Evaluation of feeding management practices adopted by crossbred dairy farmers in Jaipur district of Rajasthan
Author(s): LN Verma and SP Tailor
Abstract: The study evaluated the feeding management practices adopted by crossbred cattle owners in the Chomu and Amer tehsils of Jaipur district, Rajasthan. Data were collected from 200 respondents, covering a total of 887 cows (416 from Chomu and 471 from Amer), through structured and pre-tested interviews. The findings revealed that stall feeding was the predominant system (94%), followed by stall+ grazing (6%). Cultivated green fodder was the main source (95%), while only 5% of respondents relied on purchased fodder. Regarding fodder type 69% of farmers fed a mix of legume and non-legume, 24% fed non-legume only and 7% fed legume only. Dry fodder was mostly provided as a mixture (78%), whereas 22% fed wheat straw alone. Green fodder was chopped by 58.5% of farmers and 13.5% preserved excess fodder for future use. Concentrate feeds were offered as a combination of home-prepared and commercial feed by 62.5% of farmers, commercial feed alone by 35.5% and home-prepared feed alone by 2%. Pre-treatment of concentrates included soaking (41.5%), feeding as such (37%) and boiling (21.5%). The use of Sani was reported by 68.5% of respondents, mineral mixture supplementation by 66.5% (37.5% chelated and 29% non-chelated) and common salt feeding by 90.5%. Chaff cutters were used by 95.5% of farmers, and tubewells served as the primary water source (95%) with watering frequency reported as four times daily by 51.5% of farmers, three times by 36.5%, and twice by 12%. This study was therefore conducted to assess the feeding practices of crossbred cattle owners in Jaipur district, focusing on feed types, quality, supplementation, and frequency, with the aim of understanding their impact on milk yield, animal health, and the profitability of crossbred dairy farming in the region.
