Fodder Crops for Livestock Farming

What are Fodder Crops?

Fodder or चारा, meaning food for livestock, or पशुओं का चारा (pashuon ka chara) (animal fodder), while other terms include पशु आहार (pashu aahar) (animal feed) or भूसा (bhusa) (straw/roughage). It refers to any food given to domesticated animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and other livestock, such as hay, grains, or silage. They are essential for improving milk production, animal health, and farm profitability, especially in mixed farming systems.

With India having the world’s largest livestock population, fodder crops are crucial for sustainable dairy and animal husbandry.

Types of Fodder Crops

1. Green Fodder Crops

2. Dry Fodder Crops

  • Used mainly during lean periods
  • Examples:
    • Wheat straw
    • Paddy straw
    • Maize stover

3. Leguminous Fodder Crops

  • Rich in protein
  • Improve soil fertility
  • Examples:
    • Lucerne (Alfalfa)
    • Cowpea
    • Stylo

Importance of Fodder Crops

Improves Milk and Meat Production

  • Balanced nutrition leads to higher milk yield
  • Improves animal weight and reproduction

Reduces Feed Cost

  • Home-grown fodder reduces dependency on commercial feed

Supports Integrated Farming

  • Ideal for crop–livestock integrated systems
  • Utilizes crop residues efficiently

Enhances Soil Fertility

  • Leguminous fodder fixes atmospheric nitrogen

Fodder Scarcity in India – A Major Issue

  • Limited land allocation for fodder
  • Seasonal availability
  • Low awareness among farmers

Government Initiatives

  • National Livestock Mission
  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission
  • Fodder Development Programs under State Plans
  • Promotion of silage and fodder banks

Conclusion

Fodder crops are the foundation of profitable livestock farming. Promoting scientific fodder cultivation can significantly increase farmer income, ensure feed security, and strengthen India’s dairy sector.

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by

KrishiCenter Care
in , ,

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