Productivity of lactating camels on complete feed blocks

A study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding complete feed blocks (CFB) on lactating camels (8; 516.0±20.9 kg BW in 2nd or 3rd lactation). The animals were offered either dry moth (Phaseolus aconitifoilus) fodder (MF) or complete feed blocks. The DM intake was higher (P<0.05) in CFB group than those fed MF. DCP and ME intake were higher (P<0.05) by 102.7 and 71.7% in CFB fed than in MF fed camels. The digestibility of nutrients was higher (P<0.05) in CFB than in MF group. Significant higher absorption of Na lower absorption of Ca and P from the gastro-intestinal tract was recorded in CFB as compared to MF fed camels. Except serum albumin, potassium, chloride and phosphorus all other serum biochemicals were higher (P<0.05) in CFB group camels indicating lactatating camels given only MF were under nutritional stress. Milk yield was higher (P<0.05) in CFB camels as compared to camels fed MF. The milk total solids, protein and lactose were higher (P<0.01) in CFB than in MF. The average daily gain was higher (P<0.01) in CFB than that in MF group. Inspite of higher cost of complete feed block, the profit was observed to more in CFB than in MF group It was inferred that feeding of complete feed blocks improved nutrient utilization, milk yield of lactating camels and it was economical as well.