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Animal Husbandry Tips: Is the milk of cows and buffaloes decreasing in winter? So stop worrying, feeding African Napier grass daily almost eliminates the effects of cold, frost and weather fluctuations. This grass not only increases strength but also works wonders in providing a bucketful of milk every day. Know how this green fodder is becoming the biggest help to the livestock farmers in winter.
Gonda: During the cold season, milch animals face many problems, which have a direct impact on their milk production. When the temperature falls, animals spend a large part of their energy in keeping their body warm, due to which the energy required to produce milk is reduced. Due to cold air and humidity, problems like cough, cold, pneumonia, fever and mumps also increase. At such times, cattle herders are in search of fodder which is both cheap and nutritious. According to experts, Napier grass is the best green fodder for increasing milk. It not only gives strength to the body, but also increases milk production rapidly by improving digestion.
Talking to Local 18, veterinarian Dr. Rakesh Kumar Tiwari tells that Napier grass is much taller and denser than ordinary grasses. Its leaves are soft, so animals eat it easily. It has high amount of protein, fiber and minerals. He said that many species exist, but Red Napier and Hybrid Napier are the most used.
keeps the body warm
Dr. Tiwari told that in cold weather animals spend more energy to keep their body warm. If nutritious fodder is not available then the body becomes weak and milk production starts decreasing. The high protein and energy giving elements present in Napier grass give strength to the animal, keep the body warm and increase digestive capacity.
Major benefits of Napier grass
- By including Napier in regular fodder, milk quantity starts increasing within 10–15 days.
- The fiber and protein present in this grass makes the body strong and increases weight rapidly.
- By applying Napier once, you can bite for a long time. Farmers can prepare green fodder throughout the year by planting it on the side of the field, which reduces the expenditure on expensive granular fodder.
- It flourishes easily in all three seasons, summer, winter and rain. Its yield is also more than other grasses.
How to feed Napier grass?
- Give freshly cut grass cut into small pieces.
- It is most beneficial to feed it by mixing it with dry straw or other fodder.
- Depending on the size of the animal, 10-15 kg of hay can be given daily.
- Do not give too much at one time, otherwise the problem of flatulence may occur.
