Punjab vet varsity, Milkfed and NDDB to study impact of feeding paddy stubble silage to cattle

Dr Inderjeet Singh emphasised on the use of paddy straw in livestock production to overcome the problem of burning paddy stubble. He said due to scarcity and high cost of wheat straw, last year paddy straw was fed for months at the university’s dairy farm without any adverse effects on the productivity and health of animals. Milk production of dairy animals increased by 17 per cent when paddy straw was used as bedding material. He said that presently, it is also being used in the total mixed ration along with urea and molasses for lactating animals. He cited examples of a few progressive farmers who have been regularly providing paddy straw over the years to their dairy animals without any ill effects on the productivity or health of their animals.

Dr Rajesh Sharma spoke about the use of enzymes and lactobacillus culture to conserve green paddy stubbles just after combine harvesting and urged to conduct trials in Punjab at a larger scale in collaboration with Milkfed. He said baling and conserving of green paddy stubbles would make its transport easier to anywhere in Punjab or other parts of the country. Dr Renu discussed the costs involved in making paddy straw bales, its ensiling, transport etc.

Dr JS Lamba explained the work done by the Department of Animal Nutrition on paddy straw silage making and comparative efficiencies of enzymes, cultures, urea, molasses etc, in enhancing the nutritional value of paddy straw. The House agreed to conduct trials at the university farm before getting the technology.