In rural India, the mahua tree has long been more than just a source of income; it is woven into people's everyday lives. Most people know mahua flowers for their use in food and other purposes, but very few realise how valuable they are in animal rearing. The flowers and other mahua products are considered quite beneficial for cows and buffaloes, which is why village livestock keepers have, for years, been adding small quantities of it to their animals' feed.
A quick source of strength and energy
Animal husbandry expert Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra explains that mahua contains several essential nutrients that give animals instant strength and energy. Because of this quality, many farmers in villages mix it into the feed they give their cattle. One thing must be kept in mind, however: it should always be given in a fixed, balanced amount so the animal gets the full benefit without any harm.
Mahua flowers are rich in natural sugar and carbohydrates. These elements help keep animals active and energetic. Whether it is bullocks ploughing the fields or high milk-yielding cows and buffaloes, all of them need extra strength, and feeding a light amount of mahua gives them just that. This is why, in many villages even today, the old tradition of feeding dried mahua flowers to cattle continues.
It helps milk, but mahua alone is not enough
Farmers believe that giving mahua along with balanced fodder keeps milch animals in good health. When an animal is fully nourished from within, it stays fit, and that has a direct effect on milk production. But relying on mahua alone to boost milk is not advisable. Alongside it, the animal must also be given green fodder, chaff, grain, a mineral mixture and plenty of clean water.
Good digestion means full nutrition
Mahua is also considered helpful in keeping an animal's digestive system in order. Many farmers mix it into the feed, which makes cattle eat their fodder readily and with ease. If an animal's stomach and digestion stay healthy, its body absorbs the full nutrition from whatever it eats. This improves both its overall health and its ability to give milk.
For weak and ailing animals
Changing weather or an illness can sometimes leave animals sluggish and weak. At such times they need a diet that gives the body quick strength. The nutrients in mahua flowers help overcome this weakness. That is why farmers mix it with other grains or fodder and feed it to sick or weak animals, helping them become active and recover faster.
Aiding the growth of calves
Proper nutrition is crucial for fast-growing calves and young cattle. Since mahua is a good source of energy, giving it together with balanced fodder helps a great deal in the animals' physical development. It should be remembered, though, that other essential nutrients must also be part of the feed.
Using the oil cake, but with care
After oil is extracted from mahua seeds, the leftover oil cake, or khali, is also used as animal feed in many regions. But while feeding this khali, the advice of experts or veterinary doctors should always be taken. If the oil cake is prepared in a correct and safe manner, it proves very useful; on the other hand, its wrong or excessive use can also harm animals.
