Background:
Supplemental feeding to animals in free range forest ecosystem is a difficult proposition on daily basis. Besides other nutrients, deficiency/imbalance of minerals has profound effect on animal health in free range system. ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema has developed area specific mineral mixture and prepared blocks for slow and controlled release by licking. Mineral blocks are also often hygroscopic and loose its compactness due to consistent exposure to rain and humidity.:
Technology Details:
The developed device has several features combined into one single unit, catering to the need of livestock owners, for supplementation of mineral mixture to animals. Following features have been provided in the developed device:
• Portable, durable, affordable:
• Controlled mineral supplementation in free range system:
• Protection of mineral supplements from drenching with rain:
• Respite from supplementation of minerals on daily basis :
Setting of the dispenser on the trunk or branches of the tree in the forest or on poles in pasture in free range system or in farm condition.