Explore essential concepts of buffalo nutrition for healthy, productive livestock. Learn about balanced diets, important nutrients, and practical feeding practices in animal husbandry.
Which feed ingredient commonly provides the main source of dietary energy for buffaloes in rural animal husbandry?
Explanation: Cereal grains, such as maize and wheat, are widely used for energy in buffalo diets. Leafy vegetables mainly supply fiber and some vitamins but not significant energy. Fish meal is a protein supplement rather than an energy source. Salt blocks provide minerals but negligible energy.
Why is roughage, like straw or grass, an important part of a buffalo's diet?
Explanation: Roughage supports proper rumen function and digestion in buffaloes, helping prevent digestive disorders. While roughage contributes to overall health, it does not primarily enhance milk flavor, replace water, or serve as a major vitamin source.
For optimal growth and milk production, which type of feed typically supplies the highest protein in buffalo diets?
Explanation: Oilseed cakes, like those from soybean or groundnut, are rich protein supplements for buffaloes. Grass hay is lower in protein, molasses is an energy source, and sugar cane juice is primarily a carbohydrate with minimal protein content.
Which mineral is especially important in buffalo diets to support strong bones and milk production?
Explanation: Calcium is vital for bone health and milk yield in buffaloes. Sulfur is needed in small amounts, iodine mainly affects thyroid function, and copper is necessary for enzyme systems but not primarily for bone or milk production.
How does providing adequate clean water impact the health and productivity of buffaloes?
Explanation: Clean water is essential for buffaloes, aiding digestion and supporting high milk production. It does not cause below-normal body temperatures, is unlikely to cause bloating if offered properly, and cannot replace fiber in the diet.