MP Board · Class 9 · Science · Improvement in Food ResourcesAnswer the following numerical problem in Part A and detailed theoretical question in Part B regarding Cattle Farming: Part A (Numerical):\nA dairy farmer maintains a herd of $20$ lactating cows. Each cow requires $15\text{ kg}$ of roughage and $5\text{ kg}$ of concentrate feed daily. The concentrate mixture costs ₹$28$ per kg, while roughage costs ₹$6$ per kg. Calculate the total daily mass (in kg) of roughage and concentrate required for the entire herd. Calculate the total daily feed cost (in ₹) for the entire herd. Part B (Theoretical):\nWrite a comprehensive note on Cattle Farming addressing the following: Differentiate between Exotic (Foreign) breeds and Indigenous (Local) breeds of cattle based on lactation period and disease resistance, giving suitable examples of each. Explain the objective and benefits of cross-breeding indigenous and exotic breeds. Discuss the food and nutritional requirements of dairy animals, clearly distinguishing between roughage and concentrates.

Part A (Numerical Solution)

1. Total daily mass of roughage and concentrate for the herd:

• Number of cows = $20$
• Daily roughage per cow = $15\text{ kg}$
• Daily concentrate per cow = $5\text{ kg}$

$$\text{Total Roughage Required per day} = 20 \times 15\text{ kg} = 300\text{ kg}$$ $$\text{Total Concentrate Required per day} = 20 \times 5\text{ kg} = 100\text{ kg}$$ $$\text{Total Feed Requirement} = 300\text{ kg} + 100\text{ kg} = 400\text{ kg/day}$$

2. Total daily feed cost for the herd:

• Cost of roughage = ₹$6\text{ per kg}$
• Cost of concentrate = ₹$28\text{ per kg}$

$$\text{Cost of Roughage} = 300\text{ kg} \times ₹6 = ₹1,800$$ $$\text{Cost of Concentrate} = 100\text{ kg} \times ₹28 = ₹2,800$$ $$\text{Total Daily Feed Cost} = ₹1,800 + ₹2,800 = ₹4,600$$

Part B (Theoretical Solution)

1. Difference between Exotic and Indigenous Cattle Breeds

• Exotic Breeds (Foreign Breeds): Examples include Jersey and Brown Swiss. These breeds are selected primarily for their long lactation periods (the duration of milk production after calf birth). However, they generally have lower resistance to local tropical diseases and environmental stresses.
• Indigenous Breeds (Local Breeds): Examples include Red Sindhi and Sahiwal. These breeds possess excellent resistance to local diseases and can tolerate warm climate conditions very well, but they typically have shorter lactation periods compared to foreign breeds.

2. Objectives and Benefits of Cross-Breeding\nCross-breeding between exotic and indigenous breeds is performed to combine the desirable traits of both parental breeds into a single offspring:

• Extended Lactation: The hybrid offspring inherits the long lactation period characteristic of the exotic parent.
• High Disease Resistance: The hybrid inherits the strong immunity and disease-resistant capabilities of the indigenous parent.
• Increased Yield: It results in higher overall milk production per animal without compromising animal survival in tropical regions.

3. Nutritional Requirements of Dairy Animals\nThe food requirements of dairy animals depend on their life stage and purpose (maintenance vs. milk production). The feed is broadly categorized into:

• Roughage: This component consists mainly of high-fiber coarse feed such as green fodder, dry grass, hay, and agricultural crop residues. It provides necessary bulk to the digestive system and promotes healthy digestion.
• Concentrates: This component is low in fiber but rich in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. It includes oil cakes, crushed grains, rice bran, and mineral mixtures. Concentrates are essential for enhancing milk production and supporting animal growth.