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Are there any other methods farmers or animal owners use for weight estimation?
Besides Schaeffle’s Formula, farmers use visual judgment by observing an animal’s build, muscle development and bone size. Some compare with known animals of similar size. Another common method is using a weight tape, which is wrapped around the animal’s chest, giving approximate weight. Though notRead more
Besides Schaeffle’s Formula, farmers use visual judgment by observing an animal’s build, muscle development and bone size. Some compare with known animals of similar size. Another common method is using a weight tape, which is wrapped around the animal’s chest, giving approximate weight. Though not as precise as machines, these methods are useful for deciding feeding amounts and monitoring growth, especially in areas without weighing facilities.
See lessDo they feel this is an important activity in animal care? If not, ask them the reason.
Farmers feel weight estimation is essential for animal care. It ensures proper feeding by calculating how much green or dry fodder is required. It also helps monitor growth and health over time. Correct body weight is needed to decide medicine and vaccine dosages. Without this information, animals mRead more
Farmers feel weight estimation is essential for animal care. It ensures proper feeding by calculating how much green or dry fodder is required. It also helps monitor growth and health over time. Correct body weight is needed to decide medicine and vaccine dosages. Without this information, animals may be underfed, overfed or given wrong treatments. Thus, weight estimation is considered a key activity for livestock management.
See lessWhat is the Science of Silage Making?
Silage making is a scientific process of preserving green fodder. Green crops like maize or sorghum are chopped, packed tightly in airtight silos or bags and left to ferment without oxygen. Beneficial microbes convert sugars into lactic acid, preserving nutrients. This silage stays fresh for months,Read more
Silage making is a scientific process of preserving green fodder. Green crops like maize or sorghum are chopped, packed tightly in airtight silos or bags and left to ferment without oxygen. Beneficial microbes convert sugars into lactic acid, preserving nutrients. This silage stays fresh for months, providing animals with energy-rich food even during dry seasons. It reduces wastage, improves digestion and ensures steady livestock nutrition year-round.
See lessHave you seen storage spaces for green fodder in farms or animal shelters? How do farmers/animal owners store green fodder? Do they use fresh fodder everyday?
Farmers store green fodder in different ways. Many use silage bags or underground silos where chopped fodder ferments and stays fresh. Some tie fodder bundles and keep them under shaded sheds to reduce spoilage. While fresh fodder is used daily whenever available, silage or dried fodder is used duriRead more
Farmers store green fodder in different ways. Many use silage bags or underground silos where chopped fodder ferments and stays fresh. Some tie fodder bundles and keep them under shaded sheds to reduce spoilage. While fresh fodder is used daily whenever available, silage or dried fodder is used during scarcity. This method ensures animals always have sufficient food, even in seasons when fresh green fodder is limited.
See lessHow is the fodder requirement calculated? Is there any wastage of fodder? Approximately how much green fodder gets wasted daily? What are the reasons for wastage?
Farmers calculate fodder requirement using animal weight, generally 2–3% of body weight as dry fodder and 8–10% as green fodder. Wastage happens if fodder is too dry, unpalatable or given in excess. Improper chopping and storage also increase losses. On average, 5–10% green fodder gets wasted daily.Read more
Farmers calculate fodder requirement using animal weight, generally 2–3% of body weight as dry fodder and 8–10% as green fodder. Wastage happens if fodder is too dry, unpalatable or given in excess. Improper chopping and storage also increase losses. On average, 5–10% green fodder gets wasted daily. Better storage, chopping and feeding practices can reduce this wastage and save farmers’ resources significantly.
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