DEVELOPMENT OF UREA MOLASSES BLOCK AND ITS FIELD APPLICATION IN INDIA (A REVIEW)

The base of Indian milk production is the millions of nondescript cows and buffaloes in rural areas, fed mainly on crop residues and agro-industrial wastes. The mainstay of the feeding system is straws and stovers. Therefore the approach to increase the fibrous residues utilisation for animal production was ideal and useful. The methods available for the above purpose were not found acceptable in rural areas owing to certain practical problems. The development of urea molasses block was, therefore aimed at solving the practical field problems. Urea Molasses Block has been developed as a feed supplement that can bring forth an effect of rumen manipulation thereby increase the conversion rate of feeds. The formula and process technology were thus developed. Before starting the mass production and popularisation the product was tested in controlled condition in farms and also in villages. Encouraged with the results the feed is now commercially manufactured under Indian Patent No. 156047.