Synchronization of Ruminal Energy and Nitrogen Supply to Improve the Ruminant Productivity

The concept of synchrony between the supply of Nitrogen (N) and energy to the ruminal microorganisms is aimed to improve dietary N utilization and also the efficiency of ATP use for microbial growth for enhancing the nutrient supply to the host animal and to improve their productivity. Feeding of synchronized ration resulted in higher microbial protein flow to the intestine and enhanced production performance of various categories of animals. However, most of the work on synchronization of nutrients supply has been with high producing animals under the concentrate based feeding system, which is not having much relevance in Indian conditions. Synchronization of nutrients from straw based rations having varying agro-industrial byproducts as well as limited amount of oil cakes and cereals is challenging task as majority of Indian livestock is being maintained on such rations. Synchronized release of energy and nitrogen from such rations needs integration so that economic rations can be formulated accordingly to exploit the productivity potential of our livestock. In this direction, compound feed industry can play a pivotal role as total mixed ration (TMR) and complete feed block technology is being adopted by Indian farmers.