utilising locally-available feed resources in the best manner. It has formulated an advisory and also developed a computer software to prepare appropriate ration schedules for use by farmers at the local level. There is a gross mismatch between demand and supply of milk in the State. While per capita requirement of milk is about 285 gm per day, availability is a mere 108 to 110 gm. Thus, more focus should be given to develop the sector, the Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Satyabrata Sahu, said on Tuesday. He was taking part in the entrepreneurs’ meet for accelerating growth in fisheries and animal resources development in Odisha. The meet was part of the eighth Entrepreneurs’ Week celebration. Sahu emphasised on encouraging private entrepreneurship in the sector. Fisheries is also a key focus area for development and the Government is set to introduce cage system of fish harvesting by establishing 100 units, he said. Among others, the Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Benudhar Das, and Director, Fisheries, Arjun Charan Nayak, were present.