Feeding Behavior as Affected by Diverse Physical Forms of Complete Feed in Indigenous Gir Cattle of Semi-Arid Region of India

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the effect of diverse physical forms of complete feed on feed intake and feeding behavior in indigenous Gir cattle of semi-arid region of India. A feeding trial of 60 days duration was carried out on twelve lactating Gir cattle divided into 3 groups of 4 animals in a randomized block design. The animals were fed 3 iso-nitrogenous diets containing complete feed mash, complete feed pellet and complete feed block in groups CFM, CFP and CFB, respectively. Densification of complete diets increased the bulk density by 3.1–3.9 times. The effect of diverse physical forms of complete feed on feeding behavior showed significant differences (P<0.01) among treatment groups and CFP was found to be most effective for lowering eating time (min./d), rumination and total chewing time. An increase in the bulk density due to compaction resulted in increased (P<0.01) carrying capacity of truck by about four folds for CFP and three folds for CFB as compared to CFM form. The transportation cost per tonne of complete feed was lowest (P<0.01) for CFP and highest in CFM group. Results revealed that complete feeds in CFP and CFB forms were superior to CFM whereas CFP was superior to CFB.