Abstract:
Major roughage and concentrate feedstuffs
used for dairy cattle feeding during Yala season in
Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts were investigated. A
survey was conducted in 50, medium-scale cattle farms to
identify the most widely used roughage and concentrate
feedstuffs. Identified feedstuff samples collected from
randomly selected farms were analyzed for dry matter
(DM), ash and crude protein (CP) contents. They were
further assessed for organic matter digestibility (OMD)
and metabolizable energy (ME) content through in vitro
gas fermentation assay.
Most of the stall-fed farms largely fed the cattle with
hybrid fodder sorghum (Sugargraze) and CO-3. Gliricidia,
ipil-ipil and azolla are included to improve the quality
of ration while straw and guinea grass are included to
overcome feed shortage during Yala season. Grazing
cattle largely depend on naturally grown, low quality
guinea grass. More available rice polish, dhal dust,
wheat bran and coconut meal are included in the cattle
rations of many farms while less available black gram
husk, gingelly meal and maize are included in rations of
fewer farms.
Nutritive value of roughage and concentrate feedstuffs
for dairy cattle feeding varies (P<0.05). Guinea grass,
CO-3 and Sugargraze are the potentially more digestible
(OMD), energy (ME) rich roughages while Sugargraze
would be the best option for dairy cattle feeding in Yala
season. However, they should be harvested at proper
maturity stage. Gliricidia, ipil-ipli and azolla can be
recommended as protein (CP) supplementing forages.
Coconut meal, black gram husk and gingelly meal
could be recommended as energy (ME) and protein
(CP) supplementing concentrates whilst maize could be
recommended as the major energy (ME) supplement of the
rations. Present study suggest to increase the availability
of black gram husk, gingelly meal and maize for dairy
cattle feeding and avoid adulteration of rice polish in
order to prosper dairy cattle farming in Vavuniya and
Mullaitivu districts.
