Feeding of work animals
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The requirement of an adult bullock has two components, viz, (i) the maintenance requirement and (ii) the requirement for mechanical work.
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The maintenance requirement of the bullock is similar to that of the cow and is a function of the body weight. In doing work, a portion of the nutrient energy is used up in muscular contractions and the remaining is wasted as heat.
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The nutrient requirement for work production is, therefore, dependent on the body weight, type of work and duration.
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The work may be light or heavy depending on the purpose to which the bullock is utilized.
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There has been little information available on the exact energy and protein needs for working bullocks. However, work done by Kellner indicates that muscles are not broken down in work, if enough energy is available.
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Similarily, the requirements of vitamins and minerals are also not increased significantly for work. Based on these assumptions and also on the accurate standards available for horses.
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Sen and Ray formulated the nutrient requirements for working bullock both for normal work and heavy work. These standards are inclusive of maintenance need .
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For light work, the requirements can be met through roughages. But for heavy work, supplementation with energy rich concentration is a must.
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Last modified: Tuesday, 10 April 2012, 11:29 AM