Nutritional Composition from Manure of Bovine Native Bargur Cattle and Jersey Cattle in the Anthiyur Taluk of Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: A study was carried out to compare, the nutritional composition of manures from indigenous Bargur cattle and Jersy Cattle in the Bargur hills of Anthiyur Taluk in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. The moisture content was higher in Jersy cattle at 52% and free-ranging cattle with 37%, but the highest pH values were noticed in dry manure samples of Jersy cattle. Similarly, the highest values of NPK, trace elements and minerals such as Mg, Zn and Fe were also noticed in dry manure samples of Jersy cattle than in indigenous Bargur cattle, but the highest percentage of Cu and organic carbon was observed in the free-ranging Bargur cattle. However, the highest growth rate of Lagenaria siceraria plant was shown in the manure of Bargur cattle. Methods: Fresh manure samples were collected from Bargur and Jersey cattle, which were sun-dried. The manure samples further analyzed for total nutrients like NPK and Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn using spectrophotometry and experimental methods. In a pot culture study, Lagenaria siceraria seeds were planted in soil mixed with these manures to compare growth effects and chlorophyll content in the plant leaves was quantified using spectrophotometric analysis. Result: Fresh dung samples of Indigenous Bargur and Jersey Cattle showed differences in color, moisture and nutrient content; Bargur dung had higher organic carbon and trace elements, while Jersey dung had higher NPK levels. In growth tests, plants in Bargur dung exhibited better growth and chlorophyll content than those in Jersey dung or control soil.