DRAUGHT ABILITY OF CATTLE AND BUFFALOES

Animal energy is renewable and sustainable source of energy.It is renewable because the animals can be reproduced by breeding and rearing of required number of animals.It is sustainable because the animals derive the energy for work from agricultural by products. Animal energy saves natural resources , fossil fuel and prevents green house gas emission since it replaces the use of agricultural machinery run on fossil fuel.Interdependence of livestock and crop production for energy is the distinguishing characteristic of the mixed crop-livestock systems. Crop supply feed and fodder to livestock – the source of their energy and they return their energy in the form of food (milk and meat) ,dung (manure and fuel) and draught power.In India , despite increasing mechanisation of agricultural operations ,draught animals remain an important source of energy for crop production. With the modernization of agriculture, the use of

mechanical power in agriculture has increased, but draught animal power (DAP) continues to be used on Indian farms due to small holdings and hill agriculture. Draught animals, particularly bullocks, were the predominant source of mobile power on about 60% of the cultivated area consisting of about 85 million ha. The bullock cart is the most important transport suited to the kutcha rural roads; it

costs less per tonne-km than any powered vehicle. Access to an effective means of transport is an essential ingredient for promoting the economic and social development of rural people. This is particularly true for small-scale farmers. It enables them to provide greater inputs of fertiliser and manure to improve yields, allows them to move and market more produce. Small and marginal farmers comprise over 80% of cultivators in India. They cannot afford tractors. Average farm size, too, is becoming smaller due to fragmentation. Also, there exist large tracts of low tractor density. Besides it, difficult terrain in several regions prevents tractor use. The contemporary scenario of rural India aptly reflects that village roads are unsuitable for mechanical road transport, and are completely impassable to any form of traffic during monsoon except bullock cart, as the pot holes on the road are filled with mud and water. Draught animals transport approximately 15% of the total of the load (Tonnes-km)

Draft animal - an animal used for pulling heavy loads Work animal - an animal trained for and used for heavy labourPack animals-(donkeys, mules, horses, camels and yaks) are mainly used for carrying loads on the back. Horses and mules in some cases are used for pulling tongas. Similarly donkeys and camels are also used in some areas for pulling carts. These animals are not used for field jobs in India.The draught power of an animal depends on the species, breed, size, body weight and the quantity and quality of feeding. The energy output is also influenced by climate and terrain, training and management factors, nature of work and finally, but decisively, the implement ( agriculture tools) efficiency .DRAFT ANIMALSAdvantage : Easily available, used for all types of work, low initial investment, supply manure to the field and fuel to farmer and live on farm produceDisadvantage : Not very efficient, seasons and weather affect efficiency , can not work at a stretch , require full maintenance in off-season , creates unhealthy atmosphere (if not housed properly) near the farmer’s house and very slow in doing work

carried by motor transport sector in India. Over 80 per cent of farm produce is transported in animal-drawn carts. But considering that India has about 80 million draught animals, which are used for only 100 days a year, the potential for growth is huge. These draught animals can be utilised for another 200 days in carting loads . The power generated from 83 million draught animals is equivalent to 30,000 million watts in terms of electric power.Draft power of different species The power available from draught animals was related to its body weight. The maximum draught available from different animals, in sustained working, on whole day basis (in two shifts) using local yokes/harnesses was found as under: Bullocks: 10-12% of body weight in summer and 12-14% in winter Buffaloes: 12% of body weight in all seasons Camels: 18% of body weight up to 7 h, 26% up to 6 h following 2 h work + 2 h rest schedule. Donkeys: 32% of body weight up to 6 h and 36% up to 4 h in two shifts. Mule : 29% of body weight

The Working Group on Animal Husbandry & Dairying 11th Five Year plan (2007-2012) reported zebu cattle (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalis bubalis ) are major sources of draught animal power in India. In most part of the country only male bovine are used for draught purposes.Cows are not used for draft work due to religious and social considerations. Only in few eastern and southern states female (less than 2% of total cows) cattle which are not calved (heifers) for draught work. The castrated male cattle over 3 years of age ( 2.5 years in crossbred) are used as draught animals – classified as “animals for work”. Uncastrated bulls and he-buffaloes are also used for draught purpose (7.5% of the total working cattle and 26.5% of the total working buffaloes).On the basis of the body weight draught animals were categorized as small (200-300 kg), medium (300-400kg), large (400-500 kg) and heavy (above 500 kg.) animal. From a good pair of animals weighing between 900-1000 kg, one can get about 0.75-0.78 kW power. But in most of the States the pair weight of draught animals ranged between 600-800 kg/pair and power availability from them is only about 0.50-0.55 kW/pair. Majority of draught animals (DAs) produce between 0.3 to 0.6 kW on a sustained basis.It is evident that 41% of the draught cattle population are small in size (body weight 200-300kg), 44% in the medium range (body 300-400kg) and 4% are heavy (body weight more than 500 kg),the weighted average body weight of the draught cattle at all India level is estimated at 325 kg.

Buffaloes are stocky animals primarily used for draft purpose in paddy fields particularly in Punjab and Haryana.The male Murrah buffaloes have efficient capacity especially for pulling heavily loaded carts. Though buffalo bulls are slower in movement as compared to cattle , they can pull heavier loads. They cover about 3.2 km/hr as compared 4.8-6.4/hr by draft cattle bullocks.Draft power of buffalo varies with breed , size and body weight . the large buffalo bullocks are difficult to manage but they are able to pull heavy loads like iron sheet , iron equipments etc. Buffalo generally works 6-8 hrs continuously when employed for light work , 4-6 hrs for medium work and 3-4 hrs for heavy work. Another advantage of buffalo bulls is that they are strong and can work in deep muddy soil in comparison to any other animals. The usual load carrying capacity in buffaloes is 1.5-2 hours continuously for 6-8 hrs in a day during winter and 5-6 hrs in

summer. However, she buffaloes can work for a period 1-2 hrs continuously without affecting their milk yield since that females have lesser draft ability as compared to males.

In case of crossbred cattle, the bullocks have a greater stamina and capacity to work than indigenous cattle due to heavy body weight and hefty body size. Crossbred cattle have a faster growth rate and heavier than indigenous bullocks ; hence they can be put to work at maturity at the age of 2-3 years , earlier than that of indigenous cattle. the only drawback of crossbred bullocks is that they are less heat tolerant ,hence can not work from 11.00 to 4.00 pm , the hottest part of the day during summer.

Bull calves which are to be used for heavy work should be castrated at an age of 6-9 months to increase their docility and to build heavy musculature so that they can be employed in heavy work in future. It is essential to provide proper training for developing a good temperament and

ability to carry load for smooth and efficient day to day working in the field. Protect the bullocks from rain and inclement weather exposure.

Indian breeds of cattle and their draught power

Draught breeds : India possesses finest breeds of cattle for draught purpose . Systemic animal breeding programme exclusively for draught purpose is limited. The cows of the draught breeds are poor milk yielders (1.5-2.5 kg)/day.

Milchbreeds :These cattle are basically kept for milch purposes .Milk yield ranges from 3.5-6.5 kg/day. The male progeny is reared and utilized as draught animals.

General utility breeds : These cattle are good for milk yield and their male progeny is excellent for draught purposes. Milk yield varies from 1.35-3.5 kg/day.

Buffaloes :In addition to bullocks ,India also possesses very good buffalo breeds whose males are excellent as work animal.

The working capacity of different breeds is mentioned below.

Comparative size of bullock of different breeds

Sl No. Breed Work Capacity1. Local pair of bullock sowing 2 hectares/day2. -do- ploughing ¼ hectare/day3. -do- transportation 25-32 km/day4. Hallikar, Amritmahal

KhillariSowing ,ploughing with iron plough

3-3.5 hectare/day

5. Buffalo Transportation /ploughing

45-50 km/day

Draughtability characteristics and animal fatigue

The fatigue levels of the animals have been

IDEAL BODY CONFORMATION OF DRAUGHT BULLOCK

defined by quantifiable, parameter (body temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and speed ) and qualitative symptoms such as frothing ,incoordination of legs ,excitement ,inhibition of progressive movements and tongue protrusion.

Energy requirement of draught animal

Body weight (kg)Energy requirement (cattle)Maintenance metabolisable energy per kilogram of dry matter (MJME/kg DM) or M/D for short (MJME/day)Extra energy requirement above maintenance (%)2 hrs work4 hrs work8 hrs work

200 300 400 50027 37 46 54

18 20 22 2337 41 44 4774 82 88 94

Feeding depends of type work and body weight of cattle

1. Normal – 2-4 hours2. Heavy - 8 hours (Ploughing, pulling loaded cart etc.)Maintenance –concentrate -1.5Kg.Body weight Normal work Heavy work300 Kg. 2 Kg. 2.5Kg.400 Kg. 2.5 Kg. 3 Kg.500 Kg 3 Kg. 3.5Kg

In addition 25 Kg of green and 3 to 5 Kg of dry fodder should be given.

Buffalo bullock feeding

For light work (4h/d)Buffalo bullocks of 550 kg body weight should be fed as follows A.4 kg concentrate mixture + 7 kg straw or B. 1.5 kg concentrate mixture + 35 kg

fodder or C. 20kg berseem + 8 kg straw + 0.5 kg deoiled ground nut cake

For heavy work (8h/d)Buffalo bullocks of 550 kg body weight should be fed as follows

A.5 kg concentrate mixture + 8 kg straw or B. 3 kg concentrate mixture + 40 kg cereal fodder or C. 40kg berseem + 7 kg straw

Draught animal management

The propagation of draught animal breeds of elite germplasm , which are very hardy and disease resistant and can thrive on less and coarser feed and fodder resulting in feeding and maintenance cost should be given priority in livestock policy. In Indian conditions

draught animals are maintained on the poor quality pasture ,straw and crop-residues. During the non-working season animals are maintained on a low maintenance diet, so animals become progressively week and can not perform well during working season. Strategic “work flushing” one month before the start of the agriculture season would

reduce the problem. Provision of balanced nutrition i.e. protein ,minerals and vitamins is of great importance for working cattle. Animals need extra salt to replace the loss in sweat. A calcium supplement such as di-calcium phosphate is also recommended to help bone development. Shoe the bullock properly before using them for work on hard ground. The hoof should be prepared first and shoe should made to fit the natural shape of hoof. Shoeing – road work – once in a month .Field work – once in two months. Hooves should be hard, black and waxy the two halves should be even. The cleft of hoof should be narrow.

Well suited and fitted equipments are helpful to prevent injury.Both the animals of a pair should have similar body weight ,height and temperament.Humane method of shoeing, nose-roping , balancing of weight in cart etc. are to be followed. During working season daily grooming

helps to rejuvenate the body of draught animals and removal of ectoparasites. Animals are inspected daily for wounds , skin infections , signs of harness –rubbing ,hooves –trimming etc.It should be borne in mind that vaccinations should be given at a time that work stress does not interfere with immune response. To avoid heat stress , bullocks should

be allowed to work during the coolest times of the day i.e. early morning (from 6 to 10 am) and late afternoon (from 4

to 6 pm).Stress during cropping season results in increased susceptibility to various infections . So such bullocks may be put to work during non-cropping season for cart pulling to keep them exercised and/or trained through the year.

Like all other animals ,draught animals suffer from common health problems of livestock. However, in addition to common problems , they also suffer from specific health problems associated with such as yokegalls,back sores , horn injuries , loosening of patella , heat stroke etc.Heat stroke is very common for work animals. Oral rehydration drink by mixing two teaspoonful of salt ,half teaspoonful of baking soda and four teaspoonful of sugar or jaggery in one lt of water to be fed to adult animal @2-3lt- 2-3 times /day . Animals are to be taken under shed with proper ventilation facility.

According to Prevention of Cruelty of animals Act , the owner of the draught animal should keep in mind that he should not override , overdrive, overload the animals. He should not beat or kick the animal. He should not employ weak , emaciated , diseased animals having wound , sores which will cause the bullock unfit for cart work. He should not compel or forcefully depute the draft animal for transport or conveyance. Starvation and keeping the animal thirsty should be banned.

Suggested work- rest schedule :

Based on the studies conducted at Co-ordinated Research Programme on Increased Utilization of animal Energy with Enhanced System Efficiency ,Central Institute of Agricultural engineering ,Bhopal the following work rest schedule found to be better from output point of view.

Bullocks1 h work + 1 h rest + 2 h work + 1 h rest + 2 h work3 h work + 1 h rest + 3 h work4 h work + 2 h rest + 3 h work

Buffaloes4 h work in the morning + 3 h rest + 4 h work in the evening2 h work + 1 h rest + 2 h work + 1 h rest + 2 h work + 1 h rest + 2 h restMeasures to be taken to improve the DAP

The DAP system can fulfil its potential role only if conscious attempts are made to upgrade it. The following procedures would certainly enhance DAP's contribution to the rising demand for energy in farming: (a) increase the number of days of utilization of DAs, (b) better food and health care for animals should mean increased output, (c) better implements and carts enable better utilizationof DA energy potentials, (d) better recovery and use of by-products during the animal working life and after death, will improve the economics of the DAP and (e) breeding schemes can improve on motive power andefficiency of the DAP system. Hallikar, Haryana,Malvi, Nagori, Ongole, Gir, Kankerej, Khillari are the important breeds of cattle used for draught purposes.

Advantages of Draught Animal Power:

•Appropriate farming system for small and marginal farmers•Only feasible source of energy for agricultural work in hilly areas.•Low investment•Non-requirement of skilled labourers•Crop waste and by-product utilization•Facilitates organic farming•Avoids soil compaction•Attachment to cattle from socio-religious point of view•Renewable and sustainable farm power sources

In India there is large wastage of potential in DAP system. The reasons are as follows :1. Availability of poor breed of DAP2. Under utilization and misuse of animals3. Injurious and less efficient harnesses4. Poor feed and lack of health care coverage5. Inefficient conversion of draft efforts into work done due to poor design of implements6. Use of inefficient traditional animal carts7. Improper management of DAP.

Points to ponder:Work -Rest Schedule for Donkey and MuleDonkey :2 hrs work -2hrs rest -2hrs workMule : 2 hrs work -1hr rest – 2hrs work -1hr rest-1hr work Or 3 hrs work -11/2 rest -2 hrs work

[An average man can develop maximum power of about 0.1 hp for doing farm work. Power developed by an average pair of bullocks about 1 hp for usual farm work. ]Comparison between animal and mechanical power:

Assignment:1.Write a brief note on draught animal power in India.2.Justify-1.Animal

power saves foreign exchange. 2.Bullocks are utilized maximum 100 days in a year in India 3. Proper health management of bullocks improve work efficiency.3.Write short notes onA. Work flushingB.Castration of bull calf for draught animal power

C. Prevention of heat stroke in draught animalD. Work schedule of bullockE.Draught animal power is a critical input for small and marginal farmerF.Comparative utility of camel,yak and mule as pack animal

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 [Mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare).Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Of the two first generation hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny, which is the offspring of a female donkey (jenny) and a male horse (stallion).Generally they are sterile.]