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Balanced feeding for improving livestock productivity - Increase in milk production and nutrient use efficiency and decrease in methane emission

Year of publication 2012

Pages 46

Author Animal Production and Health Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title FAO Animal Production and Health Paper

Series number 0254-6019

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In developing countries feed shortages notwithstanding, considerable potential exists to increase production levels across a range of growing, lactating and beef animals by addressing the problem of imbalanced nutrition. The data on improving milk production efficiency in dairy animals through balanced feeding suggests that there is considerable scope for enhancing milk production with strategic use of the existing feed resources. This is possible through the transfer of scientific knowledge, in an easy-to-use and easy-to-implement manner to milk producers. The aim should be to promote feeding of a balanced ration in sufficient quantities and containing all essential nutrients. This paper outlines an approach used by National Dairy Development Board, India to balance rations at the doorsteps of smallholder farmers. This initiative has relevance for many other developing countries.

Language English

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