MANJU WADHWA | GADVASU - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by MANJU WADHWA

The present study was undertaken to formulate and compare the nutritional worth of conventional u... more The present study was undertaken to formulate and compare the nutritional worth of conventional urea molasses
multinutrient block (UMMB) with UMMB containing spent sugar syrup (SSP) from aamla (Phyllanthus emblica)
preserve (murabba) industries, sundried waste bread (WB) and/or tomato pomace (TP) in buffaloes. The wheat
flour and oil mustard cake in the conventional UMMB were replaced, respectively with WB and TP on nitrogen
basis, while molasses was replaced by SSS on weight by weight basis. The blocks were iso-nitrogenous and isocaloric
as indicated by comparable CP and EE contents in different UMMBs. Male Murrah buffaloes (12; 5–6 yr
old of 456.8±5.3 kg body weight) randomly distributed into 3 equal groups were offered either conventional-
UMMB, UMMB containing SSS (SSS-UMMB) or UMMB containing SSS, WB and TP (SSS-WB-TP-UMMB)
for 45 days. In addition to the respective UMMBs, the animals in all the groups were offered 1 kg conventional
concentrate mixture, 5 kg green fodder and 9 kg wheat straw. The daily intake of block varied from 0.49 kg (SSSUMMB)
to 1.08 kg (conventional-UMMB). Simultaneously, each diet was fed to 3 rumen fistulated male buffaloes
to assess the impact on rumen metabolites. The DM and water intake, digestibility of nutrients, concentration of
rumen metabolites, blood profile, urinary purine derivatives and N-retention were statistically comparable in all
the groups. All the animals maintained their body weights. It was concluded that agro-industrial wastes like spent
sugar syrup, waste bread and tomato pomace could be incorporated into UMMBs without any adverse effect on
palatability, nutrient utilization or health of animals. Above all the preparation of UMMB could be economized and
conventional ingredients could be spared for more vulnerable species.

The present study was taken up to assess the effect of N scheduling on the fodder and grain yield... more The present study was taken up to assess the effect of N scheduling on the fodder and grain yield and on the
nutritional worth of green fodder obtained from grain (RD–2552) and dual purpose (RD-2035) barley (Hordeum
vulgare L.) varieties. The crop of both the cultivars was harvested 55 days after sowing (DAS) and was used as
fodder. Nitrogen fertilizer (urea) was applied @ 87q/ha, either 50% at the time of sowing and 50% after 55 DAS
(T1); 50% at the time of sowing, 25% after 55 DAS and 25% after next irrigation i.e. 80 DAS (T2); 33% at the time
of sowing, 33% after 55 DAS and 33% after 80 DAS (T3); 33% at the time of sowing and 67% after 55 DAS (T4)
or 67% at the time of sowing and 33% after 55 DAS (T5). Both the varieties of barley were cultivated in 1.15 m ×
7.0 m plots in triplicate at the Ludhiana campus of Punjab Agricultural University for 2 consecutive years. The data
were analyzed statistically by using 2 × 5 factorial design. The dual purpose variety, irrespective of N-scheduling,
gave significantly higher fodder and significantly lower grain yield as compared to grain variety. The N-scheduling,
irrespective of the genotype, did not have any significant effect on the fodder yield in 2008–09, but during 2009–
10 significantly higher fodder yield was observed in T5 as compared to T3 and T4 N- scheduling. While reverse
trend was observed in grain yield i.e. it was highest in T4 followed by T3, but lowest in T1 N-scheduling in both the
years of cultivation. The grain variety had significantly higher total ash, CP and hemicellulose content, while the
dual purpose variety had significantly higher ADF and cellulose content. The T2 N-scheduling resulted in the
highest CP and EE content and lowest cell wall constituents. The net gas production, digestibility of nutrients, VFA
production and ME availability were significantly higher in the fodder of grain variety as compared to dual purpose
barley variety. The N-scheduling showed no significant effect on above parameters. It was concluded that grain
variety (RD-2552) had high grain and straw yield but low green fodder yield with better nutritional quality as
compared to dual purpose barley variety (RD-2035).

The study was taken up to assess the effect of strategic supplementation of bypass fat (BPF) on t... more The study was taken up to assess the effect of strategic supplementation of bypass fat (BPF) on the performance of
high yielding crossbred cows. Crossbred cows (15) in early lactation, producing more than 10 kg milk/d were used.
Based on the body weight, milk yield, stage of lactation and parity, the animals were divided into 2 equal groups. The
animals in the control group (C) were offered ad lib. homemade concentrate mixture and non-leguminous green fodder
for 180 days. The animals in the experimental group were offered ad lib. control diet, supplemented daily with 150–
200g BPF i.e. calcium salts of rice bran fatty acid oil. The BPF supplementation did not have any significant impact on
blood profile except an increase in triglyceride (TG) level. The plasma progesterone concentration was higher on day
15 of the observed oestrus cycle (7.50 vs 6.15 ng/dl) as well as at 30 days of pregnancy (9.18 vs. 6.93 ng/dl) in BPF
supplemented group as compared to control group. Concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), TG and phosphorus
declined, while that of albumin and calcium increased with the advancement in lactation.
The average daily milk yield was improved by 1.13 kg/d (21.55 vs. 20.42 kg/d) in BPF supplemented group as
compared to control group with an increase in protein, lactose and SNF content in milk, without effecting milk fat
content as compared to control group. The advancement in the stage of lactation did not have any significant effect on
these parameters. Supplementation of BPF showed no effect on milk urea nitrogen (MUN), but it declined with the
advancement in the stage of lactation. The body weight of the animals was improved considerably in BPF group as
compared to control (551 vs. 508 kg) group, but was not affected by stage of lactation. It was concluded that
supplementation of 150–200 g bypass fat/d improved the milk yield, its composition and health of the crossbred cows.

Forest tree leaves (12 different species) of semi hilly arid region of Punjab State were collecte... more Forest tree leaves (12 different species) of semi hilly arid region of Punjab State were collected at 30-day interval
throughout the year to assess the seasonal variations in tannin profile. Tannins were extracted and fractionated from fat free samples and
data were analyzed statistically by 12×12 factorial design. The leaves of Anogeissus latifolia had the highest (p<0.05) concentration of
total phenols (17.4%), net (15.9%) and hydrolysable (16.9%) tannins, followed by leaves of Acacia nilotica. Majority of the tree leaves
selected had moderate levels (2-5%) of net tannins. Leaves of Carrisa had the highest (p<0.05) concentration of condensed tannins
(CT), whereas the leaves of Anogeissus had the lowest (p<0.05) concentration of condensed tannins. The protein precipitable phenols
(PPP) corresponded well with the net tannin content present in different tree leaves. Seasonal variation data revealed that in summer, net
tannins and PPP decline in leaves of Bauhinia and Zizyphus whereas the net tannin content of Anogeissus and that of Carrisa increased
during summer. The CT and PPP content in the leaves of Pheonix, Leucaena, Zizyphus and Ougenia increased in winter till spring
season. Tree leaves generally had higher concentration of HT during summer months. It was concluded that leaves of leaves of A.
nilotica, A. latifolia and L. leucocephala could serve as an excellent alternate feed stuffs for ruminants. However, leaves of Phoenix,
Carrisa, Bauhinia and Dodonea should be avoided. (Key Words : Tannin Profile, Tree Leaves, Seasonal Variation, Semi-hilly Arid
Region)

The study was taken up to assess the in-vitro methane and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) prod... more The study was taken up to assess the in-vitro methane and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) production; in
sacco degradability and metabolizable energy (ME) availability from conventional and non conventional protein
supplements like mustard cake (MC), deoiled mustard cake (DMC), deoiled groundnut cake (DGNC), soybean
meal (SBM), cottonseed cake (CSC), corn gluten meal (CGM), maize oil cake (MOC), tomato pomace (TP) and
spent brewers grains (SBG). The CP content varied from 18.2 (TP) to 66% (CGM). TP had the highest EE (11.0%)
and lignin (13.5%) content. The net gas production (NGP) varied significantly from 80.7 ml/g DM (CSC) to 236.8
ml/g DM (MOC). The in-vitro methane production (expressed as ml/g DM) was the lowest from CSC and CGM,
while the highest was observed from SBM and MOC. But when methane was expressed as per cent of NGP or as
ml/g digestible OM at t1/2, the significantly lowest methane production was observed from TP followed by that
from CSC, SBG MC and CGM. The protein supplement with high rumen undegradable protein (RUDP) content
produced less methane as compared to the ones that had low UDP content. The TVFA production was the lowest
from CSC, which may be due to the lowest degradability of OM and NDF. The digestion kinetic parameters for DM
and CP revealed that the rate of degradation was significantly lowest in CGM and highest in DGNC (DM) and TP
(CP). The effective degradability (ED) was lowest in CGM and highest was observed in SBM (DM) and DGNC
(CP). The rumen UDP as per cent of total protein in CGM was significantly higher than all other protein supplements,
it was followed by TP and was lowest in DGNC. It was concluded that the protein supplements with high rumen
RUDP value like tomato pomace, cotton seed cake, spent brewer’s grains and corn gluten meal had low methane
production potential.

Samples of 26 species of forest tree leaves and 10 species of wild grasses commonly fed to livest... more Samples of 26 species of forest tree leaves and 10 species of wild grasses commonly fed to livestock in the semihilly
arid zone of Punjab State were collected at 30 day interval for 12 months. The tree leaves as compared to grasses
had higher CP, EE and acid detergent lignin content, while reverse trend was observed with respect to NDF, ADF,
cellulose and hemicelluloses content. The mineral profile revealed that calcium, magnesium and copper content was
higher, while zinc content was lower in tree leaves as compared to grasses. But the phosphorus, iron, manganese and
cobalt content was observed to be statistically comparable. The calcium and magnesium content in both the tree leaves
and grasses was much higher than the requirements for dairy cattle, but both were highly deficient in P, and most of the
trace elements. The antimetabolites like total tannins, condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins were higher in tree
leaves as compared to grasses by 83.2, 98.8 and 75.7%, respectively. The condensed tannins as per cent of total tannins
were higher in tree leaves, while hydrolysable tannins as per cent of total tannins were higher in wild grasses. The water
soluble oxalate content was comparable in tree leaves and grasses, but the concentration was much lower than the toxic
level of 4%. The digestion kinetic parameters for DM and NDF also revealed that tree leaves were degraded at faster
rate and had higher effective and true degradability. The rumen fill was lower in tree leaves as compared to grasses
predicting higher voluntary dry matter intake in tree leaves. It was concluded that the tree leaves had greater potential as
alternate feed resources as compared to wild grasses.

Samples of 13 species of forest tree leaves fed to livestock in the semi-hilly arid zone of Punja... more Samples of 13 species of forest tree leaves fed to livestock in the semi-hilly arid zone of Punjab State in India were
collected at 30 d interval for 12 months, in order to assess their nutritional worth for livestock. The ground samples were pooled for 4
different seasons viz. dry hot, hot humid, fall and winter. The chemical composition irrespective of the season revealed that CP content
varied between 8.9 (Carrisa) to 22.0% (Leucaena). Globulin was the major protein fraction in most of the leaves. The lowest
concentration of cell wall constituents was observed in Morus alba and Grewea. The leaves in general became fiberous and lignified
during winter and fall as compared to summer season. The leaves of Grewea, Morus alba, Leucaena, Carrisa and Acacia were rich in
Ca, P and most of the trace elements. The total phenolics ranged between 1.88% (Azardirachta) to 15.82% (Acacia). The leaves of
Acacia had the highest concentration of hydrolysable tannins (14.6%) whereas that of Carrisa had that of condensed tannins (5.9%). The
condensed tannins (more than 3%) were negatively correlated to the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and
crude protein (CP). The digestion kinetic parameters for DM, NDF and CP revealed that leaves of Morus alba, Zizyphus and Ehretia had
highest insoluble but potentially degradable fraction. The minimum rumen fill values also revealed that leaves of Grewea, Azardirachta,
Morus, Ehretia and Leucaena had great potential for voluntary DM intake. The leaves of Ougeinia, Malha, Dodenia and Carrisa had
significantly higher rumen fill value indicating poor potential for voluntary DM intake. Season did not have any significant impact on
digestion kinetic parameters except that most of the leaves had low potentially degradable fraction, which was degraded at slow rate
during winter. It was concluded that the leaves of Morus, Ehretia, Grewea and Leucaena had great potential as livestock feed, while
feeding of Ougeinia, Malha and Dodonea leaves should be avoided

Samples of 7 species of forest tree leaves, fed to livestock in the semi-hilly arid zone of Punja... more Samples of 7 species of forest tree leaves, fed to livestock in the semi-hilly arid zone of Punjab state in India, were
collected at 30-day intervals for 12 months for evaluating their nutritional worth for livestock. The ground samples
were pooled for dry hot, hot humid, fall and winter seasons. Irrespective of the season, the chemical composition
revealed that the leaves of Acacia modesta (phulahi) and Butea monosperma (dhak) had higher crude protein then other
leaves. The ether extract was the highest in Phoenix acaulis (khajur) and a lowest in (kango) leaves. The leaves of
khajur and bans were highly fibrous. The leaves of Anogeissus latifolia (chall) had the highest concentration of cell
solubles while that of Bambusa arundinace a (bans) had the lowest. Irrespective of the species of tree leaves, the season
did not show any significant impact on the CP, OM and total ash content of tree leaves. The NDF, cellulose, hemicellulose
and ADL contents were the lowest in summer and the highest concentration of NDF, ADF and ADL content was observed
in winter. The relative proportion of globulins and prolamins predominated in most of the leaves. The leaves of kango
had the highest Ca content followed by dhak and the lowest in khajur leaves. The leaves of dhak had the highest
concentration of Mg, Co and Mn. The leaves of chall had the highest concentration of total tannins, but 98% of these
were hydrolysable, while the leaves of Bauhinia variegata (kachnar) had the highest concentration of condensed tannins
(77% of total tannins). The digestion kinetic parameters for DM, CP and NDF revealed that irrespective of season, the
effective and true degradability were the highest in leaves of chall followed by that of kango leaves, but lowest in
khajur, dhak and bans leaves. The leaves of chall had the lowest rumen fill value predicting highest voluntary intake,
while reverse trend was observed in khajur, dhak and bans leaves. Irrespective of the species of tree leaves, the
degradability of leaves as indicated by most of digestion kinetic parameters was highest in summer followed by that in
fall and the lowest in winter. The rumen fill value was the lowest in summer predicting highest voluntary intake followed
by fall and highest rumen fill was observed in winter predicting lowest intake. It was concluded that the leaves of chall
and kango had great potential as livestock feed, while feeding of khajur, dhak and bans leaves should be avoided.
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and shaftal at different cuts. The CP and EE content declined, while the cell wall constituents i... more and shaftal at different cuts. The CP and EE content declined, while the cell wall constituents increased linearly with the
increase in number of cuts. The in-sacco studies revealed that the degradation rate and effective degradability (ED) of
DM was highest (P<0.01), while the rumen un-degradable fraction (UDF) and rumen fill values were the lowest in
shaftal. The degradation rate and ED of DM declined, while the UDF and rumen fill values increased with the increase
in number of cuts. The digestion kinetic parameter of CP revealed that the UDP as per cent of CP was higher in berseem
followed by that in shaftal. The ED and UDP as per cent of CP declined linearly with the increase in number of cuts. The
digestion kinetic parameter of NDF revealed that shaftal had the highest ED and lowest UDF, while reverse trend was
observed in berseem. The rumen fill values also confirmed that shaftal had better palatability than that of lucerne and
berseem. The ED declined, while the UDF and rumen fill values increased with the increase in number of cuts.
The in vitro gas production analysis revealed that irrespective of cuts, the tested leguminous forages produced
almost same amount of gas even though the digestibility of NDF and OM of berseem was lower than that of lucerne and
shaftal. The methane production at t1/2 (expressed as ml/g digestible OM) was lowest in shaftal as compared to berseem
and lucerne. The digestibility of NDF and OM was lowest in the fourth cut fodders. Accordingly, the methane production
at t½ increased linearly with the number of cuts and was highest in the fourth cut fodders. Irrespective of cuts, total
VFAs production varied from 6.6 mM/dl in shaftal to 7.95 mM/dl in lucerne. Lucerne produced highest amount of
acetate, propionate and butyrate, followed by that produced by berseem. Irrespective of fodder species, the relative
proportion of propionate declined with the number of cuts. It was concluded that amongst the tested multi-cut leguminous
forages, the use of shaftal in the diet of ruminants may help in mitigating enteric methane production and that the
enteric methane production increased with the number of cuts of the forage.

The study was undertaken to assess the effect of low roughage-high concentrate (LR-HC in 30:70 ra... more The study was undertaken to assess the effect of low roughage-high concentrate (LR-HC in 30:70
ratio) diet and high roughage-low concentrate (HR-LC in 70:30 ratio) diet on the rumen fermentation pattern
and nutrient utilization in small ruminants. The net gas production (P<0.01), digestibility of NDF and true
OM (P<0.05) and ME availability (P<0.01) were higher, while the methane production (ml/g digestible OM)
was lower (P<0.01) in LR-HC diet as compared to HR-LC diet. The number of holotrichs, entodinium, total
protozoa and bacteria was higher (P<0.01), while that of anaerobic fungi was lower (P<0.01) in the rumen of
animals fed LR-HC diet as compared to HR-LC diet. The protozoal number was numerically higher (P>0.05)
at 4h post feeding as compared to before feeding, while reverse trend (P<0.05) was observed in case of
bacteria and fungi. The number of anaerobic bacteria and fungi was higher (P<0.01) in ram as compared to
bucks. The total-N, TCA precipitable-N and NPN concentration was higher (P<0.01) in animals fed LR-HC
diet as compared to HR-LC diet. All the nitrogen fractions in the SRL were higher (P<0.01) in bucks as
compared to rams. The lactic acid, total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and individual VFAs production,except
that of iso-butyrate was higher (P<0.01) in LR-HC diet as compared to HR-LC diet. However, the relative
proportion of acetate, iso-butyrate and isovalerate was higher (P<0.05), while that of propionate and valerate
was lower (P<0.05) in HR-LC diet as compared to LR-HC diet. The daily DM intake, digestibility of DM,
OM and hemicellulose; daily N-intake,urinary-N excretion was higher (P<0.01) in LR-HC diet as compared
to HR-LC diet. The N-retention was comparable in LR-HC and HR-LC diet. It was concluded that the roughage
level in the diet of sheep and goat affected the rumen microbial population, which in turn influenced the
rumen fermentation pattern and nutrient utilization.

Chaffed cauliflower leaves (CL), fruit juice waste (FJW), or a mixture of CL and FJW in a 1:1 rat... more Chaffed cauliflower leaves (CL), fruit juice waste (FJW), or a mixture of CL and FJW in a 1:1 ratio,
either alone or after mixing with either wheat straw, rice straw or berseem (T. alexandrium) straw in 70:
30 ratio were ensiled for 42 days. The chemical composition of cauliflower leaves, fruit juice waste and
the combination of the two revealed that these wastes had high CP, low NDF and ADF content, indicating
their potential as alternate feedstuffs for dairy cattle. The ensiling of the fruit and vegetable wastes resulted
in a depression (P<0.05) in the net gas production and digestibility of nutrients. The percent decrease in
net gas production and digestibility of OM and NDF varied from 26.3 to 50.8%, 35.4 to 43.5% and 54.1
to 65.0 %, respectively. The NDF, ADF and cellulose increased, when CL, FJW and CL-FJW were
ensiled with either of the straws, by 84, 77 and 71%; 51, 35 and 54% and 69, 48 and 37%, respectively.
The net gas production and OM digestibility in the ensiled FJW (irrespective of the type of supplemented
straw) was higher (P<0.05) in ensiled FJW than CL. The digestibility of NDF was observed to be highest
(P<0.05) in ensiled CL-FJW, irrespective of the type of the straw supplemented. Amongst the straws, the
ensiled wheat straw, irrespective of the combination of fruit and vegetable waste, resulted in highest (P<0.05)
net gas production and digestibility of nutrients.

Currently, livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing countrie... more Currently, livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing
countries. The demand for livestock products is rapidly increasing in most developing
countries. However, many developing countries have feed deficits. New unconventional
alternate feed resources could play an important role in meeting this deficit. Fruit
and vegetable processing, packing, distribution and consumption generate a huge
quantity of fruit and vegetable wastes, for example, approximately 1.81, 6.53, 32.0 and
15.0 million tonnes of fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW) are generated in India, the
Philippines, China and the United States of America, respectively and most of this is
being disposed of either by composting or dumping in the landfills/rivers, causing
environmental pollution. Such unconventional resources can act as an excellent source
of nutrients and help to bridge the gap between demand and supply of feedstuffs
for livestock. In addition their use can also reduce the cost of feeding, giving higher
profits to farmers.
Fresh banana foliage can be fed as such or after ensiling with broiler litter (40:60)
or with wheat straw (75:25) to levels of up to 15 percent in the rations of lactating
animals without altering milk production. Banana peels can be incorporated at levels
of 15 to 30 percent in the diet without affecting palatability and performance of
lactating cows. Dried ripe banana peels can be fed to growing pigs at levels up to 20
percent and to rabbits up to 30 percent of the diet without having any adverse effect
on the performance. Dried citrus pulp is used as a cereal substitute in concentrate
mixture due to its high net energy, NE (1.66−1.76 Mcal/kg DM) value for lactating
dairy cows. It can replace 20 percent concentrate in the diets of dairy cattle and up
to 30 percent in lactating ewes without affecting palatability, nutrient utilization, milk
yield or its composition. It can also be used up to 50 percent in the diet of gestating
and lactating sows, 20−30 percent in rabbit diets and 5−10 percent in poultry diets.
Citrus pulp ensiled with wheat or rice straw in a ratio of 70:30 produces excellent
silage. Mango seed kernels can be incorporated in the concentrate mixture up to 50
percent. Tannins and cyanide in mango seed kernels can be removed by soaking or
boiling in water and then the kernels can be incorporated at 5−10 percent in the diet
of broilers. Mango peels can be fed fresh, dried or ensiled with wheat or rice straw.
Due to their high sugar content (13.2 percent) they are highly palatable. Pineapple
juice waste can replace the roughage portion in the diets of ruminants completely
and cereals partly. Ensiled pineapple waste with straw can replace up to 50 percent of
roughage in the total mixed ration of dairy cattle. Fresh baby corn husk, a waste after
removing cob for human consumption can be fed fresh, ensiled after wilting or after
mixing with cereal straw. These are more acceptable and palatable as compared with
conventional maize fodder. After taking 3−4 baby corn picks, the leftover plant baby
corn fodder can be used as fodder for livestock. The fresh or ensiled baby corn fodder
and conventional maize fodder, fed exclusively or in complete feed, have comparable
nutritional worth for ruminants. Bottle gourd is extensively used as a vegetable and its
juice has many medicinal properties. Sun dried ground pomace can be incorporated
up to 50 percent in the concentrate mixture of ruminants without affecting nutrient
utilization or the health of animals. Fresh cauliflower and cabbage leaves with stems are
a rich source of proteins, soluble sugars, both macro- and micro- elements and have
Utilization of fruit and vegetable wastes as livestock feed
and as substrates for generation of other value-added products 2
good digestibility and dry matter intake. These can be fed either as such, after drying or
ensiling with cereal straws, without affecting the palatability, nutrient utilization, health
or performance of livestock. Fresh carrot contains 88 percent water, 10 percent crude
protein (CP), up to 60 percent sugars, mostly sucrose and high levels of vitamin C and
β-carotene. The cull carrots are palatable and can be fed up to 20−25 kg/day to dairy
cows, leading to improved reproductive performance. Dehydrated carrots and carrot
flakes are common commercial treats for horses. From 4 to 8 percent of dried carrot
meal in the diet of laying hens significantly improved yolk colour and did not affect
egg production. Carrot pomace is a rich source of soluble sugars (64.3 percent). Pea
vines can be fed fresh or after ensiling. The pea straw, with a high protein content and
low fibre, has a higher nutritive value than cereal straws. The empty pea pods are rich
in CP (19.8 percent), soluble sugars, phenolics, and macro- and micro-elements. The
empty pea pods are relished by ruminants, and can be fed exclusively. Cull potatoes, a
rich source of starch (60−70 percent), can be fed up to 15−20 kg/day in the raw form,
without any adverse effect on health of lactating dairy cows. Potato tubers can also be
chopped with forage and ensiled. Cooked potatoes are efficiently used by fattening and
breeding sows, and can be fed up to 6 kg a day. Cooked potatoes can be used up to 40
percent in poultry rations. Sarson saag waste (SSW) contains 14.5 percent protein and
is a good source of water-soluble sugars (6 percent). An adult cow can consume 50−55
kg of fresh SSW/day and is highly palatable. Cull snow peas, excellent source of protein,
can be fed fresh or after drying to ruminants. Sun dried tomato pomace (TP) is a good
source of lycopene. The dried TP can completely replace concentrate mixture without
any adverse effect on nutrient utilization in adult buffaloes; while in lactating animals
it can include up to 35 percent of the concentrate mixture without any adverse effect
on milk yield. In the diet of rabbits it can be incorporated up to 20−30 percent, while in
broiler and layer diets it should be added up to 5 and 10 percent respectively. Tomato
pomace and spent sugar syrup from amla (Phyllanthus emblica) preserve (murabba)
industries can be effectively used in the preparation of urea molasses multinutrient
blocks without affecting their quality or utilization by livestock.
Peels, pomace and seeds are a rich source of bio-active compounds, which can be
extracted and utilized for food and pharmaceutical applications. The citrus peel is a
potential source of essential oil and yields 0.5 to 3.0 kg oil/tonne of fruit. These essential
oils are used in alcoholic beverages, confectioneries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and for
improving the shelf-life and safety of foodstuffs. Peels, pomace and seeds are also a rich
source of poly-phenols and their concentration in these fractions is more than twice that
in edible tissue. These exhibit anti-cancer, anti-microbial (pathogens), anti-oxidative and
immune-stimulating effects in vertebrates and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular
diseases. The fat in mango seed kernel is a promising source of edible oil and its fatty
acid and triglyceride profiles are similar to those of cocoa butter. Pigments can also be
isolated from fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW) e.g. carotenoids from tomato peel and
carrot pomace, anthocyanin from banana bracts and beet root pulp (betalains). The
antioxidant compounds from waste products of the food industry could be used for
protecting the oxidative damage in living systems by scavenging oxygen free radicals.
These compounds can also be used for increasing the stability of foods by preventing
lipid peroxidation. Hydrolytic products of glucosinolates present in brassica extracts
could act as anti-carcinogenics. FVW also acts as a source of dietary fibre (non-starch
polysaccharides: pectin) for addition to refined foods. These compounds increase the
bulk of the food, prevent constipation, and bind to toxins and bile salts. Enzymes such
Utilization of fruit and vegetable wastes as livestock feed
and as substrates for generation of other value-added products
3
as bromelain from pineapple; papain from papaya, α-amylase, hemicellulase; cellulase
from banana waste and kinnow pulp; lignin, manganese peroxidase and laccase from
apple pomace and onion waste; and pectinase from sapota and citrus peels can also
be isolated for various applications. The FVW peels and pomaces or pulps have been
used in the production of bioethanol, biomethane, biodegradable plastic, single cell
proteins and sweeteners.

This study was taken up to assess the nutritional worth of cannery and fruit wastes for ruminants... more This study was taken up to assess the nutritional worth of cannery and fruit wastes for ruminants. Amongst the
cannery wastes, pea pods (PP) had the highest CP content, sarsonsaag waste (SSW) had that of cell wall constituents
(CWC). Carrot pulp (CARP) had the lowest CP, NDF, ADF and ADL contents. The water soluble sugars (WSS) were
highest in CARP, while the true protein content and total phenolics were highest in citrus pulp without peels (CPWP).The
in-saccoDM degradability revealed that CPWP had the highest effective degradability (ED) and low rumen fill values,
which was responsible for higher DM intake potential and nutritive index value as compared to other cannery wastes.
Amongst the fruit wastes, muskmelon peels (MMP) had the highest CP and CWC. The WSS were highest in MMP, the
true protein in watermelon peels (WMP) and phenolics in banana peels (BP). WMP had the highest ED and the lowest
rumen fill value, which was responsible for higher DM intake potential and nutritive index value. The relative proportion
of albumin was highest, followed by that of glutelin, globulin and prolamin in all the cannery and fruit wastes. Most of
these wastes could meet the daily requirements of macro and micro elements for ruminants, except Ca in SSW; Mg in
MMP; Fe in CARP and BP; Cu in CARP, CPWP, BP and MMP; Zn in CARP and BP were higher than the maximum
tolerance limit. None of the wastes contained the heavy metals above the maximum tolerance limit. It was concluded
that most of the tested cannery and fruit wastes could serve as excellent alternate feed resource for ruminants.

This study was taken up to assess the nutritional worth of baby corn husk (BCH) for ruminants. Fr... more This study was taken up to assess the nutritional worth of baby corn husk (BCH) for ruminants. Fresh chaffed BCH,
or BCH wilted for 2–3 days and ensiled for 42 days or fresh BCH mixed with chaffed rice straw in 70: 30 ratio (BCHRS)
and ensiled for 42 days in lab silos in triplicate. The in-vitro gas production studies revealed that the net gas
production (NGP), NDF and true OM digestibility, and ME availability was highest in BCH followed by that in ensiled
BCH and lowest in ensiled BCH-RS. The methane production as per cent of net gas production was also lowest in BCH
and highest in ensiled BCH-RS. The total and individual volatile fatty acid production was highest BCH, statistically,
comparable with that of ensiled BCH but higher than BCH-RS silage. The relative proportion of individual volatile
fatty acid was comparable in all the groups. For in vivo evaluation, 10 male Murrah buffalo calves divided into 2 equal
groups were offered ad lib. either chaffed conventional green maize fodder or fresh chaffed BCH with daily
supplementation of 25g mineral mixer and common salt for 30 days. The daily DM intake was significantly higher in
buffalo calves fed conventional green fodder as compared to chaffed BCH. The digestibility of all the nutrients was
higher in fresh BCH as compared to green maize fodder. The N-retained and apparent biological valve of protein was
high in fresh BCH as compared to green maize fed group, but the differences were statistically nonsignificant. The
calves offered BCH as compared to those offered green maize had higher total-N, TCA-N but slightly lower TVFAs. In
another in vivo trial, the digestibility of nutrients and N-retention were considerably higher in 5 male Murrah buffalo
calves offered concentrate mixture, ensiled BCH and wheat straw in 40: 30: 30 ratio on DM basis as total mixed ration
(TMR) as compared to those offered fresh BCH. The higher digestibility of nutrient, N-retention, apparent biological
valve and favourable rumen environment conclusively revealed that fresh or ensiled BCH was highly acceptable and
palatable as compared to conventional maize fodder.

The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional status of animals in rural dairy farm ... more The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional status of animals in rural dairy farm
houses (RDFHs) and peri-urban dairy complexes (PUDCs) in Punjab State of India. The PUDCs had
higher (P<0.01) number of adult cattle units (ACUs) as compared to RDFHs. Buffaloes predominated
in both types of dairies (78.95%). But the relative proportion of buffaloes was higher (P<0.05) in
PUDCs as compared to RDFHs. The healthier animals (P<0.01) in PUDCs as compared to RDFHs
(537.4 vs. 487.7 kg BW) had higher (P<0.01) milk yield (7.34 vs. 5.84 kg/animal/day) and milk urea
nitrogen (MUN).However reverse trend was observed in the urinary excretion ofpurine derivatives
(PDs). The animals in PUDCs were offered higher (P<0.01) proportion of concentrate in the diet as
compared to those of RDFHs (29.34 vs. 19.61%), reverse but significant (P<0.01) trend was observed
in roughage proportion. Within the roughage, green fodder constituted the bulk of DM and the relative
proportion of green fodder and straw was 67.78 and 32.28%, respectively, but were statistically comparable
in both the systems. The CP content in the complete feed was comparable, but the NDF and EE contents
in the diet were higher (P<0.01) in RDFHs as compared to those of PUDCs. On an average the complete
feed contained 10.51% CP, 65.98% NDF and 2.32% EE. The daily consumption of DM and CP was
comparable, while that of EE was higher (P<0.05) in animal of RDFHs as compared to those of PUDCs.
It was concluded that the animals in the PUDCs of Punjab state were fed higher proportion of concentrate
mixture and were better off than the RDFHs but there is need to motivate the farmers to supplement the
diet with mineral mixture and common salt in order to improve the productive and reproductive efficiency
of the animals.

Immunological Investigations, 1989

Protein-energy malnutrition results in an increased risk of gastrointestinal infection. This can ... more Protein-energy malnutrition results in an increased risk of gastrointestinal infection. This can be attributed in part to impaired immune responses. Cell-mediated immunity is decreased as judged by reduced number and function of thymus-dependent lymphocytes, impaired delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, and decreased production of lymphokines. Concentration of secretory IgA is reduced and there are fewer intraepithelial lymphocytes. Antibody responses following viral vaccine administration are reduced and there is decrease in natural killer cell activity. In addition, the number of bacteria binding to epithelial cells is increased. These changes are observed also in certain selected nutrient deficiencies, such as that of vitamin A. It is suggested that impaired systemic and mucosal immunity contributes to the increased frequency and severity of intestinal infections seen in undernourished individuals.

. Effect of essential oils dissolved in different solvents on the in vitro methane production. An... more . Effect of essential oils dissolved in different solvents on the in vitro methane production. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, The study was taken up to assess the effect of the essential oils (EOs) like cinamaldehyde (CIN), carvone (CAR) and limonene (LIM), dissolved in different solvents like water, 50% methanol, 80% ethanol, petroleum ether (PE), propylene glycol (PG) on in vitro digestibility of nutrients, methane and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production from wheat straw in a 4x5 factorial experiment. The EOs were supplemented @ 3% of the substrate. Irrespective of the solvent used, the net gas production (NGP) was depressed (P<0.01) in CAR and LIM supplemented groups as compared to control. The digestibility of NDF and true OM was depressed (P<0.01) in all the EO supplemented groups as compared to control. Amongst the EOs, the highest digestibility was observed in wheat straw supplemented with CIN. The CH 4 production was lowest (P<0.01) when wheat straw was supplemented with CAR. The ME availability was also highest in CIN supplemented group, which was comparable to control but higher (P<0.01) than CAR supplemented group. Irrespective of EO, the NGP was high (P<0.01) when ethanol was used as a solvent as compared to methanol. The digestibility of NDF and that of true OM was comparable between water and methanol, but higher (P<0.01) than other solvents.The EOs dissolved in PE and PG showed lowest (P<0.01) CH 4 production. The total VFA production was highest (P<0.01) in PG followed by ethanol and methanol. The propionate and isovalerate were highest in PG supplemented groups. Keeping in view the NGP, digestibility of nutrients, methane and VFA production and correlations worked out for all possible combinations in different parameters, the best combination was cinamaldehyde or carvon dissolved in 50% methanol. The use of petroleum ether and propylene glycol as solvent in such studies should be avoided.

Immunological Investigations, 1989