Effect of strategic supplement on milk yield and its composition, growth of calves and economics in dromedary camel- a farmer door study

Abstract

A study of 120 days duration was conducted in Hadala village of Kolayat tehsil of Bikaner district in Rajasthan state to study the effect of the strategic supplementation of deficient nutrients in basal diet of lactating camels at farmer door. Six newly calved lactating camels of 3- 6 parity on an average 4-5 lit/d milk yield were selected and distributed equally into 2 groups. Camels were maintained as the practice followed by the farmers routinely with feeding of cluster bean straw ad lib (Gp I) and barley grain 1 kg/camel/day with area specific mineral mixture, in addition to straw as a source of energy (Gp II). Significant improvement in serum total protein and globulin were observed due to improved feeding. Similarly milk production and yields of protein, fat and SNF per kg milk was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Gp II compared to Gp I. Growth of calves was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in Gp II than Gp I in terms of body length, height at withers and heart girth. It was demonstrated that limited amount of supplements in existing practice by scientific intervention i.e., energy through barley grain to basal diet resulted in increased milk yield and income of camel rearers and also had positive effect on health and milk composition of dams. There was good growth of calves.