Studies on feed utilization growth pattern and milk composition in Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Abstract

SummaryStudies were conducted on two calves and a pregnant female captured from the forest to assess the feed utilization, growth pattern and milk composition in Mithun (Bos frontalis), a rare bovine species of north-eastern India. The DMI, kg/100 kg body weight was 0.05 with DM and OM digestibility of 56.95 ± 3.68 and 58.46 ± 3.51 percents, respectively, in calves. The growth was more during the May to October months, however, the average growth of 181.26 ± 23.51 g day-1 was obtained during the year on grazing. The Mithun was not a milk yielder, but became accustomed to milking. Fat content in milk varied from 6.8 to 7.8%. The total solids, protein, lactose, ash and solid not fat (SNF) were estimated at 18.0, 4.9, 5.0, 0.8 and 10.7% respectively with COB negative at 4°C. The birth weight of the male calf was estimated at 22.0 kg, and an average growth of 325.14 g day-1 was determined in 214 days with maximum weight gain during the first two months of age.

Prioritizing fodder species based on traditional knowledge: a case study of mithun (Bos frontalis) in Dulongjiang area, Yunnan Province, Southwest China

“…50% of informants claimed that E. longisetosus made mithun fur very black and shiny. E. longisetosus is very popular among cattle farmers and was most commonly used in dairy cow feeding [ 27 , 28 ]. Paris sp.…”

“…According to some studies, mithuns are not usually raised for their milk, but they become accustomed to milking. Mithun produce around 1–1.5 kg milk/day/animal, and the fat content of their milk varies from 11 to 13% [ 18 , 28 ]. If mithun could be more readily sold, farmers would have a stronger incentive to keep mithun, in addition to their cultural value and provision of meat [ 51 ].…”