HETEROSIS AND COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES IN SWEET SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR L.) HYBRIDS FOR GREEN FODDER YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS
T. SOUJANYA, T. SHASHIKALA AND A. V. UMAKANTH
Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU
AICRP on Forage Crops, ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 500030.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad 500 030
*(e-mail : thotasoujanya66@gmail.com)
(Received : 3 January 2018; Accepted : 28 March 2018)

SUMMARY

An experiment was conducted to exploit heterosis in F1 hybrids of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and to identify parents with desirable genetic effects with respect to single-cut green fodder yield and quality traits. All the 48 F1 hybrids produced by crossing four lines and twelve testers in line x tester mating design were evaluated to assess general and specific combining ability and gene action governing the green fodder yield and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient variation in the experimental material. The SCA variance was greater in magnitude than GCA variance for most of the characters studied, indicating the preponderance of non additive gene action for several characters. Line 185A and testers RSSV138-1, RSSV466 and RSSV404 emerged as good general combiners for single-cut green fodder yield where as PMS71A, NSSV14, SSV84 were found to be good combiners for sugar brix, ADF and NDF. Based on sca effects, 185A x RSSV466, 185A x RSSV138-1, PMS71A x RSSV138-1 and PMS71A x RSSV404 were identified as good specific combiners for green fodder yield.185A x RSSV466 recorded maximum single-cut green fodder yield with 12.53 per cent heterosis over the best check CSV30F.

Key words: Standard heterosis, combining ability, sweet sorghum, green fodder yield

255-260

CHARACTERIZATION OF OAT (AVENA SP) GENOTYPES FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS
TANVI KUMARI, Y. JINDAL* AND PUMMY KUMARI
Forage Section
Department of Genetics and Plant
Breeding CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : yjindalhau@gmail.com)
(Received : 30 January 2018; Accepted : 5 March 2018)

SUMMARY

Fifty oat genotypes belonging to eight different Avena species, were characterized on the basis of observations recorded for seven different qualitative characters as per the guidelines for the conduct of test for Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability. The observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants in each genotype for the following seven qualitative traits viz., leaf colour, growth habit, stem colour, awn-ness, awn colour, panicle shape and panicle branch position. On the basis of leaf colour the genotypes were classified into the light green (nine), green (37) and dark green (four). Plant growth habit of 50 genotypes were classified in three groups erect (29), semi prostrate (13) and prostrate (eight). Based on stem colour there were three groups viz. light purple (seven), purple (11) and green (32). Similarly, out of 50 genotypes of oat, 23 had no awns, 24 had one awn and three had two awns. The 24 genotypes with awns were also classified on the basis of awn colour into yellow and black, 12 genotypes had yellow awn whereas 15 had black awn. Panicle shape categorized the oat germplasm into two groups i.e. equilateral (27) and unilateral (23). Panicle branch position 50 genotypes were classified in five categories on the basis of panicle branch position erect (15), semi erect (13), horizontal (eight), drooping (12) and strongly drooping (two). The outcome of these traits tells us about the genetic architecture of the genotypes and their interaction within a specified environment for further improvement.

Key words: Oat, characterization, DUS, morphological traits

261-265

GENETIC VARIABILITY AND DIVERSITY FOR SHOOT/ROOT PARAMETERS UNDER EARLY DROUGHT STRESS CONDITION IN SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH) GENOTYPES
K. RAJARAJAN*, K. GANESAMURTHY AND A. YUVARAJA
Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore-641 003
*(e-mail : rajesh.tinu@gmail.com)
(Received : 10 January 2018; Accepted : 6 February 2018)

SUMMARY

Thirty sorghum genotypes were evaluated for their genetic potential to drought tolerance based on shoot/root parameters. The seedling traits as shoot length, root length, fresh root weight and dry root weight were studied under control as well as water stress condition. The traits dry root weight, fresh root weight, shoot length and root length were found most affected due to water stress. Further, the coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance and diversity for shoot/root parameters of sorghum genotypes under moisture stress condition was studied. High estimates of heritability were observed for dry root weight (92.05%), fresh root weight (90.40%), shoot length (83.84%) and root length (61.40%). Genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for dry root weight (69.89), fresh root weight (64.87), shoot length (43.31) and root length (20.17). The diversity of genotypes was studied based on D2 statistics and grouped into 11 clusters and each cluster revealing considerable amount of genetic diversity. The genotypes in the cluster I (ICSR93001, ICSV95022, AS160, MS8444) and II (DRT1030, B35, CO26) are identified as superior genotypes for early drought tolerance and suggests the possibilities of improvement of these characters through selection for drought tolerance breeding programme.

Key words: Sorghum, drought, shoot/root, genetic variability, diversity

266-269

EFFECT OF PLANTING DATES AND SEED RATES ON PERFORMANCE OF FODDER MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) UNDER RAINFED CONDITION OF MANIPUR
R. JOSEPH KOIRENG*, ANSAR-UL-HAQ, N. RAKESH SINGH AND KH. PRIYA DEVI
Directorate of Research
Central Agricultural University,
Imphal-795 004 (Manipur), India
*(e-mail : josephkoireng@rediffmail.com)
(Received : 2 November 2017; Accepted : 5 March 2018)

SUMMARY

In order to study the effect of sowing date and seed rate on morphological traits and forage yield. An experiment was carried out in the Experimental Research Farm, Andro, Central Agricultural University, Imphal during kharif season of 2012, 2013 and 2014, based on a Factoral Randomized Block design with three replications. The treatments consist of three different date of sowing (26th May, 4th June, and 14th June) and seed rate (40 kg/ha, 60 kg/ha and 80 kg/ha); and the combination of both. The results showed that delay in sowing from May 26th decreased significantly in green fodder yield, dry matter yield, crude protein yield and plant height respectively. With increasing seed rate from 40 to 80 kg/ha, dry matter yield and crude protein yield decreased, but plant height increased. According to the results, the treatment of sowing date of May 26 with seed rate of 60 kg /ha recommended for the cultivation of forage maize under the rainfed condition of Manipur.

Key words: Forage maize, rainfed, seed rate, sowing date, yield

270-273

GROWTH, YIELD AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF FODDER COWPEA VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY WATER STRESS

M. R. ANITA*, S. LAKSHMI AND BABITHA BHASKAR
AICRP on Forage Crops ,
Department of Agronomy
College of Agriculture, Vellayani Kerala Agricultural University
(Received : 10 January 2018; Accepted : 20 March 2018)

SUMMARY

Field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during January 2012 to find out the effect of water stress on the growth characters, yield and water use efficiency of fodder cowpea varieties in open and in partial shade. The investigation was conducted as two separate experiments, one in open and another in shaded situation (25-35 per cent shade). The design was laid out in split plot with four replications. The main plot factor included four soil moisture stress levels, M1: presowing irrigation + life saving irrigation; M2 :presowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio 0.4; M3 : presowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio 0.6; M4 : presowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio 0.8. The sub plot factor included five fodder cowpea varieties, V1UPC-618, V2-UPC-622, V3-Bundel Lobia-1, V4-COFC-8 and V5-CO-5. Based on the results of the study it was concluded that the yield and growth characters such as plant height, number of branches and leaf:stem ratio were significantly higher at IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 both in open and under partial shade. The variety COFC- 8 performed better both in open and shade. Higher WUE was recorded by irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.4 in open and 0.6 in partial shade. Among the varieties, COFC-8 recorded a higher WUE both in open and in partial shade.

Key words: Fodder cowpea, water stress, WUE, growth and yield

274-278

ASSESSMENT OF FORAGE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF B X N HYBRIDS BETWEEN GIANT BAJRA AND NAPIER GRASS
D. V. GATE, S. V. DAMAME* AND S. B. GORE
AICRP on Forage Crops & Utilization
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,
Rahuri-413 722 (M. S.), India
*(e-mail : shivajidamame@gmail.com)
(Received : 3 March 2018; Accepted : 25 March 2018)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was carried out to study forage nutritional quality of ten bajra x Napier hybrids (B x N hybrids) along with their eleven parents and four checks, in relation to dry matter, crude protein, cell wall constituent’s viz., acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, hemi-cellulose, lignin and in-vitro dry matter digestibility. Out of ten crosses four hybrids were found statistically superior for various parameters studied viz., GB x GBN-2001-4-2, GB x FD-444, GB x GBN-2001-8 and GB x GBN-2001-10. The highest per cent dry matter was recorded in hybrids such as GB x FD-444, and GB x FD-436, whereas GB x GBN-2001-4-2 was higher for in vitro dry matter digestibility within the hybrids. A female parent Giant bajara recorded overall the lowest neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility, whereas male parent TNCN-011 recorded the highest per cent crude protein.

Key words: Nutritional quality, dry matter digestibility, B x N hybrids

279-282

EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF UREA FERTILIZER ON GROWTH AND BIOMASS YIELD OF MAIZE UNDER LOW-COST HYDROPONIC FODDER PRODUCTION SYSTEM
P. ARUNA, M. KALYANA CHAKRAVARTHI*, A. KRISHNA MURTHI, R. LAVANYA, S. SIVA JYOTHI AND I. A. SHANTHA LATHA
Livestock Farm Complex
College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur- 516 360
Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University,
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), India
*(e-mail : vetkalyan@gmail.com)
(Received : 26 December 2017; Accepted : 5 March 2018)

SUMMARY

An experiment was conducted at the livestock farm complex, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur to study the effect of urea fertilizer on growth and biomass yield of maize fodder under low cost hydroponic production unit. The five treatments composed of T1 (control), T2 (0.5 % urea), T3 (1.0% urea), T4 (1.5% urea) and T5 (2.0% urea) groups. Urea solutions at different levels in the corresponding treatment groups was sprinkled daily ones for a total period of 8 days and attributes of plant height, root length, leaf area and biomass yield were recorded daily. Among the different treatments T2 group proven to be greater for plant height, leaf area, root length and biomass yield of hydroponic maize. The lowest values were noticed in the T5 group.

Key words: Maize, urea, growth, biomass yield, hydroponic production system

283-286

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT HERBICIDES AGAINST WEEDS IN DUAL PURPOSE WHEAT AND RESIDUAL EFFECT OF PENDIMETHALIN IN WHEAT FODDER
MEENAKSHI SANGWAN*, JAGDEV SINGH AND V. S. HOODA
Department of Agronomy,
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : meenakshisangwan1991@gmail.com)
(Received : 8 January 2018; Accepted : 12 February 2018)

SUMMARY

A Field experiment was carried out at Research area of Department of Agronomy, CCS HAU Hisar (Haryana) during the Rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17. In present experiment nine treatment combinations were used viz. pendimethalin 1500 g/ha PRE alone (T1) and followed by (fb) post emergence (POE) application of pinoxaden 50 g/ha + metsulfuron 4 g/ha (T2), sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30+2) g/ha (T3) and clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4) g/ha (T4) at 2 week after cutting (WAC), alone application of pinoxaden 50 g/ha + metsulfuron 4 g/ha (T5), sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30+2) g/ha (T6) and clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4) g/ha (T7) at 2 WAC, weed free (T8) and weedy check (T9). After cutting of wheat for fodder, total weed density and dry weight at harvest stage were significantly reduced under sequential application of pendimethalin 1500 g/ha PRE fb pinoxaden + metsulfuron (50+4) 2 WAC (week after cutting at 55 DAS), pendimethalin 1500 g/ha PRE fb sulfosulfuron+ metsulfuron (30+2) 2 WAC and pendimethalin 1500 g/ha PRE fb clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4) 2 WAC, but weeds under alone application of post emergence pinoxaden + metsulfuron (50+4) 2 WAC, sulfosulfuron+ metsulfuron (30+2) 2 WAC, clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4) 2 WAC. Among herbicidal treatments, significantly higher weed control efficiency, grain yield and B: C ratio was observed under sequential application of herbicides which were significantly higher than weedy check and alone pre and post emergence application of herbicides during both the years of study.

Key words: Dual purpose wheat, cutting, fodder, herbicide mixture, sequential application

287-290

TILLAGE OPTIONS AND ITS EFFECT ON PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY AND QUALITY OF FORAGE UNDER FEED/ FOOD-FODDER BASED CROPPING SYSTEM IN MOLLISOLS
MAHENDRA SINGH PAL AND Y. P. JOSHI
Department of Agronomy,
College of Agriculture
G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology,
Pantnagar-263145 (Uttarakhand)
(e-mail : drmspal1@gmail.com)
(Received : 4 January 2018; Accepted : 15 March 2018)

SUMMARY

Field experiment was conducted during 2009-10 and 2010-11 at Instructional Dairy Farm, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar to study the effect of tillage options on growth, forage yield and forage quality of berseem. The experimental site was silty loam in texture with 0.84% organic carbon and neutral in soil reaction (soil pH 7.1). The available N, P205 and K20 was 365, 36, 145 and kg/ha, respectively. The experiment consisted of 8 tillage options i.e. T1, Conventional tillage with 3 cultivation (one disc harrow+2 cultivator), T2, 2 Cultivation (1 disc harrow+1 cultivator), T3, 2 cultivation with Rotavator, T4, 1 cultivation with disc harrow, T5, 1 cultivation with Rotavator, T6, Broadcast seed before T3, T7, Broadcast Seed before T5, and T8, Zero tillage. The existing cropping system of the region i.e. ‘Sorghum-Wheat-Maize+Cowpea’ was grown with all recommended agrotechniques of all crops of the system. The conventional tillage gave highest green fodder yield equivalents, dry fodder yield, crude protein, net profit as well as B:C ratio followed by reduced tillage with broadcasting of seed before 2 cultivation with rotavator with respect of net profit and B:C ratio. Therefore conventional tillage or two pass of rotavator may be recommended for higher productivity, profitability and quality fodder production in Molliusols.

Key words: Crude protein, net return, productivity, profitability, tillage options

291-294

EFFECT OF TILLAGE PRACTICES AND NUTRIENT SOURCES ON PERFORMANCE OF SWEET CORN
V. N. SHETYE*, R. C. TIWARI, S. S. KADAM AND U. V. MAHADKAR
Agronomist, Agricultural Research Station,
Phondaghat, Tal. Kankavli, Dist. Sindhudurg, (M.S.),
Vice Chacellor, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chitorgarh (Raj),
Ph. D. Scholar, Dept. of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur (Rai.)
Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Dapoli- 415 712, Dist. Ratnagiri (M.S.)
*(e-mail : vijayshetye68@gmail.com)
(Received : 20 February 2018; Accepted : 25 March 2018)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, DBSKKV, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri to study the effect of tillage practices and nutrient sources on performance of sweet corn. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications assigning four tillage practices to main plots and five nutrient sources to sub plots. The results of the experiment indicated that higher value of growth attributes (plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation plant-1) in green cob yield with sheath, green fodder yield and biological yield were recorded under tillage practice of one mouldboard ploughing + one pass of cultivator + one pass of rotavator (T4). Combined application of 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost (S3) registered higher values of growth attribute green cob yield with sheath, green fodder yield and total biological yield.

Key words: Nutrient sources, tillage practices, sweet corn, green cob yield and green fodder yield

295-298

FODDER PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF NAPIER BAJRA HYBRID (PENNISETUM PURPUREUM × PENNISETUM GLAUCUM) AND SUMMER FODDER INTERCROPS WITH DIFFERENT SEED RATES

RASHPINDER SINGH, U. S. TIWANA AND MEENAKSHI GOYAL
Department of Agronomy
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
*(e-mail : rashpinder-agr@pau.edu)
(Received : 1 February 2018; Accepted : 25 March 2018)

SUMMARY

The field experiment was conducted to standardize the seed rate of intercrops (cowpea, maize and Bajra) in Napier Bajra hybrid at Forage Research Farm, Departmentof Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2016. The experiment constituted of sixteen treatments Napier Bajra hybrid + Cowpea (25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended seed rate), Napier Bajra hybrid + Bajra (25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended seed rate), Napier Bajra hybrid + Maize (25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended seed rate) and the sole crops of Napier Bajra hybrid, cowpea, maize and Bajra replicated thrice in randomized complete block design. Maximum plant height and tillers/ stump were recorded in sole Napier Bajra hybrid. Plant height in sole Napier Bajra hybrid was at par with intercropping of Napier Bajra hybrid with cowpea (25, 50 and 75% of recommended seed rate), maize (25 and 50% of recommended seed rate) and Bajra (25% of recommended seed rate). Whereas, the leaf stem ratio was maximum with 100% recommended seed rate of intercrops. Weed density was lowest in Napier Bajra hybrid + cowpea 100% while maximum weed density was noticed in sole Napier Bajra hybrid. Total green fodder productivity was maximum in Napier Bajra hybrid + cowpea 100% which was at par with cowpea (50 and 75% of recommended seed rate) and maize (25% of recommended seed rate). The higher crude protein and lower oxalate content was observed in intercropping of Napier Bajra hybrid and cowpea at all the seed rates. Higher value of competitive ratio and positive sign of the aggressivity for Napier Bajra indicated its dominant behaviour in intercropping system except with maize and Bajra at 100% of recommended seed rate. Benefit cost ratio was higher in all combinations of Napier Bajra hybrid + cowpea and Napier Bajra + maize/Bajra (25 and 50% of recommended seed rate).

Key words: Napier Bajra hybrid, intercrops, seed rate, quality, competitive ratio

299-303

EFFECT OF SEASON, ADDITIVES AND GRASS TYPES ON SILAGE QUALITY OF FODDER GRASSES
USHA C THOMAS AND MAREEN ABRAHAM
AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization,
Kerala Agricultural University
College of Agriculture, Vellayani
Thiruvananthapuram-695 522, Kerala
*(e-mail : ushacthomas@gmail.com)
(Received : 28 December 2017; Accepted : 15 March 2018)

SUMMARY

A study was undertaken to assess the effect of different seasons, additives and grass types on silage quality at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during Rabi 2015-16. Pooled analysis of the data over two seasons was done and perusal of the data showed that seasons had no significant influence on quality parameters of silage. But grass type had significant influence on dry matter content, total ash and crude protein content of silage. Individual effect of additives was significant on total ash and acid insoluble ash. Highest crude protein content was recorded in the silage prepared from BN hybrid+ Jaggery 2% and it was on par with BN hybrid+ Urea 1% and BN hybrid+ Tapioca flour 1%.

Key words: Silage, hybrid napier, guinea grass, pH, ash, crude protein, crude fibre

304-307

EFFECT OF FODDER BASED INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS ON QUALITY OF FODDER
BRAJKISHOR PRAJAPATI *, SAPANA TIWARI AND KEWALANAND
Department of Agronomy
College of Agriculture, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar-263145, India
*(e-mail : brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com)
(Received : 3 January 2018; Accepted : 20 March 2018)

SUMMARY

The experiment was conducted at sorghum Agronomy block of Instructional Dairy Farm, Nagla, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand (India) during kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate fodder based intercropping systems for various quality and nutritive traits of fodder. Ten treatments as detailed in materials and methods section were tested in three replications following randomized block design. Among quality traits, content of dry matter was significantly more in fodder from sweet sorghum+cowpea compared to remaining intercropping systems except sweet sorghum+ricebean and maize+cowpea. Other quality parameters viz. crude protein and digestible dry matter content were highest in fodder of maize+cowpea intercropping system. The fodder obtained from pearl millet+phillepsara contained higher NDF and hemicellulose, from sweet sorghgum+ phillepsara contained higher ADF. The fodder obtained from sweet sorghum+cowpea contained higher dry matter intake, cell content, total digestible nutrient, relative feed value, net energy and mineral content. Thus sweet sorghum+cowpea and maize+cowpea intercropping systems were best to get higher quality fodder during Kharif season.

Key words: Cell content, crude protein content, hemicellulose, maize, sorghum

308-313

EFFECT OF FEEDING AZOLLA (AZOLLA PINNATA) BASED TOTAL MIXED RATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENTS UTILIZATION IN GOATS
SAJJAN SIHAG, ZILE SINGH SIHAG, SUSHIL KUMAR AND NARENDER SINGH
Department of Animal Nutrition,
Department of Livestock Production Management,
College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
*(e-mail : chahar53@gmail.com)
(Received : 4 February 2018; Accepted : 5 March 2018)

SUMMARY

Sixteen crossbred weaned female kids (4-5 months) having body weight 12.82±0.65 kg were divided into four experimental groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) of four each. The kids subjected to different groups were fed for three months. The kids of control group (T1) were fed total mixed ration consisting berseem hay and concentrate mixture in the ratio of 60:40 to meet out the requirements as per feeding standards ICAR, 2013. In the total mixed ration (TMR) of kid’s groups T2, T3 and T4, the concentrate mixture was replaced with sundried Azolla on equi-weight basis at levels of 10, 15 and 20 percent, respectively. A metabolism trial was conducted after 30 days of feeding for 6 days including 2 days adoption period to determine feed intake, nutrients digestibility, nutritive value and nitrogen balance. Nutrient digestibility, body weight gain and dry matter, DCP & TDN intake in goat’s kids are not affected by replacing 15% concentrate mixture with sundried Azolla in their berseem hay based total mixed ration. Nutritive value of TMR in terms of DCP & TDN percent are not affected at 15% replacement of concentrate mixture with Azolla. Nitrogen balance was not affected up to 15% replacement level. There was net saving of Rs. 7.90 and 5.16, for feed cost per kg weight gain of goat by replacing concentrate mixture with Azolla. It was concluded that dried Azolla can be incorporated up to 15 % of the concentrate mixture of kids to economize the ration without any adverse effect.

Key words: Azolla, growth perfoemance, nutrients, goat

314-318

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND ZINC LEVELS ON YIELD AND ECONOMICS OF FODDER PEARL MILLET (PENNISETUM AMERICANUM L.)
VIMAL KHINCHI*, MOHD. ARIF AND S. M. KUMAWAT
Department of Agronomy,
S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University,
Bikaner-334 006 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : vk97agro@gmail.com)
(Received : 25 November 2017; Accepted : 27 January 2018)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was conducted in two districts (Bhiwani, Sirsa) of western Haryana. Further two tehsil were selected from each district and two villages from each tehsil were selected randomly. Twenty five buffalo rearers from each of village were selected thus making a sample of 200 buffalo rearers. Results of this study revealed that, most of the farmers stall fed buffaloes and grazed in common pasture land/ fallow fields. All the respondents used to chop dry fodder before feeding while 83.00 per cent of respondent chopped green fodder. A large number of (79.00 per cent) of buffalo keeper fed wheat straw to buffaloes. More than half, 63.00 per cent soaked and boiled concentrate mixture before feeding. A large number of buffalo keeper fed concentrate mixture to buffaloes in advance pregnancy and young calves. About 97.50 percent of respondent fed concentrate to young calf, while only 65.50 per cent fed concentrate mixture to heifers. About 64.00 per cent of the respondents gave 3-5 kg. Concentrate to lactating buffaloes. On the basis of this study it was recommended that buffalo keepers should be motivated through training and demonstration for balanced feeding and preparation of balanced concentrate mixture at home. Subsidies on mineral mixture and urea molasses mineral bricks should be provided to enhance these feed additives.

Key words: Western Haryana, rural, buffalo, feeding, management

319-321