Deriving Nutrient Requirements of Lactating Indian Cattle under Tropical Condition Using Performance and Intake Data Emanated from Feeding Trials Conducted in Different Research Institutes

Data from 24 feeding trials conducted on lactating cattle from different institutes across India were subjected to regression analysis to derive requirements of ME, TDN, CP and DCP for maintenance, milk production and body weight gain. Maintenance requirements for ME, TDN, CP and DCP were 598 KJ, 39.5 g, 6.27 g and 2.90 g/kg $W^{0.75}$, respectively and the corresponding requirements for production of 1 kg 4% FCM were 5,023 KJ, 332 g, 82 g and 58 g. The corresponding requirements for one g gain in BW were 27 KJ, 1.78 g, 0.44 g and 0.19 g. Regression equations had high $R^{2}$ values (0.67 to 0.90) and the equations (Fvalue) as well as coefficients were highly significant (p<0.001). Regressed values were used to develop feeding standards. Derived values matched well with the actual intake versus performance of animals under diverse feeding conditions. The new standards so derived predicted requirements and intake of nutrients for different production levels better than existing feeding standards; as these are based on a more thorough analysis of a larger database, the new feeding standards will be appropriate for wide use in India.