Research Article | Animal Genetics and Breeding

Adoption of Scientific Sheep Feeding Practices in Tamil Nadu

Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Theni – 625 602. Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to know the sheep feeding practices and extent of adoption of scientific feeding practices by the sheep owners in the Perambalur and Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. From 10 villages of these two districts 100 respondents were selected for the study. Majority of the respondents followed sole grazing system (82%). Stall feeding followed by 1 percent grazing and partial feeding of concentrate was followed by 17 percent of the respondents respectively. Colostrum feeding was followed by all the respondents. Creep ration was provided to lambs only 20 percent of the respondents. Majority of the respondents (80%) allowed lambs suckling on dam’s milk for more than six weeks. Concentrate mixture feeding practices prior to breeding, pregnant and to the lactating sheep were followed by 35 percent , 42.00 percent and 35 percent of the respondents respectively and regularly. Mineral mixture and vitamin supplementation to sheep, hay making, silage making and rotational grazing system were not practiced by the respondents. The feeding of cultivated green fodder to sheep was always practiced by 10 percent of the respondents. Majority of the respondents had low adoption of scientific feeding practices. There is a great need to improve the adoption of scientific practices by increasing and strengthening the extension activities in the area through government and non government organizations.

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