Dry Fodder Research Articles

Evaluation of commercial traits in the accessions of the wheatgrass genus (<i>Agropyron</i> Gaertn.) under the conditions of Central Yakutia

Studying plants of the wheatgrass genus as a unique and valuable fodder and phytomeliorating perennial arid xerophytic crop is of great interest to plant breeders, geneticists, biologists, ecologists, agriculturists, and forestry experts in southern regions of Russia, the ex-USSR republics, a number of European and Asia Minor countries, the U. S., Canada, and China. Accessions from the VIR collection representing five wheatgrass species were studied for the first time under the harsh conditions of extremely continental climate in the northern region of Central Yakutia. Introducing wheatgrass, widespread in this region, into cultivation, and releasing new cultivars adapted to local conditions are urgent tasks in forage production. Agropyron Gaertn. incorporates polyploid series, which expands the possibilities of using its accessions in hybridization. The aim of this study was to analyze and select promising accessions as sources for further use in breeding practice to develop a new cultivar for hay and pasture purposes, and identify genotypes with the best agronomic characteristics. Results of a three-year (2018–2020) study involving 22 wheatgrass accessions of various ecogeographic origin are presented. The accessions identified over a two-year period for their average yield of green fodder biomass were k-52382 (143.7 g/plant) from Pavlodar Region of Kazakhstan, and the Kazakh cultivar ‘Batyr’ (142.5 g/plant); for the yield of dry fodder biomass, crested wheatgrass k-52382 (on average 65.8 g/plant), k-51330 from Chelyabinsk Province (56.1 g/plant), and cv. ‘Batyr’ (53.2 g/plant); for high seed yield, Siberian wheatgrass accession k-52440 (28.4 g/m2), wild crested wheatgrass k-51330 (25.2 g/m2) and k-52380 (19.4 g/m2), and Kerch wheatgrass k-48705 (17.3 g/m2). Nutrients and energy in the tested accessions were assessed.

Quantitative and Qualitative Response of Fodder Maize to Use of Bulk and Nano-fertilizers in North Western Plains of India

Optimizing nutrient management strategies is crucial for enhancing the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) while minimizing environmental impacts. This study investigated the effects of innovative nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) management approaches on fodder maize production. Different combinations of nitrogen fertilizers, including conventional urea and nano-urea, were applied in conjunction with targeted foliar sprays of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and nano-zinc. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial Randomized Block design with four nitrogen management strategies (control N, 100% recommended nitrogen dose RDN through urea, 50% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stages, and 33.33% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stage) and four zinc management strategies (control Zn, soil application of ZnSO4, foliar application of ZnSO4, and foliar application of nano-Zn) which were replicated thrice. The study revealed that applying 50% of RDN through urea, along with dual foliar sprays of nano-urea, achieved comparable productivity to the 100% RDN through urea only. Among the Zn managements, both foliar and soil applications of conventional ZnSO4 recorded similar green and dry fodder yields, although foliar application of ZnSO4 was observed to be superior in terms of qualitative attributes. Maize subjected to the integrated nitrogen and zinc management strategy exhibited elevated protein content and reduced fiber fractions. These findings highlight the potential of nano-urea and foliar zinc application in enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality, while reducing dependence on conventional chemical fertilizers.

Effect of Planting Distances and Nitrogen Fertilization on Growth, Forage Yield and Quality of Millet Crop

A field experiment was carried out in Al-Rumaitha district of Al-Muthanna Governorate during the summer agricultural season 2022, to study the effect of planting distances between lines and levels of nitrogen fertilization on the growth and yield of millet crop. The experiment was applied using the randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) according to the arrangement of split panels, as nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 25, 50, and 75) kg N ha-1 occupied the main panels, and the distances between plants were (40, 50, and 60 and 70 cm for the secondary panels. The results showed a significant superiority of the fertilizer level 75 kg N ha-1 by giving it the highest averages for the yield of green forage and the number of leaves per plant amounted to 11.79 tons ha-1, 29.42 tons ha-1, respectively. While the fertilizer level was superior to 50 kg N ha-1 by giving it the highest average of dry fodder yield and the total number of tillers M-2, whose averages were 3.67 tons ha-1 and 1562.15 N ha-1 respectively, and the distance 70 cm excelled by giving it the highest average number of leaves in Plant and leaf area of the plant with averages of 31.00 leaf-1, 456.15 cm2, respectively. While the distance 40 cm excelled by giving it the highest averages for the yield of dry fodder for the plant, the total number of tillers m2, and the height of the plant, as its averages were 3.78 tons ha-1, 1622.80 tillers m-2, and 57.84 cm, respectively. As for the interaction between the two factors, the combination (50 cm x 75 kg N ha-1) excelled in the yield of green forage for the plant and the number of tillers m-2 reached an average of 15.21 tons ha-1 1963.10 m-2 harrows, respectively. While the combination (70 cm X 50 kg N ha-1) gave the highest mean for the number of leaves in the plant, which amounted to 40.00 leaf plant-1, and the combination (40 cm X 50 kg N ha-1) recorded the highest mean for dry fodder yield, which reached 4.85 tons ha-1.

Fodder productivity and economics of berseem cultivation as influenced by varieties,row spacing and nutrient levels in transitional tract of peninsular India

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 under irrigated conditions on redsandy loamy soil to study the fodder productivity and economics of berseem as influenced by varieties, row spacing andnutrient levels. The treatments comprised of three varieties viz., ‘Vardhan’, ‘BB 2’ and ‘BB 3’; two row spacings viz., 30and 45 cm; and three nutrient levels viz., 75%, 100% and 125% of RDF. The results indicated that variety ‘BB 2’ recordedsignificantly higher green fodder (19.20 t ha-1), dry fodder (2.67 t ha-1) yield and net returns (`34763 ha-1) as compared to‘BB3’ and ‘Vardhan’. The sowing of beerseen in 45cm row spacing being on par with 30cm row spacing recorded highergreen fodder (17.41 t ha-1), dry fodder (2.43 t ha-1) yield and net returns (`29395 ha-1). Among the nutrient levels,application of 125% of RDF recorded significantly higher green fodder (18.96 t ha-1), dry fodder (2.66 t ha-1) yield and netreturns (` 32345 ha-1). The combination of berseem variety ‘BB 2’ with 125% of RDF at 45 cm row spacing recorded highergreen fodder (22.18 t ha-1), dry fodder (3.07 t ha-1) yield and net returns (`42005 ha-1) as compared to other treatmentcombinations.

Evaluation of fodder cropping sequences under Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Field experiments were carried out to record the performance of twelve cropping sequences in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Pantnagar. Different cropping sequences were assessed for fodder and nutrient yields, production and land use efficiency, profitability and soil organic carbon sequestration. Study revealed that hybrid Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) had higher 12 green fodder (185.8%) and dry fodder (306.7%) yields than commonly practiced single cut sorghum + cowpea-oat + berseem-single cut sorghum + cowpea cropping sequence (CS ). This also had significantly higher digestible 1 dry matter (77.3 t ha-1), crude protein (11.4 t ha-1) and mineral (10.0 t ha-1) yields than CS . Production efficiency with 1 this treatment was 1.33 and 0.40 t ha-1 day-1 in terms of green and dry fodder yields, respectively against 0.53 and 0.11 t ha-1 day-1, which was observed in CS . CS was the most profitable cropping sequence showing 285.6, 235.1 1 12 and 222.2% higher net return, B:C ratio and economic efficiency, respectively than commonly followed cropping sequence (CS ). However, CS and CS were at par with respect to soil organic carbon sequestration. So hybrid 1 12 1 Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) could be recommended for Tarai region.

Quality, productivity and profitability of diversified fodder-based cropping systems for year-round fodder production in Indo-gangetic plains of India

An experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of eight fodder-based cropping systems (CS) in Indo-gangetic plain region (IGP) viz., sole napier bajra hybrid (CS ), sole guinea grass (CS ), napier bajra hybrid + cowpea (Kharif)/ 1 2 berseem (Rabi) (CS ), guinea grass + cowpea (Kharif)/ oats (Rabi) (CS ), multicut sorghum-berseem (Rabi) 3 4 (CS ), cowpea-maize-oats (CS ), baby corn-cowpea-chinese cabbage (Rabi) (CS ), summer moong–multicut 5 6 7 sorghum–ryegrass (Rabi) (CS ). The results revealed that selection of the crops in different cropping systems 8 significantly influenced green fodder yield and fodder quality. Among various fodder base cropping systems, NBH + cowpea/ berseem system was recorded with significantly higher green fodder (177 t/ha/year) and dry fodder (31.5 t/ha/year) yields and also fodder quality attributes. The highest crude protein yield (40.7 q/ha/year) was also recorded in NBH + cowpea/ berseem intercropping system. In terms of economics, the highest gross and net returns were obtained from baby corn-cowpea-chinese cabbage (Rs 3.15 and 2.40 lakh/ha/year, respectively), closely followed by NBH + cowpea/ berseem (Rs 2.74 and 2.15 lakh/ha/year, respectively). To ensure the year-round availability of quality fodder for dairy-based farmers, cultivation of the NBH + cowpea/ berseem cropping system proved to be a viable option.

Evaluation of different row proportions in intercropping of pearl millet and cluster bean for forage yield and quality

The suitable intercropping combination of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) for fodder yield and quality enhancement was studied in Yamuna ravines of Uttar Pradesh. In this experiment, nine treatments were evaluated which included two treatment of sole crop (pearl millet and cluster bean) and seven intercropping combinations of pearl millet + cluster bean viz., 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 2:2, 3:1, 1:3 and 3:3. Maximum value of quality parameters (crude protein, ether extract, ash content, TDN, RFV, NE etc.) was obtained with intercropping of 1:3 row ratio. Highest total green and dry fodder yield of pearl l millet + cluster bean was obtained with 3:1 intercropping combination which was at par with 2:1 row ratio. Further maximum values of crude protein yield, ether extract yield and dry matter intake was recorded with 1:3 row ratios, which was statistically at par with 2:1 row ratio; and maximum value of ash yield was recorded with 2:1 row ratio. It was concluded that two rows pearl millet + one row cluster bean (2:1) intercropping combination could be recommended to obtain maximum yields of green fodder as well as crude protein.

Multivariate analysis of germplasm lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for identification of dual-purpose cultivar

An experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications to study the genetic variability in germplasm lines of pearl millet. A total of eight traits were taken including grain yield and dry fodder yield. Analysis of variance showed significant variability for all the studied traits. The grain yield ranged from 42.76 to 10.45 q/ha with an average mean of 20.32 q/ha, and the dry fodder yield ranged from 103.66 to 40.30 q/ha. There was little difference between PCV and GCV in the studied traits suggesting a minimum influence of environment. High estimates of heritability coupled with high/ moderate genetic advance were recorded for all traits indicating the presence of additive genetic variances. Correlation, regression and path analysis study revealed that grain yield was positively related to dry fodder yield, panicle length, panicle diameter and plant height. The first five principal components captured almost 90% of the variability, and the hierarchical clustering separated 28 germplasm lines into four groups. The studied germplasm lines have sufficient variability for grain and fodder yield. Selection of these germplasm lines in future breeding programmes would be rewarding to release dual-purpose cultivars.

Effect of sowing windows and nitrogen levels on growth and fodder yield of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) under South Eastern Rajasthan

An experiment conducted at Agricultural Research Station Ummedganj, Kota, Rajasthan during Rabi (2018-19 and 2019-20). The experiment was laid-out in split plot design with four replications having sixteen treatment combinations of four sowing windows (25th October, 05th November, 15th November and 25th November) allocated in main plot and four nitrogen levels (100, 125, 150 and 200 % RDN) in sub plot. Significantly higher leaf weight/10 plants (g) and 10 plant’s stem weight (g) of ryegrass were noted when the sowing occurred on November 05th during first cutting at 45, second cutting at 75, third cutting at 105 and fourth cutting at 135 DAS over sowing of ryegrass on 15th and 25th November, respectively. Ryegrass sown on 05th November had a significantly higher green and dry fodder yield (1184 and 224 q/ha) than sown on 15th and 25th November. However, it was found at par with sown on 25th October sowing (1145 and 220 q/ha).Under 150 % RDN application at 45, 75, 105, and 135 DAS sowing on 5th November, the maximum leaf weight (g) and stem weight (g) of ryegrass were measured over application of 100% RDN and 125% RDN. Application of 150% RDN gave significantly higher green and dry fodder yield (1112 and 202 q/ha) over application of 100 and 125% RDN, but it was found at par with application of 200% RDN (1121 and 205 q/ha) green and dry fodder yield in the pooled analysis.

Nutrient Management for Optimizing Fodder Production of Sorghum – A Review

An area under cultivation of fodder crops has almost remained static (8.3 million ha) for the last 3 decades and area under permanent pastures has been declining over the years. Whereas, uncontrolled overgrazing reduced productivity of permanent pastures. Overgrazing also affect the soil bio-physic-chemical properties. The situation is further aggravated due to increasing human population and preferential need for food and growing commercial crops. In India, supply of forage has always been a limiting factor for enhancing livestock production. Demand of green and dry fodder continuously increasing as enhancing country’s livestock population. The gap in feed and forage supply, however, can effectively be reduced through integrated crop management practices with greater emphasis on nutrient management in forage crops. Application of nitrogen increases crude protein, digestible dry matter content and metabolic energy. Growth attributes with respect to plant height, stem diameter, Leaf Area Index (LAI) and number of basal node tillers increased with increase of phosphorus application levels. Application of micronutrients improves enzymatic activities and it leads to increase growth and yield of the fodder sorghum. Review regarding the use of adequate and optimum dose of nutrients especially nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients are of prime concern for the fodder sorghum crop in India. Keeping these points in view, the literature reviewed pertaining to the nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients in this crop to obtain higher biomass and good quality fodder production.

Assessing the Effect of Weed Management Practices on Weed Flora, Growth and Yield of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, AICRP on Forage Crops, Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) during of the year 2019. The main objective of the experiment was to find out the effect of different weed control treatments on complex weed flora in fodder maize. Ten treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of pre-emergence application of atrazine 1000 g/ha, pendimethalin 750 g/ha, atrazine 750 g/ha + pendimethalin 750 g/ha and post emergence application of 2, 4-D 500 g/ha, tembotrione 120 g/ha, topramezone 35 g/ha, tembotrione 120 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha, topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS and weedy check. Weed intensity and dry matter accumulation by weeds were recorded species wise and then the effectiveness of weed management and the weed control efficiency were calculated. In maize field, the predominated weeds were Echinochloa colona, Commelina communis, and Digitaria sanguinalis among monocots, Phyllanthus niruri and Eclipta alba among dicots along with a respectable sum of numerous minor weeds. Experimental results indicated that hand wedding has recorded highest weed control efficiency (88.64%) followed by PoE application of topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha (74.38%) and tembotrione 120 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha (68.31%). All weed control treatments significantly affected the plant height, LAI, stem girth and leaf: stem ratio of crop. Among different herbicidal treatments, topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha was found significantly superior and gives highest green fodder yield (47.26 t/ha), dry fodder yield (13.64 t/ha), crude protein yield (1.51 t/ha), net monetary returns (Rs. 44824/ha) and B: C ratio (2.72). Thus, herbicide application of topramezone 35 g/ha + atrazine 250 g/ha was found more reliable to control complex weed flora of fodder maize with higher green fodder yield and net returns.

Feeding Practices of Dairy Owners in Semi-arid Region of Algeria

Background: This work aims to analyze and evaluate the feeding systems of dairy farms in order to provide a diagnosis of the constraints and potentialities of current food practices under Algerian production conditions, particularly in the semi-arid region of Sétif. Methods: The survey was carried out between 2021-2022 on 147 farms in the different agro-ecological zones of the semi-arid region of Sétif. The data were collected through personal interviews using the structured schedule. A survey was conducted to acquire information on farm structure and feeding practices. Result: Depending on the practice of grazing, two types of farms have been established: the zero-grazing system in 7.48% of farms, based on dry fodder supplemented by a large quantity of concentrated feed at 15 kg/cow/day on average, while the semi-grazing system was used in 91.40% of farms with an average of 10.2 kg/cow/day of concentrated feed distributed. The study of the current situation of dairy cow feeding systems shows that pasture, cereal straw, commercial concentrate and wheat bran were the most used feeds in the semi-arid region of Sétif. This finding requires the adoption of an adequate and precise rationing strategy to ensure good profitability of dairy farming.

Response of Sweet Sudan Grass to Graded Levels of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization

Background: Green fodder yield potential of the landmark multi-cut sweet sudan grass (SSG) variety SSG 59-3 was influenced due to the poor fertility status at many places in Haryana. The performance of sweet sudan grass under different P and K treatments was assessed by measuring fodder yield, agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency and net income. Methods: A two-year (2018 and 2019) field study was conducted at Hisar, Haryana to assess the effect of four P levels (0, 6.6, 13.2 and 19.8 kg/ha P) and four K levels (0, 12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 kg/ha K) on growth, yield and quality of sweet sudan grass (SSG-59-3). The sixteen treatment combinations were replicated thrice in a factorial RBD. The sandy-loam soils of the experimental field was low in organic carbon (0.47%) and available nitrogen (141 kg/ha) and medium in available P (12.9 kg/ha) and K (225 kg/ha). The nutrients P and K were applied through di-ammonium phosphate and muriate of potash just before sowing. Result: The graded levels of P and K gave significantly better results up to 13.2 kg/ha P and 37.5 kg/ha K. The agronomic efficiency, physiological effecicency and apparent nutrient recovery (%) of nutrients were highest with lower levels of P and K (6.6 and 12.5 kg). The application of K had complementary effect on the uptake of P as appropriate ratios of N, P and K fertilizer improved absorption and utilization of nutrients.Therefore, farmers can apply 13.2 kg P/ha plus 37.5 kg K/ha along with recommend N for increased dry fodder yield and net income in sweet sudan grass.

Changes in soil microbial biomass and organic C pools improve the sustainability of perennial grass and legume system under organic nutrient management.

The perennial grass-legume cropping system benefits soil because of its high biomass turnover, cover cropping nature, and different foraging behaviors. We investigated the response of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and their stock to organic and inorganic nutrient management in the Guinea grass and legume (cowpea-Egyptian clover) cropping system. Depth-wise soil samples were collected after harvesting the Egyptian clover. Based on the ease of oxidation with chromic acid, different pools of SOC oxidizable using the Walkley-Black C method, very labile, labile, less labile, non-labile; and dissolved organic C (DOC), microbial biomass C (MBC), and total organic C (TOC) in soils were analyzed for computing several indices of SOC. After 10 years of crop cycles, FYM and NPKF nutrient management recorded greater DOC, MBC, SOC stocks, and C sequestration than the NPK. Stocks of all SOC pools and carbon management index (CMI) decreased with soil depth. A significant improvement in CMI, stratification ratio, sensitivity indices, and sustainable yield index was observed under FYM and NPKF. This grass-legume intercropping system maintained a positive carbon balance sequestered at about 0.8Mg C ha-1 after 10 years without any external input. Approximately 44-51% of the applied carbon through manure was stabilized with SOC under this cropping system. The DOC, MBC, and SOC in passive pools were identified for predicting dry fodder yield. This study concludes that the application of organics in the perennial grass-legume inter cropping system can maintain long-term sustainability, enhance the C sequestration, and offset the carbon footprint of the farm enterprises.

Investigation of the Effect of Thermal Tension in Hot Seasons and Interruption of Irrigation at the End of the Growth Season by Silicon Nutrient Solution Sulfonated With S8 Elemental Sulfur on Fresh and Dry Fodder Yield and Protein Content of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

This research is an introduction to the combined nutrient of mineral salts by Silicon sulfonated with S8 through aerial organs of the Alfalfa plant. This type of combined nutrition by S8 is called “Matrix Nutrition”. This experiment was launched in October 2022 to study the effect of S8 on increasing the yield of fresh and dry fodder and the percentage of Alfalfa protein content using combined nutrition or Matrix Nutrition on the aerial organ of Alfalfa plant in the condition of interruption of irrigation at the end of the growing season in Moghan region, Ardabil province in Iran. The experiment was carried out in 2 plots, each one being one-hectare land. (In the first plot, S8 was applied for 5 litres per 1000 litres of water in the growth stages as foliar spraying after each crop harvest. No S8 was applied in the second plot.) The 5th and 6th harvests coincided with a dry season in this region and no irrigation was applied in this experiment for the 5th and 6th harvests. Both plots were only irrigated similarly for 1st to 4th harvest. The results obtained from a total of 5 harvests of the Hamedani Variant Alfalfa plant in the Control Plot and 6 harvests of the Hamedani Variant Alfalfa plant in the Experiment Plot indicated the highest yield in the 1st plot treated with S8 in terms of fresh and dry fodder, percentage of dry materials of fodder and protein content with a significant difference of 1% and 5% compared to Control Plot. The difference between the two plots was: fresh fodder 11,610 Kgs/Hectare, i.e., 91.27% higher yield, dry fodder 4,099 Kgs/Hectare, i.e., 140.95% higher yield, increase in dry material percentage for 5.99% and higher protein content of fodder for 1.59% which indicated a significant positive effect of application of S8 nutrient solution as foliar spraying on the increase of yield in fresh and dry fodder in the growing season and specifically at the time of thermal tension (specifically on 2nd and 4th harvest in control plot on June and August) and interruption of irrigation at the end of growth season (5th and 6th harvest of experiment plot).

Multivariate analysis in pearl millet parental lines for diversity estimation and association study of yield contributing traits for genetic improvement of hybrids

Sixty parental lines of pearl millet containing R and B lines were evaluated at ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Mandor, Rajasthan during Kharif-2020 to determine the extent of genetic diversity and association among yield and yield contributing traits. Multivariate techniques such as Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data. The results of PCA revealed four principal components with eigen values greater than one, explaining 33.53%, 18.51%, 14.06% and 8.49% of the total variability, respectively, with a cumulative effect of 74.59%. The study identified the traits such as number of productive tillers, dry fodder yield and plant height as excellent selection indicators that exhibit positive loading toward genetic diversity. Cluster analysis sorted all the parental lines into seven distinct clusters, with cluster VII having the highest number of lines followed by cluster III due to similar ancestry of parental lines. The parental lines J-2591, PPMI-1267 and RIB-109-120-S/19, RIB 3135-18, ICMB 95222, ICMB 94555, ICMB 04999, ICMB 93333 and ICMB 97111 display diversity in both cluster and PCA analyses, indicating the utilization of these lines for hybridization programme to harness heterosis and to select superior segregants in pearl millet.

Energy Budgeting and Carbon Footprints Estimation of Fodder Maize Varieties Sown under Different Nutrient Management Practices in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Inappropriate agricultural practices consume more input energy and emit higher greenhouse gases (GHGs) which cause global warming and climate change, thereby threatening environmental sustainability. To identify energy and carbon-efficient varieties and nutrient management practices, the present study was undertaken during the kharif season of 2018 and 2019 in a split-plot design with three varieties of fodder maize (African Tall, J-1006 and P-3396) and four nutrient management practices such as N0: Absolute control, N1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), N2: 75% RDF + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) + Panchagavya spray and N3: 50% RDF + 25% farmyard manure (FYM) + PGPR + Panchagavya spray). Results indicated that variety J-1006 and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray produced significantly higher dry fodder yield. Among the varieties, J-1006 recorded the highest total energy output (224,123 MJ ha−1), net energy (211,280 MJ ha−1), energy use efficiency (17.64), energy productivity (0.98 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (16.64), and lowest specific energy (1.03 MJ ha−1). Regarding nutrient management, 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray fetched the highest total energy output (229,470 MJ ha−1) and net energy (215,482 MJ ha−1). However, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and energy profitability were significantly higher with integrated nutrient management (N2 and N3) over 100% RDF. Concerning the carbon estimation, J-1006 resulted in a significantly higher carbon output (5479 kg CE ha−1), net carbon gain (5029 kg CE ha−1), carbon efficiency (12.46), carbon sustainability index (11.46), and significantly lower carbon footprint per unit yield (CFy) (131.3 kg CO2-e Mg−1). For nutrient management, the application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray showed significantly higher carbon output (5609 kg CE ha−1) and net carbon gain (5112 kg CE ha−1). However, significantly higher carbon efficiency, carbon sustainability index, and lower CFy were reported with integrated nutrient management over 100% RDF. Overall, selecting the J-1006 variety and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray for fodder maize cultivation could be the most productive in terms of dry fodder production, energy, and carbon efficiency approach.

Yield stability analysis of pearl millet genotypes in arid region of India using AMMI and GGE biplot

Aim: To assess genotypes with ability to sustain yields under arid region and to understand the significance of interactive effects of genotype × environment to develop resilient cultivars for rainfed farming. Methodology: Performances of 12 pearl millet varieties and hybrids released for commercial cultivation in India, were estimated using RBD with three replications during rainy seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020. The trials were conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Ananthapuramu, located in the Scarce Rainfall Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India, with an average annual rainfall of nearly 553 mm and 300 mm to 400 mm during rainy season. Results: The environment and genotype effects were highly significant in the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, implying that environments are varied and genotypes performed differently in each environment offering a great scope for selecting better adaptive genotypes. Apart from moisture stress, the amount of rainfall received during both the anthesis and grain maturation stages were influenced grain yield through plant height, 1000-grain weight and dry fodder yield. Environment 3 was the best discriminating environment and the hybrids Pratap, 86M86 and NBH 5767 had outperformed the popular open pollinated varieties in ideal conditions. Interpretation: In terms of grain yield,Pusa Comp. 612 and Pratap have proved to be reliable and had a mean higher than the general mean over environments. As a result, Pusa Comp. 612 and Pratap are suggested for large-scale assessment in a wide range of locations in rainfed situations of arid regions. Key words: GT-biplot, Grain yield, Pearl millet, Stability, Trait associations

Feeding Management Practices of Gir Cattle followed in Gujarat, India

The present study was undertaken to collect information on feeding management practices of Gir cattle at Junagadh district and data were ascertained from randomly selected 320 Gir cattle owners through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule from four randomly selected talukas of Junagadh district, Gujarat. Majority of Gir cattle owners (86.88%) followed stall feeding system and most of them (93.44%) cultivated green fodder crops for feeding of Gir cattle. Majority (81.56%) of the respondents fed green and dry fodder as such. Groundnut gotar was the major ingredient (71.87%) used as dry fodder, 84.06 % respondents provided compound cattle feed as concentrate to their milking animals. Only 8.12 % of the Gir cattle owners followed scientific feeding of concentrates. Majority of the respondents fed concentrates to their young calves (80.94%) and heifers (87.5%) after soaking (62.81%) in water. 17.5 % of the respondents supplemented mineral mixture to their Gir cattle.

The Nutrient Dynamics of Major and Minor Nutrients on Pelleted and Unpelleted Dry Fodders

Background: Farmers are facing the challenges to providing adequate availability of feed and fodders to livestock during dry period (lean period) which poses a major threat in livestock productivity. This study delineates, pelleting of feed and fodder helps to meet out the fodder requirement during lean period consequently improving the livestock productivity. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Forage Pelleting Unit, Department of Forage Crops in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from March 2020 to June 2022 to identify the best suitable dry fodder crops for quality pellets production. The laboratory experiment was conducted and laid out in completely randomized block design with 11 treatments and three replications. The treatment consists of D1: Rice straw, D2: Maize stover, D3: Maize husk, D4: Sorghum straw, D5: Ragi straw, D6: Pearl millet stover, D7: Wheat straw, D8: Groundnut haulms, D9: Groundnut shells, D10: Sugarcane tops, D11: Blackgram husk were selected and produced into individual dry fodders pellets. Then, the selected dry fodders were harvested with the help of fodder harvester cum chaffer. The chaffed material was then dried using a solar drier at 70°C for one day to attaining the ideal moisture of 12%. Then, dried materials were grinded by fodder pulverizer and then grinding material was conveyed through conditioning with passing the steam at 60 to 70°C. Then, the conditioning material was passes through a pelletizer with 6 mm die diameter. Result: The observation on macro minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) and micro minerals (cobalt, zinc, manganese) were analyzed by using an Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Emission Spectroscopy. The unpelleted and pelleted dry fodders showed a significant variation in the major and minor nutrients. In this regards, the calcium content recorded higher in groundnut haulms (D8) with 1.027 per cent and whereas ragi straw (D5) were recorded higher magnesium and potassium contents with 0.433 per cent and 2.178 per cent respectively. The minor nutrients like cobalt, manganese and zinc contents varied significantly due to pelleting process. From this study, rice straw (D1) recorded higher cobalt content with 0.378 per cent and whereas, ragi straw (D5) recorded higher zinc content (16.45 per cent) and while, manganese contents were registered higher in pearl millet straw (D6) with 54.88 per cent.