AICRP on Utilization of Animal Energy

AICRP on Utilization of Animal Energy

	XI Plan Research Thrust Areas
	Ongoing Research/ Training Activities
	Significant Achievements
	Scientific Staff

11^th Plan Reseach Thrust Areas

For more efficient utilization of the available draught animal power (63.9 M) following thrust areas have been identified for XI plan period
Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) of improved animal drawn equipment/gadgets for increased and efficient utilization of Draught Animal Power including transport.
Village Saturation Programme (VSP) with improved implement to develop/demonstrate models for promotion of efficient utilization of DAP.
Adoption/Promotion of animal operated Zero till drill and raised bed planting equipment and technology with conservation approach.
Adoption/development of package of equipment and technology for vegetable cultivation
Adoption and promotion of animal operated equipment and technology for hill agriculture.
Adoption and promotion of improved rotary mode applications of draught animals for post harvest operation, water lifting and electricity generation.
Adoption and promotion of animal drawn tool carrier/frame with matching implements for energy efficient and cost effective field operations.
Complementary use of draught animals with tractor/mechanical power systems for interculture spraying and other field operations in wide spaced and tall crops.
Prototype production and commercialization of improved animal drawn equipment by involving local manufacturers/artisans and training of farmers
Socio-economic studies of animal farming system and efficient management of draught animals keeping in view the safety and health of animals.
Development of database on DAP and its utilization.

Ongoing Research/Training Activities

Development of efficient transmission system for rotary mode applications of draught animals and development of gedgets for post harvest operation (Cleaner cum grader, caster/groundnut decorticator, flourmill, grinder, paddy thresher, winnower and chaff cutter), water lifting and electricity generation, storage and utilization to increase their annual utilization
Adaption and promotion of animal drawn tool carrier with matching implements for tillage seeding, weeding and water and material transport for higher command area under a pair of animal for by use of single animal.
Testing and standardization of improved animal drawn equipment.
Development/promotion of equipment for complementary use of draught animals with tractor/mechanical power systems for interculture, spraying and other field operations in wide spaced and tall crops.
Adaption and promotion of animal operated equipment and technology for hill agriculture.
Development of package of equipment and technology for vegetable cultivation including manure spreader.
Promotion of animal operated Zero till drill, bund former, ditcher, leveler, sprayer and raised bed planter with conservation approach.
Development of instrumentation on tread mill for animal mechanics measurements
Study of feed management of draught animals (Bullock, buffaloe, camel, donkey, mule and poney as per the age for economical feed formulation based on nutritive value of the locally available materials.
Study of common diseases and preventive health care measures of draught animals including housing and sanitation.
Development of equipment for mechanized collection of animal dung and urine for commercial utilization.
Socio-economics of animal farming as per the prevailing cropping systems in the region for cost effective utilization of draught animals keeping in view the safety and health of animals.
Front Line Demonstrations of improved animal drawn equipment/gadgets for increased and efficient utilization of Draught Animal Power including transport.
Village Saturation Programme with improved implement package to develop/demonstrate models for promotion of efficient utilization of DAP.
Training of farmers on use of improved animal drawn equipment.
Training of local manufacturers/village artisans for commercialization of improved animal drawn equipment
Participation in exhibition/farmers fair for display/demonstration of improved animal drawn equipment and technology.

Significant Achievements

	Draftability studies of non-descriptive breeds of Assam, Chhatisgarh and Orissa bullocks showed that these bullocks could negotiate draught load equivalent to 10% of their body weight (Ave.body weight, Kg/pair = 450) for 06 h following work-rest-cycle of 03 h (work)-01 h (Rest)-03 h (Work). At draft load equivalent to 12% of the body weight the work –rest cycle of 02h (work)-01h (Rest)-02h (Work was found to be optimum for sustained work and power output.
	Instrumentation system on tread mill was developed for biomechanics studies of bullocks/buffaloes simulating stress of animals to oxygen consumption and muscle strain to methane concentration. Based on fatigue score and work-rest cycle the draft load negotiated as percentage of body weight was optimized for bullocks (08-10%), buffaloes (12-14%), Camel (16-18%) and donkey (20-25%) for sustained work output.
	Rotary mode setup with attached gadgets (Chaff cutter, Winnower, caster and groundnut decorticator and paddy thresher) was demonstrated to farmers. The FLD results showed that by rotary mode application the annual utilization of draught animals was increased by 3-4 times than the present average annual use of 400h.
	Improved yokes for bullocks/buffaloes and harnesses for camel, donkey and mule were developed. The yokes are light weight (3.0-6.0 Kg) and at affordable price (150-450 Rs/unit) to the farmers. By use of improved yokes, the pulling capacity of bullocks/buffaloes was increased by 10% facilitating increased command area (10-15%) and preventing injury to the neck muscles of draught animals.
	Technology for hard surfacing of hoof shoes by use of EWAC 1001 Eb coating was developed. Use of improved hoof shoes on bullock/buffalo/horse during road transport showed 147% increased life compared to the life of the traditional hoof shoes (Life = 145 h).
	Special equipment: portable electronic weighing balance, Zero till drill, raised bed planter for vegetable seeds on beds, sprayer and tool carrier with attachments have been developed and ready for FLD.
	Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) of improved animal drawn implements were conducted highlighting the skills around calibration, adjustments, field operations and repair and maintenance aspects. Based on feed back, design, refinements were incorporated. Seeing the benefits, majority of farmers have adopted improved equipment including improved carts and yoke/harnesses for cost effective and energy efficient use of draught animals.
	Village saturation programme of 18 types of improved animal drawn implements including yokes and harnesses in 40 villages covering 500 farmers have shown increased command area per season for seed bed preparation, seeding and weeding by 42.0% with improved quality of work compared to the traditional practice (Area Commanded per season per pair = 1.4 ha).