Department of Animal Nutrition

It is a matter of pride that nutritional work started for the first time in India at Pusa, Bihar under the stewardship of Dr. F.J.Warth. In continuation of same tradition, Bihar veterinary College, Patna was given mandate to continue the work in Animal Nutrition since 1960. Animal Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining optimal health of animals. Since 2/3^rd of recurring expenditure of a farm goes on feeding of animal, so farmers can get direct benefit in any reduction of feed cost, besides increased production from their animal. The department has been entrusted for human resource development, research and extension activities. The department is known for pioneering work in fundamental as well as applied Animal Nutrition. The field of Animal Nutrition is expanding regularly. Besides feeding of animal, Feed Technology, Nutraceutical Newer growth promoters are new horizons. For pet lovers, suggestions of dieticians are gaining importance now a days. Unconventional feed and fodder resources found in Bihar like Moringa leaf, jhun jhuna leaf etc are being evaluated for different animals. Use of different feed additives like probiotics and enzymes in poultry are being evaluated. The department also provide training to livestock farmers, and veterinary officials in balanced feeding of animals. Newer techniques like bypass protein, bypass fat and plant secondary metabolites are being introduced to farmers to improve the performance of animals. The department has developed complete feed block for sustainable animal production round the year. A variety of feed and fodder, conventional as well as unconventional, has been reported for use in complete feed block. Our research activity has been recognized by the University recently by approving and selecting two technologies i.e. bypass protein and complete feed block technology in recent years.