Animal excreta as ruminant feed — Scope and limitations under Indian conditions

Abstract

In developing countries, animals are often underfed; animal excreta might play an important role in correcting nutrient deficiencies. Work on the nutritional evaluation of animal excreta, associated health hazards and processing techniques are reviewed. Generally, growth rate or milk production of animals and efficiency of feed utilisation was lower in animals given excreta than in control animals. Several factors, such as socio-religious acceptability of animal excreta, quality of wastes available for recycling, processing methods applicable etc., which limit their use in animal rations, are discussed. Various ways for ensuring efficient utilisation of animal excreta in animal rations are suggested.