Postal Addresses

Head Office
76-Umer Plaza, 1st Floor, Jinnah Avenue Tel: 051-2605711 to17
Blue Area, Islamabad Fax: 051-26
Website: www.lddb.org.pk

Regional Offices

Punjab:

30-Triq Block, New Garden Town, Tel: 042-5914627-8

Lahore Fax: 042-5914627

Sindh:

Banglow No. 28-A, Sindhi Muslim Housing Tel: 022-2655108, 022-9240208

Cooperative Society, Qasimabad, Hyderabad Fax: 022-9240192

NWFP:

280-Shami Road, Peshawar Cantt Tel: 091-5262961, 091-5262971

Fax: 091-5262981
Balochistan:

99-A, Shamungli Road, Jinnah Town Tel: 081-2863537, 081-2863539

Quetta Fax: 081-2863538

Azad Jammau & Kashmir

Sector D3-West, House No. 2 Tel: 058610-44638

Mirpur, AJK Fax: 058610-42142

Northern Areas:
Beside Army Public School& College, Tel: 05811-51091, 05811-59744
Jutial Gilgit Fax: 05811-59745
 Executing Team

Head Office
Dr. Muhammad Afzal Chief Executive Officer (LDDB) 03005176861
Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Khan Project Director 0300-5114168
Dr. Shoaib Saleem Planning, Monitoring&Evaluation Specialist 0333-5124398
Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Kiani. Feedlot Fattening Officer 0333-5758425

Punjab
Dr. Abdul Rehman Feedlot Fattening Specialist 0301-4665153
Dr. Daulat Rehman Feedlot Fattening Officer, Lahore 0333-4493525
Dr.Muhammad Haroon Feedlot Fattening Officer, Faisalabad 0333-6638182
Dr Hafiz RizwanUllah Feedlot Fattening Officer, Sahiwal 0333-4242517
Dr.M.Imran Bhatti Feedlot Fattening Officer, Sargodha 0300-4781439
Dr. Mohsin Iqbal Feedlot Fattening Officer, Sialkot 0300-6498580
Dr. Hammad Ali Feedlot Fattening Officer, Multan 0322-4051781
Dr. Rana Ali Irfan Feedlot Fattening Officer, D.G. Khan 0333-6575527
Dr. Muhammad Naeem Feedlot Fattening Officer, Potohar 0322-5006292

Sindh
Dr. Mushtaq Hussain Jokiho Feedlot Fattening Specialist 0300-3064805
Dr. Tariq Hussain Soomro Feedlot Fattening Officer, Karachi 0300-2200792
Dr. Asif Mehmood Butt Feedlot Fattening Officer, Jamshoro 0300-8371620
Dr. Hans Raj Feedlot Fattening Officer, MirpurKhas 0333-3452976
Dr. Orangzeb Brohi Feedlot Fattening Officer, Khairpur 0301-3411415
Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Mangi Feedlot Fattening Officer, Larkana 0333-7521661
Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Siddiqui Feedlot Fattening Officer, Badin 0332-2960622

NWFP
Dr Ghulam Gabbar Feedlot Fattening Specialist 03469213164
Dr Farooq Shah Feedlot Fattening Officer, Nowshera 0300-5743792
Dr Said-ul-Ibrar Feedlot Fattening Officer Swat 0346-2918088
Dr Abdul Manan Feedlot Fattening Officer, Kohat 0333-9123437
Dr Fetah-ul Rehman Feedlot Fattening Officer, D.I.Khan 03009058602

Balochistan
Dr Abbas Shah Feedlot Fattening Specialist 0300 9380442
Dr Muhammad Rahim Niazi Feedlot Fattening Officer, Quetta 03327869093
Dr Muhammad Sajid Hasni Feedlot Fattening Officer, Khuzdar 0300-9413803
Dr Mehtab Ahmed Feedlot Fattening Officer, Jaffarabad 0333-965731
Dr Muhammad Alam Feedlot Fattening Officer, Loralai 0321-5780896

Azad Jammau and Kashmir

Dr. Abdul Rehman Feedlot Fattening Specialist 0301-4665153
Dr Jamil Akbar Feedlot Fattening Officer, Muzaffarabad 0345-5333672
Dr Abid Hussain Feedlot Fattening Officer, Mirpur 0333-6549805

Northern Areas
Dr Mustan Ali Feedlot Fattening Specialist 03465939439
Dr Muhammad Nazakat Feedlot Fattening Officer, Gilgit 03468115277
FEEDLOT FATTENING FOR BEEF PRODUCTION
(TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY)

Prepared by

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Project Director
Meat Development Project

Edited by

Dr. Muhammad Afzal

Chief Executive Officer
Livestock & Dairy Development Board

Livestock and Dairy Development Board

Ministry of Food,Agriculture and Livestock /
Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development
Government of Pakistan
Islamabad

January,2009
 Table of Contents
Contents Page
1. Introduction 1
2. Farm Structure, Facilities and Equipments 2
2.1 Farm location 2
2.2 Design of animal shed 3
2.3 Other Farm Facilities 5
2.3.1 Dispensary 5
2.3.2 Scale and balance 5
2.3.3 Manure handling 6
2.4 Misc. Farm Facilities 6
3. Feed Mill 6
3.1 Component for feed mill 7
3.1.1 Grinding unit 7
3.1.2 Mixing Unit 7
3.1.3 Molasses Pump 7
3.2 Addresses of feed mill manufacturers 7
4. Fodder Production Plan 8
4.1 Rabi Fodders 8
4.1.1 Berseem 8
4.1.2 Lucerne 10
4.1.3 Oats 11

4.2 Kharif Fodders 12

4.2.1 Maize 12

4.2.2 Sorghum 13

4.2.3 Sada Bahar 15

i
 4.2.4 Guara 16

4.2.5 Cowpeas 17

4.3 Specific guidelines for fodder production and harvesting 18

5. Silage Production 20

5.1 Suitable crops for silages 20

5.2 Ensiling process 20

5.3 Silo 20

5.4 Type of Silos 21

5.4.1 Pit Silo 21

5.4.2 Trench Silo 21

5.4.3 Bunker Silo 22

5.5 Methodology for silage making 22

5.6 Feeding of silage 23

5.7 Advantages of silage 23

6. Feeds and Feeding System 24

6.1 Concentrate feed ingredients 24

6.2 Cereal grains 24

6.2.1 Maize 24

6.2.2 Wheat 25

6.2.3 Sorghum 25

6.2.4 Rice Tips 25

6.2.5 Millet 25

6.3 Cereal by-products 25

6.3.1 Wheat bran 25

6.3.2 Rice polish 25

ii
 6.3.3 Maize gluten feed 26
6.4 Oilseed by-products 26

6.4.1 Cottonseed cake and meal 26

6.4.2 Rapeseed cake and meal 26

6.4.3 Canola meal 26

6.4.4 Sunflower meal 26

6.4.5 Maize oil cake 26

6.5 Molasses 27

6.6 Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) compound 27

6.7 Wheat Straw 27

6.8 Concentrate formulae for feedlot fattening 28

6.9 List of livestock feed Manufactures in Pakistan 30

7. Standard Operating Procedures 31

7.1 Animal resources, selection and procurement 31

7.2 Transportation of animals 32

7.3 Handling newly arrived animals 32

7.4 Feed adaptability and feeding schedule 34

7.5 Animal performance monitoring 34

8. Financial feasibility for feedlot fattening of calves 35

8.1 Lead Beef Farms 35

8.2 Medium Beef Farms 37

8.3 Small Beef Farms 38

iii
 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY ON BEEF PRODUCTION

1.Introduction
In Pakistan, livestock is an important sub-sector of agriculture as it contributes 52.2% of
agriculture value added and 11% of the total GDP. Pakistan is endowed with diversified
domesticated farm animal genetic resources such as buffalo, cattle, sheep, goat, camel, and
poultry and their numbers are 29.0, 31.8, 27.1, 56.7, 1.0, and 518 million respectively
(Pakistan Economic Survey, 2007-08).

Total meat production (which includes mutton, beef and poultry meat) was 1841 thousand
tons in 1997-98 which increased to 2728 thousand tons in 2007-08, with an annual increase
of 4.8 %. During the last decade, the annual growth rate was comparatively slow to the
target set under the MTDF (2005-10) which is 6.5% annually.

Per capita meat availability (kg/annum) was 18.67 in 1999-00, which increased to 20.0 in
2006-07, which is below than 28 kg of meat/head/year, the normal physiological
requirement of healthy individual. During this period increase in per capita meat
availability has been 1.0 % per annum. Currently the human population in the country is
increasing with an annual growth rate of 1.8 % and the trend in increase is continuous. This
continuous increase in human population and positive shifts in the socio-economic status
has resulted in increased demand of meat in the country. The supply and demand situation
analysis revealed that in future if the annual increase in production remains the same or
below 5-6 %, there will be a big gap in demand and supply of meat in the country. There are
many studies, which support this upcoming meat production scenario and predict that South
Asian countries including Pakistan may face deficiency of meat and hence decline in per
capita meat availability; if status quo development policies are followed.

Existing potential livestock meat resources i.e, 10.13 million male beef calves, 4.18 million
growing male sheep and 8.0 million male goats are annually present in Pakistan (Livestock
census, 2006). These are raised on conventional methods resultantly yield low carcass
weight (per unit animal meat production) and encounter high mortality rate thus depleting
the potential meat resources. Factors responsible for low meat production of large and small
ruminants are insufficient and improper nutrition, lack of veterinary coverage, poor
marketing facilities, non-availability of inputs, lack of finances and absence of appropriate
knowledge on feedlot fattening among the farming community. However, among these
many constraints, feed shortage has been mostly responsible for low livestock productivity
including meat. Many research efforts have shown a huge gap between per unit meat
production at research stations and at farmer's level. These studies suggest that male

1
population of small and large ruminants can potentially be reared for high quality meat
production on early on early weaning and fattening diets. Adoption of rearing of male
calves and growing male sheep and goats on early weaning and fattening diets will result in
substantial increase in veal, beef and mutton production in the country.

Keeping in view the factuality described in the preceding paragraphs, there is an urgent need
to make consistent, sustainable and coordinated efforts to augment the per unit animal
productivity and overall meat production with value addition by actively involving all the
stakeholders. Realizing the current supply and demand situation of meat, the Government of
Pakistan financed a project entitled “Livestock Production and Development for Meat
Production” which is being executed by Livestock and Dairy Development Board. Now the
salient objectives of the project are:

a. Development of feedlot fattening to maximize bio-economic and sustainable meat

production and its value addition through meat processing and quality control.

b. Assist in establishment of slaughter houses and model butcheries in the private

sector.

c. To create linkages among the meat producers and processors.

d. Capacity building of stakeholders for meat production, processing and quality

control.

To equip the farmers with the operational mechanism of feedlot fattening and its investment
level, a techno-economic feasibility on beef production has been prepared. This feasibility
will provide the broad guidelines for feedlot fattening of beef animals on bio-economically
efficient approaches.

2. Farm Structure, Facilities and Equipments

Farm structures with facilities (quarantine and veterinary facilities, treating place, store,
silos, manure pit etc.) and equipments (chaff cutters, tractor with trolley, other farm
implements and feed mill etc.) are primarily required to house, feed and watering the
animals. There are many alternatives to house the animals for fattening and these depend on
animal size, herd size, batch size, type of feeding, climate, availability of manpower and
shade etc.

2
Following are the general criteria for farm structure.

2.1 Farm Location

w ·Animal house/building should be on a site suitable for provision of convenient

feeding, watering, manure handling, loading and unloading of the animals as
well as how easily workers can keep an eye on them.

w ·Animal housing/building site should be suitable to provide good drainage

without creating pollution problems.

w ·Animal house/building should have advantage of landscape for protection

against winter winds, designed to minimize sun heat/solar radiation for
summer and maximize in winter.
·Animal shed should be oriented in an eastwest direction in length and north
south in width and should preferably have sloping roof.

2.2 Design of Animal Shed

In Pakistan, preferably feedlot fattening should be conducted on batch system. Therefore,

the shed capacity has to be according to the number of animals to be kept in each batch. To
establish a feedlot farm of 200 animals, there should be a shed for 25 animals thus having
eight sheds to accommodate 200 fattening animals. However, there is no fixed rule and
farmer can have a shed for 25 - 50 animals.

FARM DESIGN FOR 150 CALVES

Chaff Cutter
15 -0
`
`

25 -0
`
`

SHED 1 SHED 2

Dispencery/Office

` `
25 -0

25 -0

` `

SHED 3 SHED 4

Quarantine Shed
Pipe
` ` Fence
25 -0

25 -0

` `

SHED 5 Deck SHED 6

15 -0
`
`

25 -0
`
`
 FEED
WATER MANGER
MANGER

MEASURMENTS OF ANIMAL SHED

Covered Area = 77`.8`` x 11`

Shed Height = 10`-12`

LOAFING AREA
Loading Area = 77`-5` x 16`
Covered Area = 3`.2`` x 8`
Per Animal

4
F. Manger Inside = 3`.2`` x 2`
Shed (LxW)

4
F. Manger Inside = 1`.8``
Shed (H)
W. Manger (LxW) = 4` x 20`
W. Manger (H) = 2`.5``

F. Manger = 2` x 40``
Outside (LxW)
Approx.distance = 11`
b/w columns

FEED MANGER

FEEDING PASSAGE

ANIMAL SHED FOR 25 FATTENING CALVES

Following are the general guidelines for design and specification of animal shed:

w Animals can be confined individually or grouped in the shed. In case of group

feeding, there should be similarity in animals according to their weight, age and
sex per group. Plan carefully to avoid either over crowded or partially occupied
facilities.

w Shed should have brick walls on 3 sides of the shed whereas on the forth side
there should be pillars and along with that the loafing areas. In the shed, close to
the wall on the length side, there should be feeding manger. Whereas, the water
tank should be in the loafing area which should provide ample space for animal
to drink water. Loose area should be in continuity with covered area of shed
(with pillars) and should be double than the shed covered area, which can be
enclosed by fencing steel mesh (5` high) or by brick wall. Each animal should
be provided with a covered area of 20 - 25 sq ft per animal (3.2ft width and
6.0ft` length). Manger should be 80ft in length and 18-20 inches high. Pens
may be separated from each other by steel pipe. Ample drinking space must be
provided in the loose area. If necessary feeding mangers may also be provided
in the loose area. Manger should be sited away from water tanks.

· he roof of the covered area should be 10-12ft` high in order to allow good
w T
movement of air. Roof of the shed can be made by i. T-iron and asbestos sheets,
ii. T-iron and galvanized iron sheet, iii. RCC, iv. roof with bamboos, sirkandas
and mud plastered. Type of roof depends mainly on the weather (rainy or dry).

· ach shed should be at least at a distance of 40ft from each side of the other
w E
sheds. Floor should be of concrete or brick paved with cement. There should be
concrete floor in the pens and its slope to a shallow gutter where urine can be
collected.

· heds should be adequately ventilated and lighted to ensures moisture and odor
w S
control.

· ontinuous lighting may be better for fattening animals (proper arrangements of

w C
electricity in the animals house).

Ideally, recommended temperature and humidity in the shed for fattening animals is:
temperature 18 - 28ºC and humidity 50 - 65%.

5
2.3 Other Farm Facilities

2.3.1 Dispensary

w Dispensary usually consist of a room along with covered treatment area and
chute.

w Dispensary area should be well drained. Concrete floor is helpful in maintaining

sanitation and preventing disease spreading.

· ispensary should be equipped with medicine kit, refrigerator, heater and water
w D
supply.

2.3.2 Scale and Balance

· he scale arrangement and location depends upon the size of feedlot. Scale
w T
should be used to weigh a single animal (scale to weigh single animal is most
useful in determining rate of gain of fattening animals).

· cale location should be adjacent to the working chute. Complete scale

w S
weighing equipment, (with front and rear gates) should be in isolation from the
working chutes. There are two types of scales available in Pakistan i.e.,
electronic and mechanical. The capacity of mechanical scale should be 600-kg
with a platform size of 3.5ft` width and 4.5ft` length.

2.3.3 Manure Handling

w · Manure must be stored in pacca or kaccha pit.

w · There should be two manure pits which can be used on alternate basis.

w · After completing 90-100 days of feedlot fattening, manure may be removed

from the pit and use as fertilizer at own farm or may be sold out.

2.4 Misc. farm facilities

w · Loading/dis-loading deck for animals·

w Construction of store room (length = 14ft, width = 28.5ft, height = 9 ft)

w · Construction of office (length = 12ft, width = 12.5ft, height = 9ft)

6
 w· Silo pits (length = 70ft, width = 12ft, depth = 7ft)

w · Shed for chopper (length = 12ft, width = 10ft, height = 9ft)

w · Tarpaline or polyethylene sheets for covering the open side of the shed during
extreme weather.

w · Hand trolley.

3. Feed Mill
Feed mill will be established on the lead beef farms which can cater the feed requirements
upto 800 animals and to facilitate economical feed production according to the feed
requirement of the farm. Feed processing is the process of converting raw materials into
blended balanced feed. Farm scale feed mill should have equipments to grind and mix the
raw material in desirable proportion and according to the formulae to produce the finished
product. The main function of the feed mill is to grind the raw material and then mixing them
in specified quantity into finished product (fattening feed). Feed mill to be established at lead
beef farm will be manual and will have the following components:

3.1 Component for feed mill

3.1.1 Grinding Unit

Capacity 2 tons per hour

Sieves 3mm - 8mm
Electric Motor 20 H
Hopper

3.1.2 Mixing Unit

Capacity 500 - 600 Kg per batch

Electric Motor 20
Hopper

3.1.3 Molasses Pump

Size 2" diameter

Electric Motor 5 HP

The suitable design of the feed mill is that a platform will be built either of MS steel or of
concrete and electric motor will be installed in the center of the platform and grinding unit

7
will be fixed on the left side of the platform while the mixing unit will be fixed on the right
side of the platform. One unit will work at a time but not simultaneously.

3.2 Addresses of feed mill manufacturers

Addresses of the livestock feed plant manufacturing companies is given below:

w Haque Bahoo Industries, Near Lohianwala Nehr, Opposite Railway Line,

G.T. Road, Gujranwala. Tel: 055-3891506

· ana Engineering Works, Near Sialkot Bypass, Gujranwala..

w R
Tel. 055-3200110, Cell: 0300-8740068

· ahoo Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. 2-Jinnah Road, Gujranwala-52250,

w B
Tel: 055-3256382 & 3842835, Fax: 055-3257465,
Email: bahoo_ind@yahoo.com

· niversal Industries, Pindi By Pass, Opp. Al-Rehmat Filling Station,

w U
G.T. Road, Gujranwala. Tel: 055-3891318, Fax: 055-3893437,
Cell: 0300-6400442

· ansha Engineering Works, Faisalabad Road, Near Madina Rice Mills,

w M
Arianwala, Sheikhupura. Tel: 030-4412597, 0300-4713981

· aster Feed Plant, Near Toll Tax, Satyana Road, Faisalabad. Tel: 041-8717094
w P

· irza Feed Plant, Near Toll Tax, Satyana Road, Faiasalabad.

w M

· unjab Feed Plant, 18-KM, Multan Road, Shahpur. Tel. 042-7510084,

w P
Cell. 0301-4136265, Lahore

4. Fodder Production Plan

Fodder is the most economical source of nutrients for ruminant animals. In Pakistan, Rabi
and Kharif are two main fodder seasons. The major Rabi fodders are berseem (Trifolium
Spp), lucerne or alfalfa (Medicago sativa), oat (Avena sativa), mustard / Rape (Brassica Spp)
and barley (Hordeum valgane). The major Kharif fodders are maize (Zeamays), sorghum
(sorghum bicolor), millet (Pennisetum americanum), cowpeas (Vigna unguniculata) guara
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), sada bahar (Sorghum bicolor Sudanense) and Jantar (Dhaincha).
The details of Rabi and Kharif fodders are presented in the following paragraphs:

8
 4.1 Rabi Fodders

4.1.1 Berseem/Egyptian Clover (Tripholium alexandrium)

Berseem due to its high nutritional value, high yielding ability and re-sprouting quality, has
gained much popularity among the farmers and has excelled almost all the other winter
fodders. Usually, it is cultivated as single crop, however, sometimes it is cultivated with oats
and mustard. It gives 4 - 6 cutting from November beginning to end of June. The berseem
fodder is considered to be very rich source of protein and also has calcium and vitamins in it.
It is liked by all livestock species. It also helps in maintaining the fertility status of the soil by
fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.

Climate

Berseem requires mild cool to cool weather and in severe winter its growth could be badly
affected. When winter season is over, growth is enhanced significantly and is oftenly more
than the farmer's need. With the start of summer season, growth decreased and ultimately
ceased in the month of June.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Berseem can be successfully grown on all types of soil except on sandy and saline soils. For
good production of berseem, clay soil having proper drainage of water and having good
aeration are considered to be the best soil. Soil should be well pulverized and precisely
leveled before sowing and for this purpose 3 - 4 ploughing and 2 - 3 planking is required.
Before sowing, 10 - 14 cart load of farmyard manure along with 10 - 15 kg nitrogen and 40-
60 kg phosphorus per acre should be added to harvest the maximum yield. Phosphorus is
essentially required and plays an important role to get maximum yield. Nitrogen in minor
quantity because plant itself acquires nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

Seed should be healthy, vigorous and yellowish in colour. Seed having brownish colour has
lesser germinating ability compared to yellowish seed. Seed should be free from weeds and
before sowing should be treated with 5% salt solution for separating the weak and weed
seeds as weed seed will float to the surface. Seed rate is usually 7 - 9 kg per acre with 95%
germination. Seed should be uniformly broadcasted in water standing field.

9
 Sowing Time and Suitable Varieties

Following is the sowing time of berseem and its suitable varieties for different provinces of
Pakistan.

Province Sowing Time Varieties

Punjab Mid Sept. to Mid Oct. Agaiti, Pachaiti, Synthetic
Sindh Mid Sept. to Mid Oct. Agaiti, SB 84
NWFP Mid Sept. to Mid Oct. Misqavi, Peshawari
Balochistan Mid Sept. to Mid Oct. Agaiti
Irrigation

First irrigation should be applied after 5-7 days of germination but irrigation should be light
and frequent. Thereafter, the field should be irrigated after 15 days. However, in case of
danger of frost, irrigation should be done after every 7 days.

Inoculation

When the crop is sown in the new field, it is preferable that the seed should be inoculated. For
this purpose, a small tin of bacteria is available from bacteriologist, Ayub Agriculture
Research Institute, faisalabad and should used as per their instruction. The inoculant solution
should be sprinkled over the seed under shade and it should also be dried under shade. This
treated seed afterward should be sown in the evening.

Mixed Cropping

Berseem can be sown as a mixed crop with oats or mustard to increase per acre fodder
production along with increased nutritional value particularly at first harvesting. When oats
are sown with berseem, oats seed rate is about 14 - 15 kg per acre whereas berseem seed rate
is about 8 kg per acre.

Harvesting and Production

Early sown fodder crop is ready for first cutting in November. Cutting should be done near
soil surface. If the crop is grown for grain purpose then there should be no harvesting after 3rd
cutting. Good crop can give 35-50 ton per acre berseem fodder.

10
 Province Time of Sowing Recommended Varieties
Punjab Oct -Nov Type 8 and 9 , Synthetic–78
Sindh Oct -Nov Type 8 and 9
NWFP Oct -Nov Type 8 and 9 , No–18
Balochistan Oct -Nov Type 8 and 9 ,Quandari

Inter-Culture and Irrigation

Frequent inter-culture/hoeing should be practiced to have a good fodder production. First

irrigation should be applied after about 2 - 3 weeks and subsequent irrigation depends upon
the condition of the season. In monsoon season, normally no irrigation is required. Ten to
twelve irrigations should be given during the year.

Yield

First cutting of lucerne becomes available in the month of March and the subsequent cutting
at interval of 1½ to 2 months depending upon the fertility and availability of water.
Production of fodder is 35 - 40, 15 - 20, 15 - 20 and 25 - 30 tons per acre in Punjab, Sindh,
NWFP and Balochistan, respectively.

4.1.3 Oats (Avena Sativa)

It is an important and useful cereal Rabi fodder. Oats fodder is nutritious but basically is a
good source of energy and having moderate protein. It is suitable for almost all types of
livestock species. Oats fodder can be converted into hay as well as can be ideally utilized for
silage making. Oats can be intercropped with berseem and thus provide the opportunity to
have mixed fodder containing good source of protein and energy and hence is useful fodder
for productive animals.

Soil and soil preparation

Oat is a winter season fodder. It requires cold and moist climate and well drained fertilized
soils. It produces good quantity of fodder on heavy loam soil. Generally 34 ploughing should
be given before sowing. Soil should be well pulverized before sowing and the field should be
free from weeds. One bag of urea and one bag of DAP should be applied per acre before
sowing. In case of canal irrigated area, half bag of DAP and half bag of urea should be
applied at the time of land preparation and thereafter, same fertilizers with second irrigation.
In barani areas, if enough moisture is available in the soil, all the fertilizers may be used at the
time of soil preparation.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

12
 4.1.2 Lucerne / Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Lucerne is a most important perennial leguminous crop grown in the country. It is a good
source of protein, calcium and vitamins. It is capable of giving good fodder crop for
successive 7-8 years under good irrigation condition and if properly manured and inter-
cultured/hoed. It is largely grown in canal-irrigated area. In severe cold weather its growth is
temporarily ceased, however growth is again picked up under the suitable environmental
conditions. It can be harvested 6-8 times a year. Fodder is very much liked by all livestock
species. Once it is sown, it will supply nutritious fodder during all the seasons of the year.

Climate

All the four provinces of Pakistan are suitable for the growth of lucerne. However, warm and
dry areas with irrigation facilities are the most suitable areas for lucerne production..

Soil and Soil Preparation

Well-drained, medium loam soils are the best for cultivation of berseem. Ten to fifteen cart
load of farm yard manure per acre is needed for manuring. For getting good yield every year,
8-10 cart load of farm yard manure and one bag of DAP per acre should be applied at the
time of sowing and subsequently preferably in the months of September-October.

Thorough preparation of land should be done by giving intensive ploughing before sowing.
Soil should be well pulverized and precisely leveled before sowing and for this purpose 4 - 5
ploughing and 1 - 2 planking is sufficient.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

Five to six kg of seed per acre is required for fodder production whereas 3 kg of seed per acre
is required for seed production. Generally, the crop is sown by broadcast method but to get
higher yield; it should be sown in line having a distance of 1½ ft between the lines and
sowing should be done with hand drill. To get good germination, seed should not go more
than 11½ inches deeper in the soil.

Sowing time and suitable varieties

Following is the time of sowing of oats and suitable varieties for different provinces of
Pakistan.

11
To have a good oat production, recommended seed rate is 30 - 35 kg per acre. It is generally
sown by broadcast method but it is better if sown with the help of drill to obtain good yield.

Sowing time and suitable varieties

Following is the time of sowing of oats and suitable varieties for different provinces of
Pakistan.

Province Time of Sowing Recommended Varieties

Punjab 15 Oct to 30 Nov PD-2, LV -65, Swan, S-81 and S-2000
Sindh 15 Oct to 30 Nov PD-2, LV -65, Algerian, S-81
NWFP 15 Oct to 30 Nov PD-2, LV -65, Swan
Balochistan 15 Oct to 30 Nov PD-2, LV -65 and S-81
Inter-culture and irrigation

Oats are usually not inter-cultured/hoed. Early sown variations need 2 - 3 irrigation while the
late sown varieties require 3-4 irrigation. First irrigation may be done after three weeks of
sowing.

Yield

Early maturing variety can be harvested twice for fodder purposes. Oat is available for first
cutting in the month of January and for the second cutting in March. Late sown variety is
ready for cutting usually in April. Production of oat fodder is 32 - 34, 30 - 33, 35 - 36 and 22 -
24 tons per acre in Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan respectively.

Mixed Cropping

Mixed cropping of oat with berseem and lucerne will improve fodder quality and yield.

4.2 Kharif Fodders

4.2.1 Maize (Zea mays)

Maize is a Kharif crop which is fast growing, high yielding cereal fodder and its growth
performance is better in irrigated areas however, it is also grown in the rainfed areas. Maize
crop is mostly cultivated in Punjab and NWFP, however, it is not uncommon in Sindh and
Balochistan. Basically, maize is a good source of energy and is highly palatable and also
liked by all the species of livestock, particularly it has suitability for dairy and beef animals.
Maize fodder is usually harvested after 50 to 60 days of its cultivation. Therefore, 2-3 crops

13
of maize can be harvested yearly. Maximum yield is obtained when crop is harvested at 50%
of flowering stage or milk stage. Maize is one of the ideal crops for silage making.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Clayey loam and fertile soil having good drainage is considered to be the best for maize
growing. Soil to be cultivated with maize should be free from seed of last crop sown. There
should be no shady tree along the boarder of the field. Two to three ploughing followed by
two planking are required for soil preparation for sowing of maize.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

For sowing of maize seed at the rate of 35 - 40 kg per acre is required and seed should be free
from weed seeds. For better production of maize, sowing should be done by drill in lines
having distance of 1 foot from each other.

S owing Time and Suitable Varieties

Following is the time of sowing of maize and suitable varieties for different provinces of
Pakistan.

Province Time of Sowing Recommended Varieties

Punjab March to August Neelu m, Sarhad White, Algoi, Gohar
Sindh March to July Sarhad White, Akbar
NWFP March to July Sarhad White, Sultan
Balochistan March to July Neelum
Fertilizer Requirement

Since, maize is a fast growing plant, therefore, requires higher quantity of fertilization. Farm
yard manure should be applied at the rate of 15 - 20 cart load per acre and thereafter the field
should be ploughed. If farm yard manure is not available then 1-bag of DAP and urea each
should be applied per acre. When the crop gained one and half to two feet height then one
bag of urea per acre should be applied.

Irrigation

To harvest a good crop of maize about four irrigations are required. First irrigation should be
applied 20-25 days after sowing and thereafter irrigation should be done as per
requirements. However, it should be kept in mind that water should not stand in the field for
more than 23 days.
Harvesting and Production

14
Maize sown in 1st week of March can be harvested in the month of May and maize sown in
July can be harvested in the second week of September. The province-wise yield of the
fodder is as follows:

Province Yield
Punjab 25 to 30 ton/acre
Sindh 20 to 25 ton/acre
NWFP 25 to 30 ton/acre
Balochistan 22 to 25 ton/acre
4.2.2 Sorghum/ Jowar (Sorghum bicolor)

Sorghum is an important Kharif cereal fodder crop and also sown for grain purpose. Its
fodder is delicious and good source of energy and also is resistant to drought condition, thus
it can be successfully grown in irrigated as well as in barani area. Sorghum fodder is liked by
all kind of livestock particularly, the large ruminants.

Climate

Sorghum is drought resistant crop so it can be grown in semi-arid areas. Ideal temperature is
between 40 - 50°F for good seed germination while, for subsequent growth 80°F is suitable
temperature for optimum growth. However, temperature exceeding 100°F is harmful for
plant growth.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Sorghum can be grown on all types of soils except water logged and saline soils. However,
loam soil is very suitable for cultivation of sorghum. Three to four ploughing with
cultivators followed by planking is necessary for land leveling and good seed bed
preparation.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

In irrigated areas, seed should be used at the rate of 30 - 35 kg per acre whereas, in barani
areas the seed should be used at the rate of 35 - 40 kg per acre. For sorghum fodder
production, the sowing should be done in lines having 1 foot distance, however,
broadcasting can also be used for sowing of sorghum. In case of sowing of sorghum for grain
purpose, sowing should be done only in lines.

Sowing Time and Suitable Varieties

15
Following is the sowing time of sorghum and its suitable varieties for different provinces of
Pakistan.

Province Time of Sowing Recommended Varietie s

Punjab February to August No. 94, Hegari, No. 1863, Indian III,
JS 88, BR 319, and BR 123
Sindh March to July Hegari and No.5
NWFP March to July DG Peral, No. 94 and Ganeda (3)
Balochistan March to July JS 263, Hegari and No. 5
Fertilizer Requirement

Sorghum plant can grow well on all type of soil but grow more on well fertilized soil. One
month before sowing, 12 - 15 cart load farm yard manure should be applied per acre. If farm
yard manure is not available then 2 bags of nitro-phos should be applied per acre at the time
of sowing. In irrigated areas half bag of urea per acre should be applied with first irrigation
whereas in barani areas whole of the recommended fertilization should be done at the time of
sowing.

Irrigation

First irrigation should be applied twenty days after sowing, thereafter, irrigation may be
applied according to the requirements. Two to three irrigations are required to harvest good
fodder crop.

Harvesting and Production

Sorghum sown in spring season is ready for harvesting in May through June whereas crop
sown in monsoon is ready for harvesting in October through November. Most suitable time
of harvesting the crop for fodder is when the crop starts producing the seed. Sorghum is most
suitable crop for hay making which is already in practice in most of the sorghum producing
areas. However, the fodder is usually harvested when it is over matured and hay is made from
this over matured crop. Therefore, it is utmost importance to make the sorghum hay when it
is at mid bloom stage and having the maximum digestible nutrients.

Following is the estimated production of sorghum in difference provinces.

Province Yield
Punjab 28 to 32 ton/acre
Sindh 22 to 28 ton/acre
NWFP 18 to 24 ton/acre
Balochistan 18 to 23 ton/acre

4.2.3 Sada Bahar

16
Sada bahar is a hybrid fodder crop, which is sweet in taste and provides basically the energy
but also contain other nutrients. Because of its re-sprouting ability, it provides 3-4 cuttings
every year during summer. Sada bahar is able to plug in the fodder scarcity period occurring
in May/June and September/October. Each time it should be sown with hybrid seed.

Climate

Sada bahar is drought and heat tolerant fodder and therefore, can be successfully grown in
the dry and hot areas.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Loamy soils are the best soil for sada bahar. Water logged and saline soil is unfit for its
cultivation. Three to four ploughing with cultivator and one planking is sufficient for good
seed bed preparation.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

10-12 Kg of sada bahar (hybrid) seed is required per acre. It should be sown in lines at a
distance of 1½ feet between the lines with the help of single row hand drill.

Sowing Time and Suitable Varieties

nd
March (1 to 2 week) is the best sowing time of sada bahar. Seeds of sada bahar are available
in the market as hybrid seed which is being marketed by multi-national companies or by
various research institutes.

Fertilizer Requirement

One month before sowing, 12-15 cart load of farm yard manure per acre should be spread in
the field. If farm yard manure is not available, fertilizer may be applied @ one bag of DAP
and one bag of urea per acre. Thereafter, fertilization may be carried out as per requirement.

Irrigation

First irrigation should be applied after three weeks of sowing and thereafter, irrigation
should be done according to the requirement (6 - 7 irrigations).

Harvesting and Production

Crop sown in March is usually ready for first harvesting in the month of May and thereafter,
harvesting can be done at an interval of 1½ month. The yield of the fodder is 45-55 metric

17
tons fodder per acre.

4.2.4 Guara

Guara is a leguminous fodder crop of summer season, which also increase the fertility of soil
due to its nitrogen fixing bacteria. Basically guara is an excellent protein source for animals,
therefore, if grown with the cereal crops such as maize and sorghum, can provide a good
balanced biomass containing protein and energy. Mostly this crop is cultivated in semi arid
area however, it is also cultivated in irrigated areas. When guara is grown in combination
with maize or sorghum, it is an excellent mixed fodder for silage making.

Climate

Since, guara has a characteristic to withstand the drought conditions, therefore, it is

considered that it is most suited for the semi-arid to arid areas. However, there is no
limitation to cultivate it in the irrigated areas.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Sandy loam or sandy soil is the most suitable soil for guara cultivation. Loam soil can also be
used for cultivation of guara, provided there is proper arrangement for drainage of excessive
water. One to two ploughing and planking is sufficient for land leveling and good seed bed
preparation.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

Sowing of guara for fodder production, good quality seed should be used at the rate of 20-25
kg per acre. It should be sown in line 1½ -2 ft apart. It can also be sown by broadcast method.

Sowing Time and Suitable Varieties

Guara can be sown from April to July, however, to harvest the maximum yield, the most
suitable sowing time is May. The suitable varieties of guara are i. 2/1 ii. Cluster type iii. BR-
90 iv. BR-99 v. Kinmen.

Fertilizer Requirement

One bag of DAP per acre should be applied to have good yield.

Irrigation

It is the crop of rainfed (barani) area. However, if possible 1 - 2 irrigations may be applied to
obtain good crop.

18
 Harvesting and Production

It is ready for cutting two and a half months after sowing. In irrigated area, per acre yield is
12-14 metric ton, however, in barani area, the yield is 7-8 metric ton/acre. The crop should be
cut for fodder purpose after the plant gets the flower or the pods.

4.2.5 Cowpeas

Cowpea is a very important fodder of summer season. It is highly delicious and good source
of protein and highly digestible and is liked by all livestock species especially by dairy
animals. It is an excellent fodder crop either alone or in combination with cereal fodder i.e.,
maize and sorghum. Ideally, cowpeas should be sown as mixed or intercropped fodder with
maize or sorghum to obtain nutritionally balanced bio-mass. This combination of
leguminous crop {cowpeas and cereal crop (maize or sorghum)} produces the excellent
fodder for making silage for dairy and beef animals. This mixed fodder will not only supply
the nutritionally balanced biomass but also will help to decrease the feeding cost of the
livestock.

Climate

It is usually cultivated in warm and warm humid areas because this climate suits for good
cowpea production.

Soil and Soil Preparation

Loam soil is best for the cultivation of cowpeas, however, it can also be grown in sandy soil.
One ploughing with furrow turning plough and 2 - 3 ploughing with cultivator are needed for
pulverizing and seed bed preparation.

Seed Rate and Sowing Method

For fodder crop production, 12-14 kg per acre seed is required. For fodder production
purpose, cowpeas is usually sown by broadcasting the seed, however, for harvesting good
crop sowing should be done by drill keeping 2 feet distance between the lines.

Sowing Time and Suitable Varieties

Following is the sowing time of cowpeas and its suitable varieties of different provinces of
Pakistan.

18
 Province Time of Sowing Recommended Varieties
Punjab March to July P 76, P5/8
Sindh March to July Local
NWFP March to July P76 and Australian
Balochistan March to July P76 and Mississippi
Fertilizer Requirement

Fertilization should be done by applying 1 bag of DAP per acre.

Irrigation
First irrigation should be applied twenty days after sowing and in totality 2 - 3 irrigations are
needed.

Harvesting and Production

Crop grown in March is ready for harvesting in June (after two months of sowing) whereas,
crop sown in July can be harvested in September. On an average crop is usually ready for
harvesting after 22½ months of sowing. It is better that the fodder should be harvested before
the plants get the pods because this is a stage where the maximum nutrition is available in the
plant.

The province-wise yield of the crop is as follows:

Province Yield
Punjab 15 to 20 ton/acre
Sindh 10 to 12 ton/acre
NWFP 12 to 18 ton/acre
Balochistan 12 to 16 ton/acre

4.3 Specific Guidelines for Fodder Production and Harvesting

In our country, fodder production is an integral part of agricultural production and is

essentially carried out to feed their livestock either to keep for milk production, draft purpose
or meat production. The fodder contribution is ranked second in meeting the nutritional
requirement of livestock. There are Rabbi and Kharif fodders which are grown mainly by
adopting the conventional practices. The fodder is cultivated as the farmer perceives its
sufficiency for his livestock. There is no concept for fodder budgeting to make sure that the
available fodder is according to the livestock numbers. The farmer usually sows the fodder

20
on all acreage allocated for fodder production. They do not scatter or plan the fodder
production on block basis. Moreover, daily needs of fodder for the livestock are met on every
day cut and carry basis. However, there is a great need that the sowing and harvesting of
fodder should be carried out as per requirement of livestock being kept by the farmers to
cater the need of fodder to be included in the ration of feedlot fattening of 100 calves, two
acres of irrigated land is required.

Following specific guidelines has to be adopted by the farmers to harvest the maximum
quantity of fodder along with its higher nutritional value :

1. Seed of fodder should be of high quality and certified.

2. The instructions of sowing from the seed dealing company or organizations

should be strictly followed.

3. Prescribed agronomical practices should be adopted.

4. Fodder should be sown in blocks adopting the staggering techniques. This is

essential to make the availability of fodder uniform and nutritionally better.
Since our farmers are practicing daily cut and carry system, this sowing
technique is of high significance and needed to be adopted by the farming
community.

5. Fodder should be cut at mid-bloom to obtain the maximum biomass production

and best nutritional level. This practice will avoid under-mature and over-
mature cutting of fodder. Moreover, it will provide ensured nutritional quality
to the farmer.

6. In case of cereal fodders, grains should not be harvested but should remain
intact to provide better fodder nutrition.

7. For silage production, all acres allocated for fodder production should be sown
at the same time or within 1-2 days.

8. For silage production, the fodder should be harvested at mid-bloom (30-35

percent dry matter).

9. Maize and sorghum cereal fodder should be inter-cropped or mixed-cropped with

cowpea to maximize the per acre biomass production and particularly the
nutritional value of the fodder.

In Punjab, a recent dimension is emerging on the availability of new potential fodder

21
resource i.e., semi-succulent maize stalk without grain cob. In the irrigated areas of Punjab
and NWFP, maize crop is cultivated for the production of maize grain. With the advent of
hybrid seed the grain cobs are harvested when the plant is semi dry. After the grain cob
harvesting, the maize plant still remain semi-succulent and can be fed to the large ruminants.
Initial observation and studies suggest that maize stalk remaining after the grain harvesting
can provide significant amount of fodder to the livestock.

5. Silage Production
Fodders are usually the most economical source of feed for livestock both for maintenance
and production. Seasonal fluctuation in fodder availability, drastically affects the
performance and productivity of livestock in Pakistan. It has been identified that during the
year, there are two periods of fodder scarcity i.e., May through June and October through
November. However, abundant fodder is produced and fodder becomes surplus during the
growing season such as March through April, July through September. This surplus fodder
can be preserved as silage for adequate and regular supply of fodder throughout the year.

5.1 Suitable Crops for Silages

Cereals crops such as maize, sorghum, and oats are the most suitable crops for silage making
in Pakistan. All these crops have sufficient amount of soluble carbohydrates to produce
enough lactic acid requirement for preservation. These fodders, however, are relatively low
in protein content. The protein contents of silage can be increased by the addition of 2% urea
solution at the time of ensiling. Fodder of maize or sorghum intercropped with cowpeas
provides better protein silage.

5.2 Ensiling Process

Ensiling mainly depends on chemical composition of harvested fodder, amount of air in the
ensiled mass and bacterial population on fodder. Ensiling process may be divided into two
phases i.e., aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic phase is the initial fermentation step during
which plant respiration and proteolysis occur. Aerobic phase is followed by anaerobic
fermentation and silage is stabilized at pH 4.

5.3 Silo

Silage may be made almost in any type of silo. The main requisites of a good silo, regardless
of its type are:

w Silo size depends on the number and kind of animals; the length of feeding

22
 period, the amount of fodder available for ensiling and convenience of the
farmers. A silo measuring length =70ft, width =12ft and depth =7ft is
required for feeding of 450-500 fattening animals per year. To cater the
need of the silage for three hundred animals per year, silo measuring length
= 55ft, width = 12ft and depth 7ft is required. A silo measuring length = 25ft,
width =10ft and depth =6ft is required for feeding of silage for one hundred
animals per year.

w ·That the side walls be straight, smooth and without cracks in order to
prevent the formation of air pockets and thus allowing unimpeded packing.

w That it should be of adequate depth, thereby making up better packing with

less surface area to total biomass exposed.

w That it should be conveniently located and accessible in all kinds of

weather, from the standpoint of both filling and feeding.

5.4 Type of Silos

Type of silos and choice of construction material has to be determined primarily by their
economics and suitability to the particular needs of the farm. Description of different type of
silos is given below:

5.4.1 Pit silo

The pit silo is like the tower silo but inverted into the ground. Both Katcha and Pacca
(concrete) pit silos can be made. Katcha silo should be plastered with mud to prevent the
seepage of effluent produced in silage. The losses of nutrients are upto 20% in Katcha pits.
To avoid nutrient losses, Pacca pit silo should preferably be used for silage production on
medium and small scale. Fodder may be compressed manually while filling the silo.

5.4.2 Trench Silo

Trench silo is like a horizontal trench in he ground which can be built quickly and at low cost.
It is the most popular type of silo and is also most suitable in local conditions. Hence, trench
silo is recommended for their establishment at lead farm. Trench silo should have the
following characteristics:

w A trench silo should be wider at the top compared to its bottom for effective
packing of silage material.

23
 w The floor and the walls may vary from mud plastered to all concrete. Floor
should preferably be of concrete to avoid the mixing of mud as silage is
removed.

w ·The floor/bottom should slope away from one end to drain excess juices.

w ·During the process of ensiling, tractor can be used to pack and compress the
silage.

w When the silo is filled, its top should be carefully sealed by straw (poor
quality) mud, polythene, plastic or other materials.

5.4.3 Bunker Silo

Bunker silo is (above the ground) also suitable in local conditions but requires more
investment compared to the trench silos. However, these silos are more durable and easy to
operate and maintain. These silos are more suitable for the farmers who intend to have larger
herds of fattening animals. Following are the characteristics of the bunker silos:

w ·Bunker silo is horizontal but above the ground.

w Side walls are usually made with concrete.
w ·Floor is usually concrete.
w ·The bunker silo is used in the same manner as a trench silo.
w ·After filling, the silo should be sealed with polythene, plastic or mud.

24
 5.5 Methodology for Silage Making

w · it, trench and bunker silos can be used for silage making. Trench silo is the
P
most suitable under the local conditions.

w ·Silo should be lined with polythene sheets on all sides.

w ·Fodder should be harvested at proper stage of maturity (30 - 40 % dry

matter).

w ·Fodder should be chopped in pieces of 2-3 cm length.

w Ensiling should be completed as quickly as possible (within 2 - 3 days)

w ·Filling should be uniformly done in layers of 20-30 cm thickness.

w ·Compaction must be as perfect as possible. Better packing may be obtained

by compressing the fodder with tractor in case of big silos or manually in
small silos.

w ·Top of the silo must be convex or dome shape and covered with dry straw
followed by sealing with mud plaster or polyethylene or plastic sheet.

The silage will be ready for use after 4 - 6 weeks.

w Under ideal conditions it can be stored easily for one year.

·
Two percent urea solution can be added during silage making for increasing its protein
contents

25
 Concentrate Formulae for Fattening of Animals
Formula I Formula II
Ingredients % Ingredients %
Maize 10.00 Rice 10.00
Cottonseed cake 20.00 Cottonseed cake 10.00
Rapeseed cake 10.00 Rapeseed cake 10.00
Rice polish 37.00 Maize oil cake 10.00
Wheat bran 10.00 Rice polish 32.00
Maize gluten feed 5.00 Wheat bran 10.00
Molasses 5.00 Maize gluten feed 10.00
Di-calcium phosphate 1.00 Molasses 5.00
Salt 0.50 Di-calcium phosphate 1.00
Limestone 1.00 Salt 0.50
Urea 0.50 Limestone 1.00
Total 100.00 Urea 0.50
Nutrient Composition Total 100.00
CP 16.00 Nutrient Composition
TDN 70.00 CP 16.00
TDN 70.00

Formula III Formula IV

Ingredients % Ingredients %
Wheat 10.00 Maize 5.00
Cottonseed cake 10.00 Wheat 5.00
Rapeseed cake 5.00 Rapeseed cake 15.00
Maize oil cake 20.00 Maize oil cake 20.00
Rice polish 32.00 Rice polish 42.00
Wheat bran 15.00 Maize gluten feed 5.00
Molasses 5.00 Molasses 5.00
Di-calcium phosphate 1.00 Di-calcium phosphate 1.00
Salt 0.50 Salt 0.50
Limestone 1.00 Limestone 1.00
Urea 0.50 Urea 0.50
Total 100.00 Total 100.00
Nutrient Composition Nutrient Composition
CP 16.00 CP 16.00
TDN 70.00 TDN 70.00

28
practiced in the world for rearing the livestock. Extensive feeding system is usually based on
grazing on pastures or rangelands and supplemented with concentrate feeding. This system
usually practiced to rear the beef animals, however, the calve reaches to a desirable weight
they are shifted to feedlot fattening under intensive feeding system. For dairy production,
extensive feeding system is used and to meet the production requirement total mixed ration
based on concentrate and green fodder or silage is fed. However, intensive feeding system is
the most suitable and widely used system for feedlot fattening. Fattening rations are usually
based on high energy concentrate and minimum quantity of roughage. Feedlot feeds usually
comprise concentrate, silage or green fodder and dry roughage. Ideally, nutrient
composition of the feedlot feed should be uniform during the entire feeding period. Feedlot
fattening feeding system can be appropriated according to the need of the fattening animals
by changing the proportion of concentrate, silage or green fodder and dry roughage. As the
feeding cost contributes about 65-75% of the total operational cost of any feedlot fattening
program, therefore, attention should be paid to prepare cost effective feeding system.

6.1 Concentrate Feed Ingredients

Concentrate feed ingredients are the feed resources which are commonly used to prepare
concentrate portion of the animal ration. Usually, concentrate feed ingredients are high in
protein and energy compared to roughages. Concentrate is the costlier portion of the animal
ration and thus effect cost of production. Therefore, much attention should be paid in
selecting the nutritionally better and economical concentrate feed ingredients to prepare
balanced and cost effective concentrate. There
are different type of concentrate feed ingredients like cereal grains, cereal by products, cakes
and meal and sugar industrial by products

6.2 Cereal Grains

6.2.1 Maize

Maize is high in energy contents but low in fibre. Crude protein in maize varies from 9 - 13%.
It contains 4280 Kcal/Kg gross energy, 3174 Kcal/Kg metabolizable energy and 85% TDN.
Yellow maize is the only cereal grain which contains vitamin A and D. Maize grain contains
very little calcium and moderately high phosphorus.

6.2.2 Wheat

Wheat contains 8 - 14% crude protein and 2 - 3.5% crude fibre. Wheat is virtually identical to
maize in metabolizable energy content (3100 Kcal/Kg). Its TDN content is about 85%.
Calcium and phosphorus varies from 0.03 - 0.05% and 0.31 - 0.36% respectively.

27
 6.2.3 Sorghum

Sorghum grain is similar to maize in its composition. Crude protein of sorghum varies from 9
- 14%. The metabolizable energy and TDN contents of sorghum are 3000 Kcal/Kg and 81%
respectively. Sorghum grain is low in calcium and moderately high in phosphorus. Yellow
sorghum contains carotenoid pigments; thus does have some vitamin A activity.

6.2.4 Rice tips

Rice tips contain about 10% crude protein, 0.9% fibre, 1.9% ether extract, 3174 Kcal/Kg
metabolizable energy and 75% TDN. Calcium and phosphorus contents in rice tips ranged
from 0.04 - 0.06 and 0.26 - 0.48%, respectively.

6.2.5 Millet

In millet, protein content ranged from 10 - 12%, ether extract 2 - 5% and crude fibre 5 - 9%.
The metabolizable energy and TDN varies from 2365 - 2860 Kcal and 60 - 65%,
respectively. Calcium and phosphorus contents in millet ranged from 0.04 - 0.06% and 0.28 -
0.35% respectively.

6.3 Cereal by-Products

6.3.1Wheat Bran

The crude protein in wheat bran varies from 12.5 - 16%. It contains 8.5 - 12% crude fibre.
The metabolizable energy value of bran ranges from 1800 - 2000 Kcal/Kg. Wheat bran is a
rich source of calcium and phosphorus. Range of calcium and phosphorus contents is 0.12 -
0.16% and 1.28 - 1.40%, respectively.

6.3.2 Rice polish

Rice polish contains about 11 - 15% crude protein and 10 - 15% ether extract. It contains
2800 - 3000 Kcal/Kg metabolizable energy and 75 - 80% TDN. Calcium and Phosphorus in
rice polish varies from 0.05 to 0.06 and 1.32 - 1.47 percent, respectively.

6.3.3 Maize Gluten Feed

Maize gluten feed contains 16 - 20% crude protein, 7 - 9% crude fibre, 2770 - 3000 Kcal/Kg
metabolizable energy and 70 - 72% TDN.
 6.4 Oilseed by-Products

6.4.1 Cottonseed Cake and Meal

The crude protein content of cottonseed cake (CSC) and cottonseed meal (CSM) varies from
18 - 22% and 38 to 42% respectively. The crude fibre content of CSC and CSM is within the
range of 17 - 23% and 10 - 12%, respectively. The TDN content of cottonseed cake and meal
varies from 71 - 75%. CSM is a good source of by-pass protein.

6.4.2 Rapeseed Cake and Meal

In rapeseed cake/meal, crude protein varies from 32 - 36 % crude protein depending on the
efficiency of oil extraction. Rapeseed meal contains 10 - 13% crude fibre. The amino acid
profile of rapeseed meal is comparable to soybean meal, thus making it a high quality plant
protein source. Rapeseed cake/meal contains toxic compounds called glucosinolate and
erucic acid which can pose potential health hazards to livestock. The TDN and
metabolizable energy contents of rapeseed meal are varies from 70 - 74% and 2100 - 2500
Kcal/Kg, respectively.

6.4.3 Canola Meal

Canola is a “double zero” variety of rapeseed. It is low in glucosinolate and erucic acid. It
contains 32 -38 % crude protein and 10 - 13% crude fibre. The metabolizable energy of
canola meal varies from 1800 - 2200 Kcal/Kg.

6.4.4 Sunflower Meal

Sunflower meal contains 27 - 34% crude protein and 8 - 25% crude fibre. TDN and
metabolizable energy of sunflower meal is within the range of 65 - 70% and 1200 - 1850
Kcal/Kg, respectively. It contains phenolic compounds that have an adverse effect on
palatability and may reduce protein digestibility.

6.4.5 Maize oil cake

Maize oil cake contains 18 - 23% crude protein, 8 - 13% crude fibre, 7- 10% ether extract and
3400 - 3550 Kcal/Kg metabolizable energy.

6.5 Molasses

Molasses contains 20 - 25% moisture and 44 - 46% sugars. Molasses is a rich source of
minerals. Calcium and Phosphorus in molasses varies from 0.91 - 1.05% and 0.09 - 0.12%,
respectively. TDN content in molasses varies from 62 - 68%.
 6.6 Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN) Compound

Urea contains 46% nitrogen which is equivalent to 288% crude protein. Urea becomes most
effective when given with readily available energy source like molasses and starch. Other
non-protein nitrogen sources are ammonia chloride, ammonium bicarbonate, mono-
ammonium and di-ammonium phosphate. Di-ammonium phosphate contains 18 - 21%
nitrogen equivalent to 112 - 131% crude protein and it also contains 20 - 23% phosphorus.
Urea can safely be used upto 1.5% in fattening ration.

6.7 Wheat Straw

Wheat straw is a major dietary component of livestock feed and contributes 60 - 70% of the
total diet. However, it is low in digestibility, voluntary intake protein and deficient in
essential minerals. Wheat straw contains only 2 - 3% crude protein, 37 - 45% crude fibre and
40 - 45% TDN.

6.8 Concentrate Formulae for Feedlot Fattening

Following are the concentrate feed formulae which can be used by the farmers for preparing
ration for fattening of animals. However, the farmers can seek advice from Livestock &
Dairy Development Board, Provincial Livestock Research Institutes, Agriculture and
Animal Sciences Universities for appropriating the formulae according to their specific
needs.
 5.6 Feeding of Silage

w · ilage is normally fed to beef and dairy animals during lean period of green
S
fodder. However, it can effectively be fed round the year.

w ·Silage is a good appetizer and tends to keep animals on feed during hot
weather.

w · ilage can replace green fodder without any ill effect on intake, digestibility
S
and production performance.

w ·After opening the silo for feeding, it should be continuously used until
exhausted. Interrupted use of silage may result into its spoilage.

w ·In feedlot fattening, feeding silage can contribute upto 30% of the total dry
matter requirement of the animal.

5.7 Advantages of Silage

w ·Silage can help to produce 30 - 50 percent more fodder/forage per unit area
and, therefore, increases the production capacity of per acre land.

w ·Silage nutritional value remains unchanged during the entire feeding

period.

w ·Silage is the most economical source of feed because it prevents wastage of

the less favoured parts of fresh herbage (such as stem), because it
encourages animals to consume the entire plant as silage compared to green
fodder.

w ·Silage requires three times less storage space than hay, and cannot be
destroyed by fire.

w ·Silage improves the digestibility of protein in herbage and it preserves most

of the vitamins.

w Silage facilitates incorporation of NPN without toxicity danger.

6. Feeds and Feeding System

There are various feeding systems such as extensive and intensive feeding being

26
 Concentrate Formulae for Fattening of Animals
Formula V Formula VI
Ingredients % Ingredients %
Sorghum 10.00 Rice 10.00
Cottonseed cake 20.00 Cottonseed cake 25.00
Rapeseed cake 15.00 Rapeseed cake 10.00
Rice polish 42.00 Rice polish 30.00
Matri 5.00 Wheat bran 12.00
Molasses 5.00 Matri 5.00
Di-calcium phosphate 1.00 Molasses 5.00
Salt 0.50 Di-calcium phosphate 1.00
Limestone 1.00 Salt 0.50
Urea 0.50 Limestone 1.00
Total 100.00 Urea 0.50
Nutrient Composition Total 100.00
CP 16.00 Nutrient Composition
TDN 70.00 CP 16.00
TDN 70.00

Formula VII Formula VIII

Ingredients % Ingredients %
Maize 10.00 Maize 10.00
Cottonseed cake 15.00 Cottonseed cake 10.00
Maize oil cake 30.00 Rapeseed cake 5.00
Rice polish 37.00 Maize oil cake 20.00
Molasses 5.00 Rice polish 30.00
Di-calcium phosphate 1.00 Wheat bran 17.00
Salt 0.50 Molasses 5.00
Limestone 1.00 Di-calcium phosphate 1.00
Urea 0.50 Salt 0.50
Total 100.00 Limestone 1.00
Nutrient Composition Urea 0.50
CP 16.00 Total 100.00
TDN 70.00 Nutrient Composition
CP 16.00
TDN 70.00

29
Farmers interested to buy commercial fattening feed can contact any of the feed
manufacturers in their area. However, farmers should get information about the nutritional
value of the manufactured feed and how to use it in feedlot fattening system. For
convenience of the feedlot fattening farmers, list of feed manufacturers is given below:

6.9 LIST OF LIVESTOCK FEED MANUFACTURERS IN PAKISTAN

w Al-Hilal Vanda 12-Allama Iqbal Shopping Center, Jihanian, Distt. Khenewal,

Tel: 0699-210193

w· Anmol Vanda Animal Nutrition Research Center, Rakh Dera Chahl, Badian
Road, Lahore. Tel: 042-5601162

w· Anmol Vanda Livestock Production Research, Institute, Bahadarnagar,

Distt.Okara, Tel: 0442-661081 & 661181

w· Anmol Vanda Barani Livestock Production Research Institute, Rakh Khari

Meurat, Distt. Attock. Tel: 05775-210781

w· Asia Feeds Asia Feeds Pvt. Ltd., 359-Shams Abad, Humayun Road,
Multan, Tel: 0610581814-5, Fax: 061-224414

w· Dairy Mix Farooq Feeds and Allied Products, C-8, 9, Qasim Town,
Landhi, Karachi, Tel: 021-4382514-6, Fax: 021-7768043

w· Doctor's Feed Karachi.

w· Feed Mill Landhi Cattle Colony, Karachi

w· Hafiz Vanda Depalpur Road, Near Toll Tax, Okara, Tel: 0442-511643

w· ICI-Vanda ICI-Pakistan Ltd., 63-Mozang Road, Lahore,

Tel: 111-100-200

w· Kahoot Feeds Dhon Road, Chakwal, Tel: 0573-571372, 0320-4985470

w· Lahore Vanda Rehman Dairies, Near Hajveri Bridge No. 5, Harbanspura,

Lahore, Tel: 042-654010 & 6823502

w· Multan Vanda National Livestock Services, T-Block, Jinnah Market,

Qazaffi Chowk, New Multan,
Tel: 061-556171, 0320-4985470

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w· National Vanda 171-Shadman II, Lahore, Tel: 111-000-002, Fax: 042-7573045

w· Power Vanda 33-BK, Satellite Town, Bahawalpur. Tel: 062-2282233,

Fax: 062-2282234

w· Shukrana Feeds Shukrana Pvt. Limited, No. 18, First Floor, Regal Plaza,
Circular Road, Quetta, Tel: 081-835274 & 844062,
Fax: 081-823992

w· Sona Vanda Vanda Pvt. Limited, Lahore Road, Sheikhupura.

w· Super Vanda Samma Satta Road, Bahawalpur: Tel: 062-876511

w· University Feeds Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, University

of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Tel: 041-9201088

7. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP's)

Keeping in view the specific requirement of the project on “Livestock production and
development for meat production”, Standard Operating Procedures have been prepared
including identifying animal resources, animal selection, procurement and transportation;
handling of newly arrived animals at fattening farm; their adaptability to fattening feeds and
feeding practices and animal performance monitoring. The details of the SOP's are given in
the proceeding paragraphs.

7.1 Animal Resources, Selection and Procurement

In Pakistan, the beef resources are usually the male and female buffalo and cows, male and
female calves/yearlings and sick, emaciated and old animals. However, the potential large
ruminants which can be used for feedlot fattening are:

a. Male buffalo and cow calves/yearling.

b. Old and out of work bullocks.

c. Infertile, old and emaciated buffalo and cows.

However, during the project activities, buffalo and cow calves/yearling will be involved in
feedlot fattening. Selection of proper animal at the time of procurement is a key to success for

31
 w· Supervision of animals should be done during transportation to avoid any
untoward incident.

w During long distance transportation, water should be provided to the

animals periodically.

7.3 Handling Newly Arrived Animals

Most critical period for incoming animals at the farm is almost first two weeks. Following
guidelines pertaining to new incoming animals will minimize diseases and death losses and
maximize performance and profitability.

w Make sure that information is given to farm management about the

expected number of animals, date and approximate time of their arrival, so
that all necessary preparations can be made well in time.

w· Make sure that prior to the arrival of new animals, housing premises are
properly cleaned and disinfected; water stations are functioning and
feeding troughs repaired, disinfected and thoroughly cleaned.

w · est, fresh water, good feed, proper medication and Tender Loving Care
R
(TLC) are essential for preventing shipping fever and death losses

w· Give the animals easy access to clean fresh water because they are usually
dehydrated and thirsty upon arrival and will drink water before they eat
feed. Open water tanks are preferable for this purpose.

w · Provide palatable ration so that animals should start eating soon after they
are unloaded at the fattening place to reduce the transportation stress and to
make the animal recover their weight loss more rapidly.

w· Make sure that animals get 24 - 48 hours rest and only after that they should
be carefully transferred to handling yard for treatment against internal and
external parasites. All weak animals should be injected with vitamin A and
a combination of other fat and water soluble vitamins. The animals that
show clinical signs of disorders i.e., sunken eyes, runny nose, labored
breathing, dry mouth should be isolated in a separate sick pen and treated
accordingly.

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cost effective feedlot fattening operation. Therefore, attention should be paid for proper and
effective procurement of the calves/yearlings and for this purpose following are the general
guidelines:

a. It is important that the purchase of the animals should preferably be made

by using the weighing scale. In the absence of the weighing scale, assistance
of the experienced person should be acquired to estimate the weight of
animals.

b. Before purchasing the animals, their health status should be monitored and
examination of mouth (buckle cavity) should be performed. Eyes of the
animal should also be examined to identify the diseased and anemic
conditions. Examination of nostrils for running nose should also be
undertaken. General view of the skin should be taken to judge whether the
animal is suffering from warble fly or other infectious diseases.

c. Male buffalo and cow calves/yearlings should preferably be used for

feedlot fattening as they produce more beef than females of the same age.

d. The calves/yearlings should be healthy, vigorous, active and non-

emaciated.

e. The calves/yearlings should be of normal built up, almost uniform in

weight, size and age. Slightly underweight calves/yearlings will perform
better for weight gain purposes as they have the ability to catch the
compensatory growth.

7.2 Transportation of Animals

Following points should be kept in mind to minimize the stress and risks during the
transportation of the animals.

w· Before loading the purchased calves/yearlings in the truck, they should be

given anti-pyretic and terramycine injection to avoid stress during
transportation.

w· Proper bedding of the truck either with dried grass or wheat straw/rice straw
should be provided to avoid injury.

w· Loading of the calves/yearlings should be done according to the available

space in the truck to avoid suffocation and injury.

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 w· Initially, a palatable Transit Ration having high fibre should be introduced
and then gradually shift to feedlot fattening ration. This will help to avoid
any digestive problem.

· tressed animals will not efficiently develop anti-bodies until recovered

S
from stress, thus vaccination should be delayed until the traveling stress
overcome.

w Make sure that all animals are weighed on arrival and given some kind of
identity (neck tags, ear tags, etc.).

w ·Consult the veterinarian or feedlot fattening officer to know the vaccination

schedule and source of good vaccine. Ensure that all the animals are
vaccinated as per recommended vaccination schedule.

w · nsure that animals are grouped according to their specie (buffalo or cow),
E
weight, category, sex.

w ·Incoming animals for fattening are usually deficient for minerals,

especially if they have been on dry roughage or grazing. Therefore, mineral
mixture should be offered free choice.

7.4 Feed Adaptability and Feeding Schedule

w ·Animals to be fattened should be gradually introduced to a high concentrate

fattening ration to avoid lactic acidosis. It is always advisable to start
feeding animals on a high roughage ration “Transit Ration” and then
shifting them gradually to fattening feed (high concentrate ration). This is
essential to avoid bloat and diarrhoea. However, new animals for feedlot
fattening should be put on fattening feed as rapidly as possible.

w ·Fattening animals should be fed individually on ad-libitum basis.

w · Feed should be offered daily in the morning and evening almost on fixed
time.

w · Generally, fattening animals will consume daily an average amount (on air
dry basis) equal to 3 percent of their body weight. Therefore, the animals
should be offered feed at the rate of slightly more than 3 percent of their
body weight.

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 w · For fattening of calves weighing 125-200 kg body weight, about 6 kg of
total feed (on dry weight basis) is required per calf which may comprise of 6
kg green fodder or 5 kg silage, 1.5 kg wheat straw and 3 kg concentrate
ration.

w · Overfeeding and underfeeding is undesirable and thus should be avoided.

Overfeeding usually result in wasteful of feed and health hazard. Under
feeding generally decrease the rate of gain, adversely affects feed
efficiency, and increases cost of gains. Therefore, daily feeds intake should
be mentioned and quantity of feed to be offered be adjusted accordingly.

w ·Normally, the fattening period is 90-100 days, however, if some of the

animals reach to the marketable weight earlier (200-250 kg live body
weight) they should be disposed off.

7.5 Animal Performance Monitoring

Complete and well-kept record is an essential element to monitor the financial and
biological performance of animals under feedlot fattening operation. Therefore, record
book or computer should be used to maintain and facilitate record keeping.
Following are the key points for the record keeping:

a. Basic Record

- Date of purchase of animals

- Purchase price of animals
- Purchase weight of animals
- Cost of transportation of animals
- Sale weight of animals
- Sale price of animals

b. Fattening Performance Record

- Date of starting feedlot fattening

- Initial body weight of each animal

35
 - Daily feed offered
- Fortnightly weight of each animal
- Final weight of each animal
- Feed to gain ratio
- Date of de-worming
- Date of vaccinations
- Maintenance of health record.

c. Other Record

- Feed cost per kg

- Mortality
- Maintenance and repair costs

8 Financial Feasibility for Feedlot Fattening of Calves

8.1 Lead beef farms

Lead beef farms to be established under the project will be on modern and commercial basis
and will serve as nucleus for other categories of the farms. These Lead farms will involve 150
- 200 fattening animals having 6 - 8 lots of 25 animals each. A lead beef farm will annually
produce 3 - 4 batches each containing 150 - 200 animals and hence in totality will produce
600 - 800 animals per year. Twenty five animals will be housed in one shed. Therefore, to
accommodate 150-200 animals there will be 6-8 sheds. Besides animal sheds, there will be
quarantine shed, farm scale, feed mill, veterinary dispensary, trench silo, fodder chopper and
other farm facilities. The animals will be fed on balanced feeding comprising three dietary
components i.e., concentrate, wheat straw and silage or green fodder. These dietary
components will be mixed and then fed to the animals. The animals will be fattened for 90-
100 days on intensive feeding system.

The financial feasibility for one batch of 150 animals on feedlot fattening system has been
prepared comprising the following components:

w· Capital cost
w Operational cost
w Profit/Loss Statement

Feasibility component for lead beef farm:

36
37
 8.2 Medium beef farms

Medium beef farm will involve 40 - 50 animals having 2 lots of 25 animals each. A medium
beef farm will annually produce 3 - 4 batches, each containing 40 - 50 animals per batch and
hence in totality will produce 120 - 200 animals per year. Twenty five animals will be housed
in one shed, therefore, to accommodate 40 - 50 animals there will be two sheds. Besides
animal sheds, there will be quarantine shed, feed store, veterinary dispensary, fodder
chopper and other farm facilities. The animals will be fed on balanced feeding comprising
three dietary components i.e., concentrate, wheat straw and green fodder. These dietary
components will be mixed and then fed to the animals. The animals will be fattened for 90 -
100 days on intensive feeding system.
Parameters used for preparing the feasibility are the same as in case of lead beef farm.
Feasibility component for medium beef farm:
 8.3 Small Beef Farms

Small beef farm will involve 20-25 animals having one lot. A small beef farm will annually
produce 3-4 batches each containing 20-25 animals per batch and hence in totality will
produce 75-100 animals per year. Besides animal sheds, there will be small quarantine shed,
feed store, fodder chopper and other farm facilities. The animals will be fed on balanced
feeding comprising three dietary components i.e., concentrate, wheat straw and green fodder.
These dietary components will be mixed and then fed to the animals. The animals will be
fattened for 90 - 100 days on intensive feeding system.

Parameters used for preparing the feasibility are the same as in case of lead beef farm.
Feasibility component for small beef farm:
40