Adult Cattle Unit based Fodder Model for Supplementing Round the Year Green Fodder in Irrigated Subtropics of Jammu and Kashmir: A Review

Abstract

Ensuring year-round provision of green fodder for a single adult cattle unit poses a significant challenge, especially in regions with distinct seasons. However, with careful planning and the use of a variety of forage crops including legumes, grains and perennial grasses, it is possible to maintain a consistent supply of green fodder. Factors such as cattle type, weight, activity levels and the nutritional quality of the fodder all influence the amount of green fodder required by adult cattle. Adequate green fodder intake is crucial for meeting their nutritional needs and maintaining optimal health and productivity. This underscores the importance of exploring sustainable strategies for year-round green fodder provision highlighting the vital role of forage crop diversity in meeting the dietary needs of adult cattle. The research experiment took place at the Research Farm of the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST- Jammu spanning two consecutive years from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022. The experimental layout consisted of eight treatments arranged in three staggered configurations during both kharif and rabi seasons alongside perennial fodders planted along the borders. The design employed a randomized block design (RBD) and was replicated three times. Significantly higher system productivity was recorded with Multicut Bajra + Cowpea - Berseem + Oats with Root slips of Napier planted in July. Multicut Sorghum + Cowpea - Lucerne + Oat with stem cuttings of Setaria planted in January recorded maximum land requirement for 1 ACU and 10 ACU’s whereas minimum land requirement for 1 ACU and 10 ACU’s was observed in Multicut Bajra + Maize - Berseem + Barley with root slips of Napier planted in July.