Bareilly:

As most farmers are unable to provide “nutritious meal to ruminants, including cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep”, scientists at the prestigious Indian veterinary research institute (IVRI) have developed chocolates and ladoos for them which will complete the requirement of proteins, minerals and vitamins.

The scientists have also developed a machine that will make these chocolates, which they say will eventually increase the milk production capacity of animals.

Principal scientist, animal nutrition division, Dr Putan Singh told TOI, “Most of the famers are not in a position to feed nutritious meals to ruminants and provide them just straw. Though wheat or paddy straw is rich in energy, other nutrients, like protein, vitamins and minerals, are missing from their diet.”

The scientists have developed these chocolates and ladoos after four years of extensive research. The power-packed meal, rich in protein, vitamin and minerals, contains molasses, wheat bran, oil cakes, minerals and non-protein nitrogen.

Explaining how these chocolates and ladoos will work, Singh said, “These animals have four parts in their stomach. In one of the parts, animals do not digest food, but it is microbes which digest the fibre and remaining products like volatile fatty acids and ammonia are used by animals.” The scientist added, “The chocolates and ladoos have been prepared considering the requirement of both microbes and animals. When animals will lick these chocolates or eat ladoos, it will increase the digestion of fibres among microbes and hence, animals will feel hungrier and eat more straw.”

According to the scientists, consumption of this superfood will also increase the milk production capacity of the animals. “If a cattle is given 500 gram of these chocolates or ladoos daily in two meals, it will increase the milk production capacity of the animal by 0.5 to 1 litre. However, this increase depends on the breed and capacity of cow,” Singh added.

The scientist, however, warned against the overuse of this superfood. “In greed of increasing milk production, people should refrain from giving excess amount of these chocolates or ladoos as it will cause harm to animal,” he said.

The scientists have also developed a machine that will make these chocolates. The ladoos, however, can be prepared manually. The shelf life of these chocolates or ladoos is one year. It will approximately cost Rs 20/kg each.

Even farmers can learn the process of making these chocolates or ladoos at IVRI for a nominal fee. However, for selling these products commercially, people can enter into an agreement with IVRI for training and technology.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bareilly / Priyangi Agarwal / TNN / March 30th, 2016