Feed resources and nutritional status of Malnad Gidda cows in the native tract of western Ghats of Karnataka: A case study

A study was conducted to assess the forage and grazing resources and intake of Malnad Gidda (MG); dwarf breed cattle in native tract of western Ghats, Karnataka. Forage consumption under grazing and microbial protein (MBP) production in rumen of 8 elite MG cows was studied. Malnad Gidda cows grazed on 6 species of grasses, 3 mixed grasses and 17 herbs in terrains areas. Crude protein contents in fresh grasses, including karada (mixed grasses) and dried roughage were ranged from 4.35 to 11.12% and 3.26 to 3.71%, respectively. Crude protein content of herbages was ranged from 7 to 17% except in Guadua angustifolia (Bambusa soppu; 3.46%). Dry matter intake (DMI) was 140 g/kg W-0.75 which was 4.5% of the total body weight and included 480 g of cottonseed meal and 735 g of dry roughage. Crude protein intake was 366 g/d. Energy efficiency was only 35%. Heat increment (HI) was 70% of metabolizable energy. Mean MBP flow was 86 g/d and proportionate to body size. Study concluded that dwarf breed MG cows were sustainable on diets with 8% CP because of less maintenance requirements with MBP production in rumen of 2.5 g/kg W-0.75, which was comparable to the other dairy breeds.