Utilization of indigenous f odder res ources f or op timizing lives tock f eed management in balochis tan, pakistan | [Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences • 2023]

Author(s):

1. Abdul Aziz Hassni: Livestock and Dairy Development Department,Balochistan, Quetta,Pakistan

2. Sajid ul Hassan Qureshi: Livestock and Dairy Development Department,Balochistan, Quetta,Pakistan

3. Asadullah: University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

4. Hafiz Muhammad Ali: Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,Bahawalpur,Pakistan

5. Abdul Majeed: Animal Sciences Institute, Livestock and Dairy Development Department,Balochistan, Quetta,Pakistan

6. Abdul Salam Baloch: Livestock and Dairy Development Department,Balochistan, Quetta,Pakistan

7. Mansoor Ahmed: Veterinary Research Institute, Livestock and Dairy Development Department,Balochistan, Quetta,Pakistan

8. Irfan Shahzad Sheikh: Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Balochistan,Quetta,Pakistan

9. Abdul Qayyum: Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,Bahawalpur,Pakistan

10. Sakina Khan: Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Balochistan,Quetta,Pakistan

11. Babar Hilal Ahmad Abbasi: University of Balochistan,Quetta,Pakistan

12. Muhammad Ali Khan: University of Balochistan,Quetta,Pakistan

Abstract:

Balochistan, Pakistan, is cha racterized by its semi-a rid a nd a rid climate, posing unique challenges fo r livestock ma nagement. The study delves into the nutritio nal aspects of locally cultivated fo dders, na mely lucerne, berseem, and sorghum, uncovering varia tio ns in their co mposition. Lucerne emerges as a valuable protein source with higher pro tein content co mpa red to berseem a nd so rghum, while the la tter two contribute significantly to ro ughage due to their higher fiber co ntent. The availability of dry ma tter a nd crude protein f ro m Kha rif and Rabi fodders undersco res their impo rta nce in susta ining l ivesto ck populatio ns, especially during the Kha rif seaso n. Industrial by-pro ducts, such as wheat bran, rice husk, and rice polishing, show pro mise as supplementa ry feed so urces, offering a mea ns to bridge nutritio nal gaps in livestock diets. These by -pro ducts provide a dditional energy and nutrients, thereby enhancing l ivestock pro ductivity. Balochistan's prevail ing livesto ck feeding practices prima rily rely on graz ing and locally cultivated fodder, yet these practices may no t fully meet nutritional requirements, resulting in suboptimal health and pro ductivity. The study advocates fo r a mo re balanced approach, emphasizing mixed feeding, which co mbines g razing, cultiv ated fodder, and supplementa ry feed. This a pproach holds potential for improving livestock health, mea t, and milk productio n, and econo mic returns fo r fa rmers. However, achieving balanced feeding pra ctices in Balochista n faces several challenges. These include the seasonal varia bil ity in fodder qual ity and availability, limited awareness of optimal feeding strateg ies a mo ng farmers, and restricted access to supplementa ry feeds. Addressing these challenges is crucial to pro moting sustainable and efficient livestock management practices in the region .

Page(s): 125-132

DOI: 10.31580/pjmls.v6i2.1399

Published: Journal: Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Year: 2023

Keywords:

Balochistan , Livestock management , Nutritional gaps , Mixed feeding , Sustainable livestock management , Supplementary feed , Indigenous fodder resources , Livestock productivity

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