Draftability of Non-descript Small Bullocks of Odisha for Secondary Tillage by OUAT Iron Plough: Its Development and Performance Evaluation

A study on the draftability of small sized Mottu (non-descript breed of bullocks of tribal districts of Odisha) bullocks (Pair weight-450 kg) in operating OUAT iron plough for secondary tillage was conducted in the central farm of OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during the year 2009. The physiological response like pulse rate was observed to be increased with duration but the increase was sharp in the first hour and thereafter the increase was gradual. The pulse rate increased to 25.92% from its initial value after 1^st hour of work. Similar trend was also observed in case of respiration rate. The average draft was 468 N which was equivalent to 10.60% of pair weight and within the draftability of small bullocks. The mean clod diameter was 46 mm. The field capacity was 0.044 ha/h (22.72 h/ha) compared to 0.047 ha/h (21.27 h/ha) for four disc harrow. The cost of working for secondary tillage with OUAT iron plough was least compared to MB plough and four disc harrow, but the time of tilling was slightly more with OUAT iron plough as compared to the four disc harrow. The OUAT iron plough of 300 mm width was found to be suitable for small size bullocks of tribal districts and small and marginal farmers of Odisha.