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NDDB’s Ration Balancing Programme
The objective of this programme is to produce an optimum quantity of milk at the least cost
from milch animals by readjusting, wherever required, the proportion of locally available dietary
feed ingredients, so as to provide them adequate amounts of proteins, minerals, vitamins as
well as energy. NDDB has developed a user-friendly software for ration balancing, that can be
used by dedicated local resource persons (LRPs).
The LRP is trained by the implementing agency to effectively use the software in the local
language and involves the following steps:
1.
Assessing nutrient status of animals
: This is assessed on the basis of prevalent feeding
practices as well as factors such as the level of milk production, milk fat per cent, body
weight, lactation stage and pregnancy status.
2.
Assessing chemical composition of locally available feed resources
: The software
contains a database of the analyses of the chemical composition of feeds and fodders
available in various parts of the country. The chemical composition of different grains, oil
cakes/meals, brans, chunnies, agro-industrial byproducts, cultivated green fodders, grasses,
crop residues, tree leaves and mineral supplements can be known through this software.
3.
Assessing nutrient requirement of animals
: The software has a database of the nutrient
requirements of the various types of animals based on the feeding standards commonly
followed in India. The total nutrient requirement of an animal is assessed for dry matter,
crude protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN), calcium and phosphorus.
4.
Formulating least cost balanced ration using locally available resources
: Based
on chemical composition of available feed resources and in accordance with the nutrient
requirement of the animal/s, the software computes the least cost ration within the given
nutritional and available resource constraints. The LRP advises the milk producer to prepare
the least cost ration using feed ingredients in the proportion as indicated by the software. In
case there is a change in feed resources, the LRP reformulates the least cost ration through
the software.
Demonstration of ration balancing programme to milk producers