International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Bhupender, Hari Om Pandey, Narayan Dutta, Ambili KS, Narender Kumar, Akhil Kumar Jha and Ravi Dabas

abstract
An experiment was conducted for 60 days on 24 non-pregnant, non-lactating unproductive Tharparkar cows to evaluate the impact of cost-effective maintenance rations on faecal consistency. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (T₀) receiving conventional ration of 50% green fodder, 35% wheat straw, and 15% concentrate; T₁ with 10% green fodder, 70% wheat straw, and 20% cost-effective concentrate; T₂ offered Total Mixed Ration (TMR) ad libitum; and T₃ provided urea-treated wheat straw ad libitum supplemented with 10% green fodder, 0.5 kg concentrate, mineral mixture, and salt.Faecal consistency scores remained stable across all groups throughout the trial (1.16±0.16 to 1.50±0.22; p>0.05 at days 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60), confirming no adverse gastrointestinal effects from urea-treated straw, TMR, or cost-effective concentrates, consistent with balanced fiber maintaining rumen health.These results suggest that urea-ammoniated straw with minimal concentrate and TMR provide sustainable maintenance strategies for unproductive, stray and culled cattle in gaushalas, maintaining gut integrity without welfare compromise.