Technical Bulletin Urea molasses mineral block- A technology to increase milk production in dairy animals By Manoj Sharma ,Gurdeep Singh and Baljit Singh Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala Directorate of Extension Education Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana-141001
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Technical Bulletin
Urea molasses mineral block- A technology to increase milk production in dairy animals
By
Manoj Sharma ,Gurdeep Singh and Baljit Singh
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, KapurthalaDirectorate of Extension Education
Punjab Agricultural UniversityLudhiana-141001
2
Index
Sr. No. Topic Page No.
1. Introduction 3-5
2. Method of Preparation 6-12
3. Feeding Performance 13-19
4. Extension Strategies used for dissemination of technology 20-23
5. Reaction of Farmers 24-30
6. Constraints in Adoption 34-36
7. Future scope and conclusion 37-39
8. Reference 40-41
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INTRODUCTION
The rearing of livestock plays an important role in the development of rural economy.
The livestock husbandry not only provides milk, meat, wool, manure, urine energy etc. but
also provides self-employment for unemployed youth. In India at present about more than
50% of the rural population is engaged in rearing of livestock. India largest milk producer in
world, shares 15 per cent in the global output of 630 million tones. India ranks first in the
milk production due to large number of cattle population, about 185 million. However, the
productivity of milch animals is very low.
As per last 17th census, crossbred cattle constitute 13.3 per cent of the total cattle and
86.7 per cent are indigenous cattle. There is tremendous increase in the crossbred in the
country i.e. 22.8 per cent but while indigenous cattle population is declining. This increase in
crossbred population can enhance the milk productivity/animal provided they are managed
scientifically.
Crossbred cattle population in India during 1997 and 2003
Crossbred cattle 1997 2003 Per cent increase/ decrease
Crossbred cattle 20.09 million 24.6 million 22.82 per cent
Indigenous cattle 178.7 million 160.5 million -10.23 per cent
Total 198.8 million 185.2 million -6.89 per cent
In addition to the above, proper feeding of the dairy animals is must in order to
harness their full genetic potential. Since, there is a shortage of green fodder especially during
the months of May-June and October-November during the year. As a result, dairy farmers
face great difficulty in feeding their dairy animals for getting optimum production. Hey and
silage making practices has not been adopted by farmers on large scale. Under such situation,
crop residues such as rice straw, wheat straw, maize stalks and natural herbage like grass, tree
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leaves etc. are fed to the animals along with a small quantity of costly concentrate. Such
feeding practice does not provide adequate nutrients to the animals for improving their
growth and exploiting their productive potential. In general, low quality crop residues are
deficient in fermentable nitrogen, carbohydrates and important minerals. Various attempts
have been made to make use of locally available feed resources so that crops and livestock
can be produced more efficiently and profitably. Consequently, feed supplementation
strategies have been developed to correct the nutrient deficiency of poor quality roughages
for feeding of dairy animals.
Earlier, the main focus was on increasing the straw utilization by ruminants.
However, straw is available in large quantities but it is low in its nutritive value due to
presence of high lignocellulose content, small amounts of crude protein and essential
minerals. Though the feeding value of poor quality straws have been shown to be improved
by using physical, chemical and biological treatments, but none of these treatments became
popular amongst farmers because of the extra cost and extra work involved. In order to find
out suitable supplements for optimizing rumen fermentation so that enhanced production and
reproductive performance can be achieved, another technique used was, to supplement the
diet with more readily available energy and protein, which were lacking in the basal diet. The
technology thus identified was use of Urea molasses mineral block lick.
Prospects of supplementation of diet with UMMB
The unique ability of the ruminants to synthesize enough protein for maintenance
through microbial action permits the use of urea as a NPN source, provided ready source of
energy is available. Thus, it is now well established that urea molasses mix can provide
additional nutrition and enhance the utilization of roughages.
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The primary objective of these UMMB licks is to provide supplementary nutrition to
the dairy animals kept in the village mainly on straws and crop residues. However, the whole
purpose is defeated if the blocks are not hard enough and hence utmost care needs to be
exercised that these blocks are meant only to serve as licks. It should release the urea nitrogen
more slowly and frequently so as to minimize the chances of ammonia toxicity. In addition,
such a system can also facilitate the supply of other nutrients such as minerals and vitamins.
UMMB also helps in overcoming the malnutrition/under nutrition of our livestock and
increase production at farm level and generate better returns for a dairy farmer.
Advantages
1. The various feed ingredients being used in the formation of UMMB are easily
available in the market.
2. The method of its preparation is very easy. Farmers can make UMMB for themselves
as well as can sell them in the market.
3. UMMB can be stored for a long time under dry conditions. Similarly, it can be
transported to long distance without difficulty.
4. UMMB are more suitable for supplementing dry fodder based diets for sustainability
of ruminants especially during droughts and floods.
5. Licks are hard enough to control gradual intake by the animal.
6. UMMB is comparatively cheaper source of energy, protein and minerals than the
conventional source of proteins like mustard or cotton oil cakes and concentrated
feeds.
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METHOD OF PREPARATION
After studying the nutritional status of the animals in a particular region, the selected
supplements are made available in the form of a UMMB that could be licked by the animals
as per the requirements. The UMMB is prepared by using locally available feed ingredients
that are cheap and easily available. For supplementing the crop residue-based diet of large
and small ruminants, the use of urea–molasses mineral block (UMMB) licks has been
recommended by many livestock researchers. The main aim is to improve the nutritive value
of the traditional straw-based diet thus promoting healthy growth and milk productivity of
dairy animals. The UMMB contains high crude protein (CP) content due to inclusion of urea
which contains 46 per cent nitrogen or 46.0 X 6.25 = 281 per cent crude protein. Most of the
lick blocks contain Ca, P and Mg, and micro-minerals such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, I and Se,
but the mineral contents differ greatly between the blocks manufactured by different workers.
Different Formulations of UMMB
The UMMB block consists of urea, molasses, wheat flour, mineral mixture, deoiled
mustard cake, deoiled rice polish and common salt. In order to set the well mixed feed
ingredients in the shape of a block Guar gum can be used as a binding agent. Calcium Oxide
needs to be added at last as it will generate heat and make the mixture into gel like form.
Table 1 : Feed ingredients required for a 3 Kg. UMMB lick in India ( Punjab)
Name of the feed ingredient QuantityUrea 300gMolasses 900gWheat flour 450gMineral Mixture 450gDeoiled mustard cake 300gDeoiled rice polish 300gSalt 125gCaO 175g
Source: Department of Animal Nutrition, GADVASU, Ludhiana
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It is worth to mention that the formula of UMMB may vary as per the requirement of
the animals; feeding strategies and raw material available viz. formulae used in china are
The preparation of UMMB can be classified into two categories namely Hot Process
and Cold Process. Urea-molasses-mineral blocks may be manufactured either on a small or
on a larger scale depending on the requirements. It has been found that under Punjab
conditions, blocks weighing 3 kg are most appropriate for feeding dairy cattle.
UMMB preparation by the cold process
Step 1. Preparation of feed ingredient
All the required feed ingredients should be weighed out individually before mixing.
Further, the particle size of all the material should be same so that uniform mixing can take
place. For this purpose, feed ingredients need to be ground and pass through a standard mesh.
Molasses
Molasses is a source of easily fermentable carbohydrates and acts as a binder. Blocks
are highly palatable when they contain molasses. It has been demonstrated that mixing
molasses and urea can greatly slow down the release of NH3-N in the rumen. For the
molasses no preparation is necessary apart from measuring the quantity. Even if handling the
molasses is a little difficult it should not be diluted with water. Molasses can be stored in the
same tank as that used for transporting it.
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Urea
The urea is available in granules, therefore, it may be necessary to crush the lumps,
either by hand or by passing the urea through a hand mill and sieve.
Common salt
For uniform mixing, common salt needs to be finely ground.
Cement or quicklime
Lime or cement has been used commonly as a solidifier and binder. Ordinary clay or
bentonite has also proved efficient for block making (Chen et al., 1993b; Guan et al., 1998).
If quicklime is to be used it should be finely ground and its reaction to the addition of water
tested. In Punjab, addition of Guar Gum @ 5 % helped in solidifying the block to the desired
level.
Bran
Bran does not need any preparation. However, if the bran is replaced by another fibre
source such as peanut hulls or straw, these materials should be ground before mixing.
Step 2. Mixing up of raw material
If adequate labour is available and only few blocks are needed then manual mixing is
possible. With 2 labourers and one supervisor, approximately 100 blocks of 3 kg each could
be made over a period of 8 hours (a working day).
It has been observed that the order of adding feed ingredients plays an important role
in the mixing process. The desired order is as under:
Molasses
Urea
Salt
Mineral mixture
Cement or quicklime or guar gum
Bran
Calcium oxide
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Following this order a homogenous mixture of the urea, salt and gelling agent in the
molasses is assured. When using a mixer the bran must be introduced in small quantities at a
time, in order to ensure a homogenous mix.
Step 3. Moulding
Many workers have used a simple moulding process to manufacture lick blocks (Ma
et al., 1992; Yang, Jiang and Wen, 1996; Chen et al., 2001b). In this process, ingredients are
mixed in a manner similar to the hot process and then transferred to moulds.
Moulds are necessary to set the blocks in an acceptable shape. Once UMMB has
hardened, the frame can be removed for reuse and to allow the drying process to continue.
Moulds can be of different shapes. The size of the mould will depend on the desired size of
the block. The blocks produced by Yang, Jiang and Wen (1996) were square in shape with a
round hole in the centre (1.5 cm in diameter) to allow the blocks to be hung on a fence. The
breaking strength was 56.9 kg/cm2. The hardness increased when formaldehyde-treated urea
was used in the block instead of urea.
Small plastic containers have been used successfully in Indonesia for preparing urea-
molasses blocks. They produce blocks with acceptable solidity and are suitable for use in
small units. An advantage of this type of mould is that the block can be offered to the animal
while it is in the plastic container and once the block has been consumed the container can be
re-used.
Step 4. Drying
After taking out from the moulds, blocks are arranged on a drying area. Blocks must
not be exposed to direct sunlight, but placed under a shade with good ventilation. It would be
better if these UMMB blocks are wrapped in polythene sheets to avoid moisture absorption
because these contain urea and common salt and both are hygroscopic in nature.
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UMMB preparation by the hot process
In this method, the weighed quantity of urea and molasses are mixed together in an
iron pan and heated for about half an hour while being stirred slowly. Still hot, other feed
ingredients are added and mixed thoroughly. Blocks are prepared by using a hydraulic press.
This method, involves the heating up of all the ingredients, is labour intensive, takes a longer
time and needs costly equipment, such as a hydraulic press. Further, the blocks so produced
have been reported to be highly hygroscopic, leading to poor shelf life (Tripathi, 1997; Garg,
Mehta and Singh, 1998). Although the method was adopted by a few commercial firms, the
high costs of equipment, infrastructure, and additional energy required for heating, and
cumbersome procedure militated against its acceptance by small-scale farmers. On the other
hand the cold process had the merits of saving time, energy, labour and overall costs in
comparison to the hot process. Therefore, now farmers can make use of cold process in
manufacturing the UMMB at their own level.
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FEEDING PERFORMANCE
A. Supplementation of feed with UMMB
Various studies have been conducted to assess optimum level of feeding of UMMB
for cross bred cattle. The effect of feeding UMMB on milk yield and reproductive
performance of crossbred cows reared fed a rice-straw-based diet was studied in Bangladesh.
The average body weight of crossbred cows was 300 kg and it was fed 2.75 kg/head/day of
homemade concentrate mixture. Average initial milk production was about 6 kg/day. The
composition of UMMB prepared was molasses 39 %, wheat bran 20 %, rice polish 20 %,
lime powder CaO 6 % and common salt 5 %. The blocks were prepared using the cold
process. Four levels of UMMB 0, 350, 500, and 650 g/head/day of UMMB were fed to the
crossbred cows in treatment groups T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively to assess the optimum
amount of UMMB required for maximum production. In this context, it should be noted that
long anoestrus periods and infertility are serious problems in rearing crossbred cows in
Bangladesh. Results obtained were encouraging. On feeding UMMB, milk yields of dairy
cattle increased by 1 to 1.5 kg/day. The optimum level of UMMB for crossbred cows to
achieve higher milk production and better reproductive performance was found to be 500
g/head/day. Cows and calves with access to UMMB licks gained more body weight than their
counterparts without access to UMMB. Also the intervals from calving to initiation of luteal
activity, oestrus and conception were shorter in UMMB-fed lactating cows. The postpartum
reproductive intervals of cow can be reduced by feeding UMMB (Hendratno, 1999), which is
of economic significance. It was interesting that the difference between first progesterone rise
and first detectable oestrus were 66 to 80 days in groups T0 and T3 (Table 6.4), which
indicated that the farmers were unable to detect heat at its first occurrence, resulting in 3 to 4
heats lost without insemination. The calving interval of cows was reduced by 64 days in
group T2, which has an economic value as more calves are produced over the total
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reproductive life of a cow. Taking 10 years as a typical reproductive life of a cow, it is
expected that a cow in the T0 group will produce 7 calves in her total reproductive life, while
cows in group T2 group will produce 8 calves each. The additional calf and lactation from
each cow earns more profit in the T2 group of animals.
Table : Mean values for milk yield, body weight change in cows and calf weight gain.
Parameter Diet(1) SEM Level of significanceT0 T1 T2 T3
Milk yield (kg/day)180 days average 5.42 5.49 6.81 6.83 0.009 SLactation average 3.33 3.38 4.19 4.20 0.055 S3.5 percent FCM (2) 5.95 6.38 8.16 8.16 0.106 SLactation yield (kg) 1115 1196 1527 1531 19.85 SBody weight change of cow (g/day)
9.4b 65.9ab 88.1a 88.4a 4.302 S
Calf weight gain (g/day) 159b 167b 215a 228a 2.717 SNote : (1) The diets were T0 = control (no UMMB), T1 = 350 g/head/day; T2 = 500 g/head/day; T3 : 650 g/head/day, (2) FCM = fat-corrected milk. (3) a , b = means with different superscripts differ significantly (P < 0.05)
B. Replacement of concentrate by UMMB
Generally, concentrate feeds are costly and therefore, dairy farmers are reluctant to
feed costly ration to their animals especially when milk production goes down at the end of
the lactation. Many farmers rear cows on very small amount of concentrate to minimize feed
cost. To study the effect of replacing concentrate by UMMB, 60 multiparous crossbred dairy
cows reared on straw-based diets were selected. Three diets, comprising a daily ration per
head of 2.75 kg concentrate (T0), 2.45 kg concentrate + 0.30 kg UMMB (T1) or 2.25 kg
concentrate + 0.50 kg UMMB (T2), were fed to three groups of 20 lactating cows each. Rice
straw was fed as roughage, with a very small amount of cut-and-carry grass (1.4 kg/head/day)
under zero grazing conditions for 180 days. The results are presented in Table 6.6. Animals in
group T2 had significantly (P <0.001) higher roughage intake, and milk yield was also
improved significantly (P <0.05) (6.94 kg/head/ day). The fat content of milk increased in T1
(45.8 g/kg) and T2 (48.4 g/kg) groups compared with the control, T0 (40.4 g/kg). The highest
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content of fat was in the T2 group, which resulted in higher economic return. Body weight
gain of calves was improved significantly (P <0.05). Calving interval was also reduced by 60
days. The highest profit was in the T2 group, and derived mostly from replacing concentrate
by 500 g UMMB/head/day. Protein content of milk increased with increasing amounts of
UMMB, and non-fat milk solids (SNF) and total solids (TS) also increased when concentrate
was replaced with 300 g and 500 g UMMB in groups T1 and T2, respectively. Conclusively ,
supplementation with UMMB resulted in improved milk quality.
Table : Effect of UMMB supplements on intake, milk yield and body weight change of cows and calves
Parameters Diet(1) SEM Level of significanceT0 T1 T2
Note : (1) *** = P < 0.001; Ns = not significant (P> 0.05), (2) The diets were T0 = 2.75 kg concentrate per day, no UMMB, T1 = 2.45 kg concentrate + 0.30 kg/day UMMB g/head/day; T2 = 2.25 kg/day concentrate + 0.50 kg/day UMMB. Means with different superscripts differ significantly ( P <0.05). DM = dry matter
C. Effect of UMMB licks on the performance of animals
In order to test the effect of UMMB lick intake on the performance of animals,
various field trials has been conducted in various countries. It has been indicated that the
intake of UMMB licks has affected the milk yield, growth, milk fat and reproductive
performance of animals. Some of the field trials conducted at various places have been
discussed here.
a. Milk yield
In one trial UMMB licks were distributed to farmers who were rearing indigenous
cows on straw-based diets. Milk yield, increased on providing UMMB licks for cows. In
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another trial by Wang et al. (1995), 10 dairy cows supplemented with UMMB produced 1.1–
1.5 kg more milk than those without supplement. Chen et al. (1993a) observed that the cows
having access to UMMB licks had an average milk yield of 20.7 kg/day, which was 1.3 kg
higher (P < 0.01) than the average of the control group. In another trial by Wang et al.
(1995), 10 dairy cows supplemented with UMMB produced 1.1–1.5 kg (5.3–5.9 percent)
more milk than those without blocks . Xu, Zhao and Liu (1993) investigated the performance
of Holstein dairy cows in the middle stage of lactation and found that when urea-containing
lick blocks were provided, the cows produced 20.5 kg/ day of milk, which was 4.1 kg (25
percent) higher than the average of the control group.
Table: Effect of feeding UMMB on productive performance of indigenous cows and calves
Parameter Treatment Level of Significance-UMMB +UMMB
Milk yield (Kg /day) 1.47 1.84 SBody weight change of cow (g/day) -33 -4 NSCalf’s weight gain (g /day) 66 110 SBody condition score of cow on 1-5 scale 2.31 2.51 S
Note : NS : Non significant, S : Significant (Source : Mazed, 1997)
b. Change in the body weight of animals:
Various studies show that body weight gain, calf weight gain and body condition
score increased on providing UMMB licks for cows. When buffalo heifers fed on rice straw
diets were supplemented with UMMB, daily weight gain was 650 g. versus 620 g. for control
animals (Lu et al., 1995). Further it has been reported that use of UMMB increased live
weight gain of buffalo heifers in a study conducted in Bangladesh. The UMMB
supplementation with straw-based diets for indigenous cows resulted in 4.8 percent increased
live weight gain after calving.
c. Reproductive performance of animals:
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It has been shown that UMMB supplementation resulted in early heat symptoms in
cows after calving. The first progesterone rise of a cow after calving, first detectable heat,
calving-to-conception interval and calving interval were observed to be shorter in UMMB-
supplemented cows as compared to unsupplemented indigenous cows (Mazed, 1997).
Table : Effects of feeding UMMB on postpartum reproductive performance of indigenous cows Indicator Treatment Level of
Significance-UMMB +UMMBInterval from calving to Ist progesterone rise (days) 104 103 NSIst oestrus (days) 194 130 SConception (days) 199 162 NSCalving interval (days) 480 443 NS
Note : NS : Non significant, S : Significant (Source : Mazed, 1997)
Table : Effect of UMMB on postpartum reproductive intervals of cows
Indices Diet(1) SEM Level of significanceT0 T1 T2 T3
Interval from calving to – (d) Ist progesterone rise (days)
Service conception (No.) 2.67 a 2.0b 1.8 b 17.3 b 0.044 NSNote : (1) The diets were T0 = control (no UMMB), T1 = 350 g/head/day; T2 = 500 g/head/day; T3 : 650 g/head/day, (2) FCM = fat-corrected milk. (3) a , b = means with different superscripts differ significantly (P < 0.05)
d. Digestion and metabolism in the rumen
Zhang et al (1997) studied the effect of supplementary urea containing lick blocks on
NH3- N concentration and pH value in the rumen of wethers. The pH did not alter, while
rumen NH3-N (P <0.01) concentration significantly increased and approached or exceeded
13 mg/100 ml rumen fluid, the optimal level of NH3-N for rumen microbial activity
suggested by Hume, Moir and Somers (1970). The improvement in the rumen ecosystem is
beneficial to rumen microbial activity, and hence rumen digestion. Xue et al. (1995) observed
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that when the animals were supplied with an additional urea block of 50 g per head per day,
the microbial protein yield was increased (11.87 vs 10.18 g/day) and synthetic efficiency was
improved compared to that of control. Further ,it has also been reported that when rice straw,
maize stover and sugar cane bagasse were incubated in the rumen of buffaloes supplemented
with UMMB, the 48- hour degradation of feedstuff nutrients was significantly higher than in
the rumens of animals without block supplementation (Guan et al., 2001c).
e. Digestion and utilization of the diets
Many investigators have observed that the supplementation with UMMB can improve
digestion and utilization of nutrients in the diets. Wu and Liu (1996) studied the effects of
giving an urea mineral lick block on the kinetics of ruminal fibre digestion, nutrient
digestibility and nitrogen utilization of rice straw, ammonium bicarbonate (AB)-treated straw
and hay prepared from wild forage. The results are given in Table 7.10. It was noted that with
block supplementation, the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter of rice straw were
increased by 13.1 and 12.7 percent (P < 0.05) and was comparable to that of the AB-treated
straw, indicating that the effect of the blocks on digestibility of rice straw may be similar to
that of AB treatment. The digestibility of the treated straw was improved slightly when
animals had access to blocks. Nitrogen retention was highest in lambs on AB-treated straw
alone, followed by hay with blocks, and was lowest in animals on rice straw with blocks.
However, both the amount of nitrogen retention and proportion relative to intake were
increased by block supplementation in lambs fed on hay. The proportion of nitrogen retained
to that digested decreased with block supplementation in lambs on both untreated and treated
straw. Access to blocks did not significantly influence the rumen degradation of either dry
matter or crude protein in any of the three diets. From the results, it is inferred that while the
block is effective in increasing nutrient digestibility of low quality roughages through
improved ruminal fibre digestion, a simultaneous supply of nitrogen and energy to rumen
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microbes should be considered to improve the utilization efficiency of nitrogen when the
basal diet is ammoniated straw. The effect of the blocks on digestibility of rice straw was
similar to that of treatment with ammonia, and further improvement in digestibility of
ammoniated straw was obtained by supplementation with the blocks. Retention and net
utilization efficiency of nitrogen were improved more in the animals fed untreated rice straw
than in those fed ammoniated straw. It might be due to the oversupply of nitrogen when
ammoniated straw diets are supplemented with urea blocks.
f. Effect of dietary urea levels on intake of UMMB and utilization of nutrients in
adult buffaloes.
Hosmani et.al.(2005) reported that 16 adult male Murrah buffaloes were divided in to
4 groups and fed on diets containing wheat straw and urea-molasses mineral block (UMMB)
lick ad libitum and crushed maize grain to meet energy requirement plus urea 0, 15, 30 and
45 g/head daily. It was observed that there were no significant differences in intake of
UMMB, wheat straw, total DM and total digestible nutrients between groups but CP intake
was higher (P<0.05) in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2. Digestibility of nutrients in all groups
was similar, except that for CP which was higher (P<0.01) in group 4. Nitrogen balance was
not significantly different between groups. There was no significant effect of different levels
of urea supplementation on blood urea, protein or ammonia. It appears that the fermentable N
from UMMB was not sufficient to meet buffalo requirements when fed with dry fodder.
Supplementation of urea along with UMMB improved N status.
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EXTENSION STRATEGIES
Extensive efforts have been made to transfer the technologies to the end user, the
farmer. The different extension methods adopted were
(i) Training of trainers like veterinary officers, veterinary students, research
scientists from different veterinary and animal husbandry teaching and
research institutes and state agricultural universities
(ii) Training of farmers through field demonstrations given to rural dairy farmers
at village-level and at animal welfare camps organized in collaboration with
line departments and ATMA. The UMMB licks were distributed free-of-cost
to the farmers in order to assess its feeding effect on the performance of dairy
cattle.
(iii) Efforts are being made by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala to develop
entrepreneurs in preparation of UMMB on a commercial scale.
I Popularization of UMMB technology by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala,
Punjab
KVK, Kapurthala was emphasizing to the dairy farmers about the utility of UMMB
developed by the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for the last 4 to 5 years through
lectures, trainings, seminars, conferences and posters but was not able to conduct feeding
experiment at farmer’s field. As a result, farmers were not convinced about this technology or
we can say that it remained in theory. During the year 2007-08, ATMA became operative in
the district and KVK Kapurthala was involved in this project by the District Magistrate who
was the Chairman of ATMA Governing Board. KVK was asked to help the poor dairy
farmers by disseminating the most sustainable and economical technologies which can
21
increase milk production in cattle and buffaloes during lean periods so that a maximum
Plate 1: Dissemination of UMMB licks technology in different villages of District Kapurthala
returns can be accrued. It was also assured that all the necessary help would be provided by
the Project Director ATMA, Kapurthala. During the month of September-October, 2008, in
the governing board of ATMA, it was decided to conduct demonstrations on the feeding of
Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks on cattle and buffaloes at farmers’ field in the whole district.
Hence, KVK, Kapurthala procured UMMB from the university and conducted
demonstrations at farmers field during the months of January, February, March , April, May
and June, 2009 in different blocks of district Kapurthala.
II. The extension approach of AMUL and Mehsana milk union (Haijarabad, Gujrat)
Case of AMUL: Amul introduced UMMB to the dairy farmers for the first time in the mid-
1980s through the extension staff of the Department of Animal Husbandry and the
22
Department of Procurement and Inputs. Amul used various approaches to popularize the use
of UMMB licks among the farmers. Amul’s extension staff members were the most
important sources of information for the respondents. The veterinary staff, who visited the
village for pregnancy diagnosis or artificial insemination, also advised farmers to use
UMMBs for pregnancy-related problems. Role of literature like posters, brochures, Amul
patrika etc. ,was very limited in the spread of the technology. But overall Amul’s extension
approach appeared to have succeeded in disseminating information about UMMB among
milk producers. Promotion of UMMB was undertaken in the form of a campaign.The key
extension strategy used for generation of awareness about UMMB was an intensive contact
programme in each village with the District Co operative-staff, management committee
members, members of the village co-operative societies and other villagers.
Case of Mehsana : The extension approach of the Mehsana Milk Union for popularisation of
UMMB was somewhat different. Unlike Amul, extension work was taken up primarily by
small teams of extension staff, who were provided with all their prerequisites for field trials
and extension activities, including vehicles for mobility, salaries for the union
staff/supervisors, extension materials etc. The extension work was undertaken primarily
through intensive contact programmes at the village level. Discussions and meetings were
held with milk producers, DCS staff and management committee members, women dairy
farmers and the villagers. Posters, film shows and other educational materials, developed by
NDDB, were also used to generate awareness about UMMB licks and motivate dairy farmers
to use them.
Status of adoption of UMMB among dairy farmers
23
The use of UMMB licks was first promoted free of charge in a few experimental
villages and then introduced for sale in additional villages. Despite concerted extension
efforts, a few dairy farmers adopted UMMB licks. Most of the early adopters of UMMB licks
in Mehsana milk shed were primarily concentrated in the green areas. However, most of them
discontinued the use of UMMB after the trial phase. As a result, the demand for UMMB
declined.
Although Amul tried to popularise UMMB among all milk producers (including
smallholders), the early adopters of UMMB were primarily those who had taken up dairying
as an important income generating activity. They were progressive farmers who were
receptive to new ideas and strove to improve milk productivity. In the words of the extension
staff their mindset was very different. Therefore, they adopted UMMB licks and used them.
Similar receptivity to new ideas is not found among other communities who are in the dairy
business now.
In summary, beyond the trial phase only a few small-scale milk producers used
UMMB licks on a continuous basis. In Mehsana Milk Union, some of the users of UMMB
from the green areas switched over from UMMB licks to urea molasses granules.
Unfortunately, the use of granules does not have adequate scientific support. Due to once-a-
day feeding practices, the granules release a short-lived high concentration of ammonia in the
rumen, much of which is wasted. In a few villages, however, some large-scale dairy farmers,
who have undertaken animal husbandry as a primary occupation continued to use UMMBs.
24
REACTION OF FARMERS
I. EXPERIENCES FROM INDIA
A. Case of Punjab
During the investigation, majority of the respondent farmers (46.5 per cent) reported
that water intake was increased whereas only 28.9 per cent of the respondent farmers had
indifferent reaction about effect of UMMB feeding on water intake in dairy animals. On the
other hand, about 21 per cent of them did not take note of water consumption. Similarly,
majority of the respondent farmers (73.13 %) reported that animals had higher dry matter
intake with the use of UMMB licks. Only about 4 per cent of the respondent farmers reported
that it has no effect on dry matter intake.
a. Impact on animal health
As data pertain to the use of UMMB licks for three months only, no significant
impact of UMMB licks on animal health could be found (Fig 1). Large numbers of
respondent farmers (84.62 %), therefore, were indifferent about the effect of UMMB licks on
animal health. About twelve per cent respondent farmers reported positive effect of this
technology on the health of dairy animals under study. Only about 4 per cent of respondent
farmers observed negative effect of use of UMMB licks on the health of the animals. This
was probably due to the fact that the animals could take large amount of UMMB lick, when
provided ad lib. and thus could have created imbalance in rumen digestion.
Fig 1: Reaction of farmers about impact of UMMB licks on dairy animal (n =200)
Water Intake Dry Matter Intake Animal Health
0
20
40
60
80
100
46.52
73.13
11.54
28.96
3.77
84.62
3.25 3.84 3.84
21.27 19.26
0
Improved No effect Deteriorated Not recorded
Farmers' Reaction
Re
sp
on
de
nts
(%
)
25
b. Effect on milk yield
Majority of the respondent farmers (44 %) informed that there was an increase in the
milk yield varying from 0.5 l to 2.0 l per animal per day whereas 28 per cent of them were
indifferent about the effect of UMMB licks feeding on milk yield. On further probe from the
respondents who were indifferent about effect on milk yield, about 71 per cent of them
realized that unlike previous years there was no reduction in the milk yield especially during
hot months ( April to June). This means that feeding of UMMB helped in sustaining the milk
yield in milch animals during the period when there was a shortage of green fodder and thus
reduced dry matter intake. Farmers reported that use of UMMB licks with wheat straw was
able to maintain milk yield equivalent to yield obtained when animal was fed on berseem
fodder. Thus, by supplementing UMMB, the farmers could harvest a yield similar to that of
green fodder feeding. Researchers have revealed that wheat straw along with UMMB licks
is able to provide maintenance energy to maintain the health of dairy animals. Perhaps that’s
why the animals were able to maintain milk yield in absence of green fodder. Only eight per
cent of the respondent farmers informed that there was no effect of feeding UMMB on the
milk yield. Since at most of the dairy farms, major dairy farm operations are being performed
by hired casual labourers, so 28 per cent farmers reported that they did not record the milk
yield but were happy with the performance due to the fact that they were of the opinion that
animals relished the taste of UMMB (Fig 2).
c. Effect on milk fat
There is an inverse relationship between milk fat and milk yield. This is evident from
the farmers’ observations as only 11.5 per cent respondent farmers informed that fat
percentage increased whereas 44 per cent farmers informed that milk yield increased.
26
Similarly, 61.5 per cent of them observed that fat percentage remained same and 28 per cent
informed that milk yield remained same (Fig 2).
Figure 2 : Reaction of farmers about impact of using UMMB licks on milk yield and fat percentage (n =200)
Milk Yield Milk Fat
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
44
11.54
28
61.54
28 26.92
Improved No effect Not recorded
Farmer's Reaction
Re
sp
on
de
nts
(%
)
d. Adoption of UMMB licks
It is very important for the research scientists as well as extension workers to know
the fate of technologies generated and transferred by them among the end users. With this
concept in mind, effort was made to know about the satisfaction level reached by the dairy
farmers after making use of UMMB in the daily feeding schedule of milch animals.
It was noticed that about 81 per cent of respondent farmers were fully satisfied with
the results obtained and had adopted this technology (Fig 3). That’s why all of them were
ready to purchase UMMB from the suppliers at their own level. Non-availability of UMMB
licks as and when required by the farmers was observed as the major hindrance in the
adoption of this technology. Only about 8 per cent respondent farmers were not satisfied.
Moreover, these were the farmers who had adopted wrong strategy to feed the animals.
However, about 12 per cent farmers were found to be partially satisfied.
27
Fig 3 : Satisfaction level of farmers about the utility of UMMB licks (n =200)
80.76
11.547.7
Fully SatisfiedSome what satisfiedNot Satisfied
B. Case of Gujrat
In general, any product for animals launched by Amul was viewed favourably by the
members, because of Amul’s high credibility among the members. The Dairy farmers used
the UMMBs during the trial stage. The experiences of the farmers are summarised below:
1. Seven of 15 respondents mentioned that UMMBs were good for the animals, but they
could not explain why.
2. One landless labourer reported that UMMBs were useful for improving reproductive
efficiency of the animals.
3. One marginal farmer thought that UMMBs were good for crossbred cows.
4. Common problems in using the UMMBs included melting of the blocks and spoiling
of the blocks by houseflies, ants, dust, dung, urine etc.
5. A few respondents reported shortages of utensils (tagara) for dispensing UMMBs.
In practice, benefits of UMMB were not visible to the respondents, as their animals did
not lick an adequate quantity of the blocks. Considerable efforts were made by NDDB to find
an appropriate dispenser for holding the UMMBs. However, none of the options offered an
acceptable solution. For example, initially the farmers used tagaras (small round metal
vessels) for UMMB. As tagaras were lightweight, the animals used to tip them over and the
blocks became soiled. To solve this problem, heavy cement blocks were introduced in the
28
Mehsana milk shed for holding the UMMBs. However, neither tagaras nor cement blocks
offered the right solution; as these dispensers were placed on the ground in front of the
animals, cow dung, urine, dust, water, straw etc. spoiled the UMMBs. Once the blocks were
spoiled, the animals would not eat them. NDDB further designed plastic dispensers for
holding UMMBs. These plastic dispensers could be hung where they were accessible to the
animals; however, the animals easily broke them, even when they were hung or placed above
ground level. Similarly, metal boxes were designed in such a way that the animals could not
chew the UMMB, but could easily lick them. Nevertheless, their use was also limited, as
most farmers did not have a proper place in their cattle shed to hang them.
Irrespective of the type of dispenser used, a common problem reported by the early
adopters was melting of the blocks. The blocks prepared through the hot process were
sensitive to humidity and temperature and melted easily. This made the blocks very messy
and unhygienic. The blocks also attracted flies and other insects due to their molasses
content. Instead of licking the blocks over a period of time, some of the animals chewed
them. Unlike hot process blocks, the cold process blocks did not melt easily. However, some
of the animals did not lick the blocks, presumably because of problems in palatability. The
farmers sometimes used to sprinkle flour on the blocks to induce licking. Unused hard blocks
were wasted, dissolved in water or cut into small pieces and mixed with cattle feed. The
benefits of using UMMBs were not easily visible to the farmers when the animals did not
consume an adequate quantity of the blocks. Inability to maintain quality of the UMMB was
one of the major factors that adversely affected its use.
II. EXPERIENCES FROM BANGLADESH
The principal animal feed source in Bangladesh is rice straw and rice by-products,
such as rice polish. Farmers also feed their cattle with mixed green fodder cut from roadsides,
29
but during the dry season i.e., November to April, such mixed green fodder is not available
and the animals are completely dependent on rice straw as the sole feed. To sustain the level
of milk production, supplementary feeding is essential for dairy cattle. In addition, many of
the cattle in Bangladesh calve during the dry season.
According to farmer’s observation and experience, feeding 500 g UMMB/day to a
lactating cow can sustain milk production without any concentrate. Many farmers have been
making UMMB on their farms and feeding to lactating cows for more milk and to bring their
cows into heat early. Some farmers have been using UMMB as a substitute for concentrate. A
considerable number of farmers have accepted this technology on their own initiative.
Farmers’ observations and experiences in Bangladesh
Farmers reported that their animals looked healthier, their skin appeared shiny, and
they had good body condition.
Their animals consumed more feed, especially roughages, with increased straw
intake.
Their animals came into heat earlier after calving.
Concentrate provision could be reduced by UMMB use to sustain milk production.
Cows with access to UMMB continued giving milk for a longer period.
Milk production could be sustained by providing UMMB to low yielding (2–6
kg/day) cows, without feeding any concentrate.
Lessons learnt
The observation and experiences from different studies shows that results were
varying at different places. There are cases where farmers were convinced about the benefits
of the technology but at the same time at places farmers discontinued the use of technology
after trial basis. Further, these studies present data of limited period. Hence, long term
30
experiment work is needed to find the real impact of this technology. Further, as studies
reports that farmers used licks when they were available free of cost or on trial basis only in
spite of the benefits realized by them. This necessitates, finding out the constraints realized
by farmers in adoption of UMMB technology.
31
CONSTRAINTS IN ADOPTION
Research carried out in a laboratory or at an experimental station will be of
significance only if it is accepted by the farmers. A farmer will accept a new technology only
if he is convinced that the method is suitable and profitable to him. The introduction of
innovation to small holder farmers, even if they are “appropriate” is one of the most difficult
tasks of research and extension personnel. A technology that has been successful at Institute
level or at an organized farm may not necessarily succeed at village level primarily because
of small holding of farmers who rear livestock for supplementing income and are reluctant to
change their traditional practices, especially when the innovations call for extra time and
labour. The more likely application of new technologies could perhaps be with large-scale
operations where benefits are clear and sufficiently large to warrant the extra efforts. The
technologies evolved with regard to the animal nutrition areas have far-reaching
consequences in bringing socio-economic transformation of the rural and urban dairy owners
of this country. Thus, the key issue is as follows:
What should be the appropriate approach for developing innovations for small-scale dairy
farmers? Should it be from laboratory to farm, from farm to laboratory or a combination of
approaches?
Diffusion of UMMB through extension will depend upon the following factors which are
same for any proven technology for its dissemination among end- users.
For any innovation, the extension support or lack of it can speed up or retard its rate of
adoption.
32
Institutional aspects of transferring research results are very important for commercialisation
and diffusion of new products.
For dissemination of this technology warrants proactive extension strategy. Thus,
comparative evaluation of studies on UMMB diffusion and adoption among dairy farmers
shows that even an intensive extension approach is unlikely to be effective unless the
innovation that it promotes is perceived as relevant by the potential adopters and meets their
needs or solves their problems. If the technology is introduced at time when there is
abundance of green fodder or at stage where benefits of UMMB are not visible to the milk
producers, the technology will not be adopted by the farmers as the milk producers are not
greatly concerned about the long-term benefits of using UMMBs.
And if for various reasons the animals did not lick adequate quantities of blocks or
consume in large quantities it can be a permanent blockade in the adoption and diffusion
process. So, the technology has to be introduced at time when results are immediate i.e. time
when there is dearth of green fodder.
Farmers have to be trained about the precautions needed to be taken while using the
licks as from the farmers’ observation and experience it has been seen that in certain cases
over feeding has caused off feeding in cows for several days. There are various factors that
can affect the adoption UMMB lick among farmers so it is necessary to take farmers
perspective into consideration.
Factors influencing the adoption of UMMB technology
1. Livestock feeding patterns of smallholders including the use of UMMBs are
determined by the existing farming systems and livestock management practices.
33
2. Adoption of UMMBs by milk producers is influenced by the perceived direct benefits
of UMMB.
3. The major emphasis of development and diffusion of UMMB has been to try to fit the
innovative product within the existing system. Improving milk production of the
animals of small-scale dairy farmers from divergent livestock and farming systems
needs to move away from such a top–down approach for ‘transfer of technology’ to a
farmer-centred approach that is based on people’s felt needs and problems?. For that
feedback of farmers must be given research scientists.
4. The case study is based on limited field research, however, the findings and the trends
discussed need to be examined further through in-depth and rigorous research, for a
clearer understanding of adoption processes and in order to develop an appropriate
approach.
Constraints influencing the adoption of UMMB technology
The prices of ingredients used in UMMB go on fluctuating according to the season.
For example, the price of molasses, maize etc in the local market are unstable,
reflecting its seasonal availability. Its availability is higher and price lower in the
sugar cane crushing season.
Farmers are interested to purchase the UMMB licks from the local market, but there is
no large-scale manufacturer in the market.
Level of education of the farmers is an important factor. The technology was adopted
more rapidly in those places having a higher proportion of literate people.
The economic condition of farmers affects technology adoption. Poor farmers are
unable to purchase UMMBs due to lack of money, as they purchase their food daily
and often meet requirements by selling milk on a daily basis.
34
Large-scale production of UMMB, which could increase availability, is probably not
possible without financial support from the Government, due to lack of capital
investment.
Usually, medium-scale milk producers (5–15 kg milk/day) at village level are more
concerned about increasing milk production and are ready to invest in the technology.
Farmers having only one or two cows with low production levels are less interested
in additional investment.
Adoption of UMMB-The perspective of women dairy farmers
As women dairy farmers play major role in animal husbandry, so the perspective of
woman dairy farmer and resource-poor women on the use of UMMB and the constraints to
using them on a regular basis was considered.
The perspective of resource-poor women dairy farmers
Focused group discussion was held with four poor women who had one to two milch
animals. Agricultural wage labour was their primary source of income. For them, animal
husbandry was a supplementary income generation activity. Most of the smallholders,
however, kept their milch animals in a subsistence manner. Only, in the monsoon season,
grass is available in abundance from agricultural fields where the smallholders worked. At
times they buy or collected wheat straw from fields for their milch animals. The net income
of from dairy was used for meeting household expenses. Thus, they hardly had any surplus
income to spend on a new feed supplement, such as UMMB. Some of the resource-poor
women dairy farmers had used UMMBs for a few days when they were available free of
charge under ATMA scheme. These dairy farmers found use of UMMB beneficial in
enhancing performance of animals.
35
The perspective of a successful dairy farmer
Swaran Singh is small farmer of Kapurthala district. He belongs to a nuclear family. He
has taken up animal husbandry as a primary occupation. The gross annual family incomes’
major share comes from dairy. According to Swaran Singh nearly fifty per cent of the dairy
income goes towards maintenance of the animals.
1. He started with dairy on commercial scale few years back. He has now about 70 milch
animals. He always strives to get higher productivity per animal by improving the
ration of his animals. He finds that cows are more profitable than buffalo because they
are less expensive and give milk for a long duration.
2. Concentrates are purchased from the market and are given mainly to the milk animals.
He is feeding UMMB licks to 30 animals. According to Singh UMMB licks has more
beneficial effect on cow than buffaloes. He feels that 300 g dose of UMMB licks is
more appropriate for milch animals.
3. Swaran Singh came to know about UMMBs in from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra
trainings. In year 2009 he visited KVK where experts informed him about the use of
UMMB licks in times when green fodder in not available. From then on he is using
these blocks regularly. He was aware of UMMBs as a feed supplement with nutrients.
In his opinion, the benefits of UMMBs are (1) to increase feed intake and (2) to
improve health and reproductively of the animals.
Apart from few success stories the adoption of UMMBs was limited. Most of
the milk producers did not use the blocks beyond the trial stage due to inconvenience
in using the blocks.
Thus, the case study of UMMB diffusion and adoption among small-scale
dairy farmers shows that even an intensive extension approach is unlikely to be
effective unless the innovation that it promotes is perceived as relevant by the
36
potential adopters and meets their needs or solves their problems. Benefits of UMMB
were not visible to the milk producers, as for various reasons the animals did not lick
adequate quantities of blocks. The milk producers were not greatly concerned about
the long-term benefits of using UMMBs, as most of them were not engaged in
systematic livestock care and consequently they did not notice these benefits.
37
PROSPECTUS OF TECHNOLOGY
The fast increasing human population pressure is reducing the land available for
fodder production. However, the increased cereal production leaves abundant agro-industrial
by-products, and UMMB has a great role to play in the profitable utilization of these by-
products, simultaneously reducing potential environmental pollution. Apart from the
importance of UMMB in reproduction, as discussed earlier, there is a great potential role to
play in meeting the nutritional needs of animals. The use of medicated blocks for control of
endoparasites should be exploited in small ruminants. The authors’ have already started
exploring the use of UMMB in solving the major problem of “delayed puberty” in buffaloes.
The use of UMMB as carrier to deliver many herbal digestive stimulants, herbal
galactagouges, herbal ecbolics, ionophores and anthelmintics is under consideration.
Factors for successful development and use of UMMB technology
The use of UMMB can be popularized among farming community probably due to the
following reasons
Area under fodder crops is decreasing due to preference of farmers for cereal crops
which has assured market. Due to poor soil health the deficiency of micro nutrients
has also been observed in animals fodder and thus animals. Secondly, severe scarcity
of quality feeds. The quality of feed available in the market is very poor. Very few
progressive farmers are making feed at their home after taking training from the
Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Moreover the higher cost and rigorous labour involved in
preparation of feed at home will not promote entrepreneurship in this area. So the
diets having N-containing supplement can increased milk production and reproductive
efficiency of the animals.
Good demand for milk will encourage the farmers to take the dairy farming on
commercial scale but for that productivity will be the key to survive in globalized
38
marketing. Farmers need animals having good health, higher milk productivity and
less calving interval. This encourages farmers to use a supplement, such as UMMB,
that can be produced at home using cheap, locally available, feed resources.
Value addition in UMMB
The value addition in the UMMB licks will further enhance the adoption of this
technology among end users. Limited work on this aspect of UMMB use has been done in
India. The incorporation of fenbendazole in UMMB led to 13 percent increase in milk
production in buffaloes (Knox, 1995; Sanyal and Singh, 1995). Preliminary trials on
medicated blocks carrying Replanta, a herbal drug, hastened uterine involution and
postpartum ovarian activity. Further work on his aspect needs to be taken up by the scientists.
The supplementation of animal’s diet with UMMB is an effective mean of correcting
nutrient deficits observed due to feeding of poor quality roughages. Its use as a feed
supplement improved productivity of buffaloes and crossbred cows reared on straw-based
diets. Similarly, high-cost concentrates can be replaced by UMMB licks. The studies showed
that milk production could be sustained by providing UMMB without any concentrate up to
outputs levels of 5 kg of milk per day. There is a need to extend this technology to a greater
number of farmers through intensive extension efforts.
Precautions
1. An UMMB cannot be used as a supplement for animals younger than 6 months, or by
animals which have not eaten anything for the whole day.
2. UMMB should not have more than 10% moisture.
3. UMMB should be stored at a dry place and must be protected from rainwater so that it
does not soften.
4. UMMB should be offered to the animal in the dry manger.
39
5. Consumption of too much UMMB must be prevented.
6. Animals must always be provided with clean drinking water.
40
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