Nutritional Status of Crossbred Cattle in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh

A survey on feeding status of crossbred cattle in Chittoor district of A.P was undertaken. Based on the physiological status of the animals were categorized as productive (lactating cows, pregnant cows and pregnant heifers) and non productive (cows and heifers). The nutrient requirements were assessed and compared with the supply of nutrients. There was a deficit of DM to the tune of 14 to 16.7% in various categories of animals. While, DCP deficit (%) was more in nonproductive animals (27.1 to 29.4) as compared to the productive animals (19.0 to 26.4). Marginal deficiency of TDN (2.3 to 13.2%) was also observed among the all categories of animals. The study revealed that the crossbred animals were underfed. There is a need to disseminate the technical knowledge on optimum feeding of crossbred cattle to the farmers to optimize the productive and reproductive performances of animals.