A feeding trial was conducted for a period of 120 days for studying the haemato-biochemical and sex hormonal parameters in buffalo heifers fed with concentrate mixtures containing varying levels of dried moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. Fifteen Murrah buffalo heifers aged 18-26 months were selected and randomly allotted to three groups of five animals each and fed three dietary treatments, containing concentrate mixture (20 per cent CP and 68 per cent TDN) and ad libitum green grass. Dried moringa leaves were incorporated at 0, 10 and 20 per cent in the concentrate mixture for treatments T1 (control), T2 and T3 respectively. Comparison of serum biochemical values revealed higher serum glucose and oestrogen in buffalo heifers fed T3 when compared to those fed T1 and T2. The serum cholesterol values were significantly lower (p<0.05) for buffalo heifers fed T2 and T3 when compared to T1. Evaluation of the results obtained in the present study revealed that moringa leaves can be effectively incorporated up to 20 per cent in the concentrate mixture of buffalo heifers without any adverse effects on haemato-biochemical parameters with improved oestrogen levels indicating better reproductive performance.

The present study analysed the resource use efficiency of milk production among different types of dairy farms in Kerala. The area of study and the respondents were selected using a stratified multi-stage random sampling technique. The farmers/farm households were categorized into small farms (1-2 cows), medium (3-10 cows), and large farms (more than ten cows). The relationship between inputs and milk production has been explored through the production function approach. Resource use efficiency was essentially a comparison between the Marginal Value Product (MVP) of an input with its price that gave direction on the use of that particular input in order to maximize profit. The results showed that in small farms, the MVPs of two inputs viz. roughages and labour was significantly less than unity, signifying overutilisation of these inputs. The MVP value of concentrate was significantly higher than unity, indicating their underutilisation in the milk production process. The MVP of concentrate was positive and significantly greater than unity in medium and large farms, also indicating their underutilisation.