Existing feeding practices in rural areas of Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh

The present study was conducted to know the existing feeding practices in rural areas of central India. A survey was conducted in 10 villages (Boria, Kankadkhera, Jhagra, Pondhi, Vita, Ponia, Ramkheria, Simaria, Katolidhana And Belkhadu) including 176 farmers who had 440 buffaloes of different stage of Mahakaushal region in Madhya Pradesh. Data was collected regarding feeding practices adopted by farmers through common questionnaire and visiting to the farmers during feeding schedule. Average daily feed intake mainly wheat bhoosa of each animal was calculated by measuring feed offered and residue left for three consecutive days with the help of spring balance. Amount of concentrate fed was measured by weighing total purchased and offered concentrate on weekly basis. Thus survey studies indicated that most of the farmers were feeding wheat straw ad lib to the animals in Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. The feeding status of the animals was much below the ICAR (1998) requirement. The concentrate was given only in limited quantity which was not sufficient to satisfy the requirement of the animals in most of the cases. Thus, the milk production and persistency of milk production of the animals in general was very poor. Hence, It was concluded that there is urgent need of extension education to the farmers for improving the nutritional status of the animals by scientific feeding and management.