Animal Nutrition

Dr. Udeybir Singh Chahal

Address : Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana

Email: udeybirchahal@gadvasu.in, deptt.animal.nutrition@gmail.com, udeybirchahal@gmail.com,

Call:  +91-161-2414040 (O), +919888545098 (M)

Fax: +91-161-2414040 (O)

Brief Introduction :

Dr Udeybir Singh Chahal has joined the Head Animal Nutrition Department, GADVASU on 01.01.2021. Dr. Chahal is a renowned academician, researcher and extensionist in the field of Animal Nutrition. He is a recipient of Excellence in Teaching award, given by Samagra Vikas Welfare Society (SVWS), Lucknow and best Extensionist award by Society of Animal and Veterinary Husbandry Extension Education. He is fellow of Animal Nutrition Association and General Secretary of Animal Nutrition Society of India. Dr Chahal is having 20 years of academic experience and has guided 10 Master’s students. Dr. Chahal is an accomplished researcher in the field of monogasric nutrition and he has developed Pig Specific Mineral Mixture in India. He has published more than 75 research articles in the reputed international and national journals. Dr Chahal has presented 4 Lead Papers and published 49 Research Abstracts in various conferences. He have authored 4 books and 2 booklets for undergraduate and post graduate students and contributed 8 book chapters, besides developed 17 teaching practical manuals for UG and PG students. He have coordinated 46 training courses on dairy, pig, goat, poultry farming and knowledge up gradation program for the farmers of Punjab and neighboring states and delivered 225 expert lectures in various trainings. He has participated in 10 Scientist-technical officers’ interactions and has been engaged in editing of 3 compendiums and published 125 extension articles. Dr. Chahal have coordinated/facilitated/ attended 77 Pashu Palan/Regional Kisan Melas and 23 Animal Welfare Camps, 44 exposure visits of farmers and had delivered 6 radio talks and 30 TV talks.

Animal Nutrition

Former Faculty

Sr. No.	Name	Designation	Superannuation/ Transfer/ Promotion	Photograph
1.	Dr. R.P Gupta	Professor cum Head	30-06-2006
2.	Dr. M.P.S Bakshi	Professor cum Head	31-01-2011
3.	Dr. S.S.Sikka	Professor cum Head	30-06-2015
4.	Dr. M.S.Panu	Professor	31-10-2015
5.	Dr. Shashi Sajpaul	Professor	31-01-2016
6.	Dr. M Wadhwa	Professor cum Head	30-11-2019
7.	Dr. APS Sethi	Professor cum Head	31-01-2021

Animal Nutrition

Animal Nutrition

Treatment of poor quality crop residues:

Natural fermentation of straws (FWS): Natural fermentation of cereal crop residues with urea developed, standardized and critically evaluated in long-term trial (6 month ad lib feeding). Wheat straw and urea (96.5:3.5) moistened to 40% stacked for 9 day (FWS) could meet the basal energy and protein requirement for maintenance of adult ruminants and partly the production requirement of buffalo calves (6-9 months). A 396 day lactation trial revealed that ad lib feeding of FWS with low protein concentrate resulted in higher milk production without any adverse effect on the quality of milk and conception rate in buffaloes. It was concluded that production can be economised (60-65 paise/kg milk) by feeding FWS and about 60-70% oilseed cakes can be spared for feeding to non-ruminants. The NPN rich non-conventional feedstuffs like deep stacked poultry litter or uromol bran could be incorporated in the concentrate mixture and fed along with FWS without any adverse effect on the nutrient utilization, health or productive performance of buffalo calves. The process has universal application on all cereal straws, stovers and millet stalks. Natural fermentation eliminates pathogenic microorganisms. The farmers under field conditions have readily accepted the technology.

Microbial treatment: Forteen different lignolytic fungal strains were tried for upgrading the nutritive value of straws with minimum pre-treatment without exogenous nutrients, except Coprinus cinereus which required N and P exogenously, and Cythus stercoreus; Phellinus linteus; Philophora hoffmannii and Heterobasidion annusium were observed to be the most effective. The increase in in sacco DM and CP degradability upto 5-10 days was associated with linear increase in DM loss in all the cases. In order to achieve the optimum degradability with minimum nutrient losses, the fermentation should be stopped within 6-8 days.

Forest grasses and tree leaves of kandi area as livestock feed:

Samples of forest tree leaves (20 species) and grasses (10 species) of semi-hilliy arid zone of Punjab state were evaluated for their nutritional worth. In vivo evaluation of leaves revealed that leaves of Melia azedarach, Morus alba and Leucaena leucocephala supplemented with mineral mixture and common salt could be fed as a complete feed to ruminants. It was concluded that the leaves of Morus, Ehretia, Grewea, Melia azedarach and Leucaena had great potential as livestock feed. The wild grasses like Taraxacum and Sancharum showed great potential as livestock feed

Agro-Industrial byproducts and wastes as livestock feed:

Cannery wastes like Sarson saag waste contains 14.5% protein and is a good source of water-soluble sugars (6%). The digestibility of nutrients in SSW was found to be comparable to that of conventional green fodder-A. sativa. The SSW was highly palatable, showed excellent effect on the health of the animals and can be fed as complete feed.

Vegetable wastes: The nutritional worth of vegetable wastes like cauliflower leaves, cabbage leaves, pea pods and pea vines was assessed in comparison to conventional green oats fodder in bucks. The cabbage leaves, cauliflower leaves and pea pods served as excellent source of nutrients for ruminants and can economize the production of animals.

Spent straws: The wheat and rice straws available after harvesting edible mushrooms viz. Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus or Volvariella diplacea currently used as soil conditioners can be incorporated in the ration of ruminants. The spent straw usually have low nutritive value than original straw except the Agaricus bisporus harvested spent straw which has 5.5 - 6.0% DCP and 30-55% TDN. It can also serve as a maintenance ration for an adult ruminant if supplemented with 200 gm corn grains.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG): A waste after extraction of instant coffee is being used as fuel in kilns. Inspite of promising chemical composition (12.5% CP; 15.6% EE; 31.3% cell solubles), it had very low in vitro DM degradability, nitrogen solubility and pepsin degradability. Natural fermentation of SCG with urea-wheat-straw resulted in poor utilization of nutrients as compared to FWS indicating that even fermentation could not improve its quality, appears to be unsuitable as feed ingredient for livestock.

Non-conventional straws: Straws of 4 different fodder crops viz., shaftal, Berseem, alfalfa and rye grass were evaluated on 16 male buffaloes for their nutritional worth. The CP and NDF content varied between 6.4 to 8.7% and 65 to 81%, respectively. It was concluded that all the straws could be fed exclusively to adult ruminants without any deleterious effect on the health of the animals. These straws had much better nutritive value than conventional straws/ stovers /stalks like that of wheat, rice, maize, pearl millet etc.

Processing and evaluation of poultry excreta: Different methods (sun drying, ensiling, deep stacking and solar drying etc.) were tested for the elimination of pathogens. Deep stacking was most effective, technically feasible, economical and applicable under field conditions. It eliminated the pathogens from poultry litter within a week. The processed poultry litter/poultry dropping can be incorporated in the concentrate mixture at 30 to 40% (N-basis) depending on the production status of the ruminant.

Particle size of cereal grains and their utilization in ruminants:

Intact cereal grains are poorly colonized in the rumen. Wheat and corn grains were, therefore, crushed and sieved through screens of different pore sizes. The excretion of undigested cereal grains in faeces increased with the increase in particle size of the grains. The study conclusively revealed that the cereal grains should be crushed and sieved through screens of 1.5-2.5 mm pore size for achieving the best nutrient utilization with minimum loss of energy in the faeces.

Effect of total mixed ration (TMR) on the performance of calves/milch cattle:

Different total mixed rations were developed for different categories of ruminants. The feeding system showed no significant, beneficial effect on the different N-fractions in the rumen, blood profile, nutritive value of diets or the daily live weight gain of calves, except for the labor cost. A lactation trial conducted on 20 multiparous crossbred milch cows revealed significantly higher digestibility of OM and NDF in TMR as compared to conventional feeding system, but did not have any impact on milk yield or its composition except that lactose content was significantly high in milk of animals fed TMR. Adoption of TMR instead of conventional feeding system could save the labor and economize dairy rations by providing every bite full of nutrients.

Impact of bypass nutrients:

Fractionation and evaluation of protein supplements for ruminants:

Amongst the various (sixteen) protein supplements evaluated the corn gluten meal proved to be a good bypass protein supplement, for high yielding dairy animals. The RUP of CGM can be efficiently utilized in the small intestine of such animals.

Role of herbal feed additives:

Herbal feed additives (9) used, either individually or in combination, revealed that digestibility of nutrients and availability of ME from the substrate were improved when supplemented with either bharingraj, kutki or jeera @ 0.4% of the substrate (wheat straw). The effect of herbal feed additives revealed that the activities of fiber degrading enzymes improved significantly when the diet was supplemented with kutaki picorrhiza (kutki) as compared to un-supplemented diet or diet supplemented with other herbal feed additives. It was concluded that herbs like Asparagus racemosus, Leptidenia reticulate, Kutaki picorrhiza or Eclipta alba could be used for improving the productive performance of ruminants.

Assessment of nutritional status of cattle:

Feeding during transition phase:

Feeding of limiting nutrients during transition phase in high yielding animals was carried out. Three ME levels i.e. 100, 110 and 120% of NRC each at 24, 32 and 40% RUP, supplemented with or without niacin, vitamin E and biotin. Pregnant crossbred cows (30; 42 days prior to parturition) randomly divided into 6 equal groups on the basis of parity, previous lactation yield and body weight were offered either LELP, MELP, MEMP, HELP, HEHP or HEHP with vitamins. All the animals received the respective feeds starting 40 days before parturition till 100 days after parturition. The daily DMI was higher (P<0.05) in HEHP and HEHP with vitamins than rest of the groups. The milk yield/d was highest in HEHP group, the energy or protein level supplemented with vitamins did not have any significant impact on daily milk yield, but improved the reproductive performance of the animals.

Nutritional status of animals in peri-urban dairy complexes:

The study was taken up to assess the nutritional status of dairy animals in 5 peri-urban dairy complexes in Punjab State of India. The animals of FDC had the lowest and that of Ludhiana dairy complex (LDC) had the highest body weight (478 vs. 572 kg). The healthy animals of LDC produced highest milk. The area allocated per adult cattle unit was only 42-55% of the recommended area of 11.25 m2. The CP and EE content in the diet of animals was less than the recommended level to the extent of 28 and 30%, 17 and 32%, 22 and 38%, 13 and 26%, 12 and 4% respectively in JDC, ADC, FDC, LDC and HDC. The milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was lowest in animals of FDC (8.1mg/dl) and highest in animals of HDC (20.8mg/dl). About 24, 14, 64, 83 and 50% of the dairy houses of JDC, ADC, FDC, LDC and HDC, respectively, offered DM less than the requirement. Only 3.6% of the dairy houses of FDC and 25% of the dairy houses of LDC offered mineral mixture to their animals, while mineral mixture was not offered at all in JDC, ADC and HDC. It was concluded that most of the animals in peri urban dairies were underfed.

Strategic supplementation to reduce enteric methane emission:

The present study was undertaken to estimate the enteric methane production from different conventional and non conventional concentrate feed ingredients, leguminous and non leguminous forages (Single and multicut), poor quality crop residues, fruit, vegetable and cannery wastes, concentrate mixtures, complete feeds and to assess the impact of the on the productive performance of buffalo calves. The methane production was lowest in cotton seed cake followed by corn gluten meal and tomato pomace (TP). Methane production ranged from 24.8 ml/g DM (bajra) to 35.2 ml/g DM (maize). The relative contribution of methane to total gas production was lowest in shaftal (17.3%) and highest in berseem (18.9%). The capability of straws to produce methane during fermentation in the rumen was observed to be lowest for rice straw (RS) and highest for maize stovers. The bajra-RS complete feed produced 23.8% higher methane than that produced when bajra alone was used as roughage. Methane production was lowest when high level of concentrate (50%) was used. It was concluded that enteric methane production could be reduced considerably by formulating the complete feed containing maize, bread waste, cotton seed cake, TP, corn gluten meal, spent brewers grains, deoiled rice bran, green bajra and rice straw, without impairing the productivity of the animals

Urea molasses multi-nutrient blocks (UMMB):

The conventional ingredients like oilseed cake, starch and molasses used in the UMMB were replaced with waste bread (WB) and tomato pomace (TP) and spent sugar syrup (Amla muraba industry) and their nutritional worth was assessed on buffaloes. The CP and EE content of different UMLs was comparable. The daily intake of block varied from 1.08 kg (CB) to 1.84 kg (TPB). The N retention was higher (P<0.05) in animals offered UMMB as compared to control group. It was concluded that WB and TP could be incorporated into UMLs without any adverse effect on palatability, nutrient utilization, rumen metabolites or health of animals.

POULTRY

Nutrient requirements

Protein and energy requirements of WLH egg type starter chicks, Satlej strain of layers and IBL – 80 broilers were evaluated. Different levels of protein at different levels of energy were fed at various stages in both egg and meat type birds.

Substitutes of fish meal

Vegetable protein supplements: Combinations of vegetable protein supplements were evaluated to reduce the dietary fish meal from the broiler ration. The results of growth performance indicated that 25and 50% fish meal can be reduced by feeding GNE: MC: SBM: SF in the ratio of 31:48:6:15 and GNE; MC: SBM in the ratio of 46:48:6 respectively.

Liver meal and meat meal: Studies on the effect of feeding liver meal and meat meal on the growth performance of egg type and meat type starter chicks were undertaken. Growth performance of egg type chicks and meat type chicks showed that liver meal can be used up to 5.55 and 4.33% respectively replacing 75% of the fish meal nitrogen of control diet. However, meat meal can be included in egg type and meat type chicks up to 4.2 and 3.3% respectively replacing 50% of the fish meal nitrogen. Both liver meal and meat meal can be incorporated up to 2-3 % in layer rations replacing fish meal.

Mineral sources

Alternate sources of phosphorus viz single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate were evaluated to replace di calcium phosphate (DCP) in the rations of egg type chicken. SSP could replace DCP completely in the diets of egg type starter, growers and layers without affecting the growth and productive performance. However, RP could replace 60% DCP phosphorus.

Use of feed additives

Probiotics: Studies were conducted to see the effect of incorporating the various combinations of promising strains of probiotics (lactobacillus, streptococcus and saccharomyces) in the diets of broilers and egg type birds. The results indicated that feed consumption in layers with probiotic supplementation was more and the pullets fed probiotics matured earlier. A positive effect on egg production and egg weight was also observed.

Fibrolytic enzymes: Experiment was conducted to see the effect of enzyme supplementation in increased fiber levels of broiler diets. The results of growth performance of broilers showed that fiber level can be increased to 8% by supplementing fibrolytic enzymes.

Phytase: Enzyme phytase was used to reduce the inclusion of DCP in broiler diets and to make use of phytate phosphorus available from plant origin feed sources. The results indicated that supplementation of 600 units of phytase/kg diet reduced the dietary requirement of non phytate phosphorus to 0.3% there by saving DCP by 1.0 -1.3 kg per quintal.

Herbal feed additives: Experiments were conducted on broilers to see the effect of supplementing jiwanti and bhringraj on the growth. The data indicated that each herb alone at dose rate of 40g/q gave significantly better growth. Combination of Jiwanti and bhringraj at two different doses fail to improve the weight gain and feed efficiency as compared to control.

Use of byproducts:

Poultry droppings: Recycling of poultry droppings as poultry feed ingredient was tried by subjecting these sun dried dropping to various treatments like autoclaving and fermentation with different strains of fungi. These treatments significantly improved the nutrient digestion and metaboilsable energy. Fermentation of poultry droppings significantly reduced crude fibre and uric acid in poultry droppings which improved their net protein utilization and gross protein value. Feeding trials showed that fermented poultry dropping can be incorporated up to 15% in the broiler ration however autoclaved poultry droppings can be added up to 10%.

Leather meal: A byproduct of tannery industry is a rich source of protein, can be incorporated in broiler diet up to 4% replacing soybean meal.

Guar korma: A byproduct of Gum industry was incorporated at different levels in broiler diets to study its inclusion level without and with enzyme supplementation. Results indicated that guar korma can be included in broiler diet up to 5% without supplementing enzyme whereas when enzyme was supplemented its inclusion can be increased up to 10% in broiler rations.

Ice cream cone waste: Broken and misformed ice cream cones were evaluated in broilers as energy supplement replacing maize. Replacing 25% maize did not have any adverse effect on the performance of broilers.

Swine

Nutrient requirements

Pig grower ration should contain 18 and 16% CP in summer and winter seasons respectively.

Simple and multiple regression equations were derived between chemical component and biologically determined DE and ME values of feed ingredients used for poultry and pig feeding.

Alternate energy and protein supplements

Various experiments were conducted to evaluate the alternate protein and energy and protein supplements. The results indicated that following byproducts can be included at the doses given below.

• Triticale can replace 100% maize in growing and finishing pigs.
• Ground paddy can be incorporated up to 40% in the rations of growing and finishing pigs.
• Spent coffee ground can be incorporated in finishing pigs up to 10%.
• Brewers spent grains can be safely incorporated up to 15% in growing and finishing pigs.
• Biogas slurry can be added in pig ration up to 10%.
• Prot-o-liv can replace 50% fish meal in pig grower ration.
• Inactivated yeast can be included in growing pig ration at the rate of 15%.
• Guar meal (toasted) can be used in the diet of growing pigs.

Animal Nutrition

Extension Program

• To advocate the farmers, feed manufactures and NGOs with regards to formulation of balanced and economical rations for different categories of livestock and poultry in order to improve productive and reproductive performance of animals.
• To develop farmer friendly, easy to adopt technologies.

Extension Activities

• The Department has very close links with the state dairy as well as poultry farmers.
• Established feed testing laboratory which provides feed analytical services at very subsidized rates.
• Manufactures and supply of mineral mixture and uromin licks to dairy farmers, at reasonable price.
• Advise them to feed balanced & nutritious rations to have profitable dairy farming.

Animal Nutrition

Animal Nutrition

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

 Ludhiana.

        I.            I. Rates for analysis of feed fodder/feed/silage ingredients etc.

Before sending the samples do not forget to write full address, phone number & E-mail ID: to enable us to serve you efficiently.

Samples can be sent through post as well (along with the bank draft in favour of ‘Comptroller GADVASU, Ludhiana), except for green fodder, Silage and liquid samples.

·         Tentative reporting time:

For Complete analysis of one sample – 10 working days

For Complete analysis of multiple sample – 21 working days from the date of receipt of samples.

The facility is available to all (farmers, Government/Semi-Government/Private/NGO / Industry) on first-cum-first serve basis.

The analysis report cannot be used for legal purposes.

      II.            II. Department also sells:

                                i.            Fortified Bypass Fat @ Rs. 100/kg

                              ii.            Uromin Lick @ Rs. 120 Lick of 3 kg

                            iii.            Mineral Mixture for Pigs @ Rs. 60/kg

                             iv.            Mineral Mixture for High yielding Dairy Animals (Type II) @ Rs. 65/kg

                               v.            Area Specific Mineral Mixture @ Rs. 60/kg 

(Central Zone, South West Zone, and Kandi Zone)

   III.   Hands on training on "Nutritional Technologies for Dairy Farmers" is also provided from time to time.

Facility of Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feed samples and estimation of Aflatoxins in feed samples

Animal Nutrition

• The department has produced number of UG and PG students who are very well settled and serving the Nation in various capacities in the Govt./Organized/ Private sectors in promoting the nutritional status of livestock and poultry.
• Mineral mixture and Uromin licks for dairy cattle are manufactured and sold at subsidized rates to the dairy farmers of the state.
• Broiler meat and eggs are sold as and when available.