Fodder Production Research Articles

Fodder Grasses and Irrigation Strategies: A Pathway to Fodder Sustainability in India

Indian agriculture heavily depends on the livestock sector, which significantly influences the financial system. Fodder, derived from crop residues, cultivated feed, and grazing lands, is a cost-effective nutrient source essential for sustaining the dairy industry. However, India faces severe fodder shortages—63.5% for green fodder and 23.5% for dry residues—exacerbated by rising livestock populations and declining fodder cultivation areas. Low livestock productivity, driven by inadequate feeding and healthcare, compounds the challenge. To meet growing fodder demands, many Indian dairy farmers have turned to cultivating perennial grasses, such as hybrid Napier grass, which provides year-round fodder. Strategic irrigation practices can play a vital role in mitigating water use, improving water-use efficiency, and reducing costs. This article examines the current challenges in fodder production, emphasizing the importance of optimizing irrigation practices to enhance water use efficiency. It explores various irrigation methods, including drip and sprinkler systems, and discusses their impact on fodder crop productivity. The need for high-quality fodder seeds, improved management practices, and innovative irrigation scheduling techniques is highlighted as essential for bridging the gap between fodder demand and supply. Addressing these challenges is vital for improving livestock productivity, supporting small and marginal farmers, and ensuring food security in India.

Perennial Fodder Crops as a Tool for Soil Carbon Management in Agroecosystems

Carbon sequestration, typically referred to as carbon storage is defined as the “long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations and the ocean, which occurs both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic activities”. With respect to agricultural sector, carbon sequestration is viewed as the capability of agriculture lands to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Out of the different ways in play, cultivation of fodder crops turns out to be promising due to its high biomass production, root proliferation, mostly perennial nature, suitability for wastelands and most importantly as the feed for livestock. Restoration of degraded lands, adoption of pasture-based agroforestry systems, inclusion of grasses, sowing of improved forage species, grazing management, nutrient and water management are strategies that aid in improving carbon sequestration in fodder production systems. Perennial fodder grasses and fodder legumes such as alfalfa are excellent for carbon storage as they do not require replanting after each harvest which avoids soil disturbances that usually associate with annual crops. Carbon neutral methods of cultivation is greatly hoped to convert agriculture from a source of carbon to a permanent sink of carbon at a faster pace.

Estimation of corn hybrids of different early maturity by fodder productivity in the conditions of the forest-meadow zone of the Middle Urals

The paper presents the results of assessing the feed productivity of various ultra-early and early-maturing corn hybrids created by the All-Russian Research Institute of Corn. In the Sverdlovsk region, 12 corn hybrids with FAO 140–180 were studied in 2019–2023. The soil of the research site is dark gray, forest, slightly podzolized, heavy loamy. On average, over 5 years, the highest dry matter content is 32.4… 36.1 % were recorded in the FAO 140–150 group, among which hybrids K 140 (35.0 %) and Mashuk 140 (36.1 %) stand out. In the FAO 140 group (K 140, Nur), the starch content in dry matter reached a maximum of 31.1… 30.4 per cent, while for FAO 180 (Sheehan) it was only 24.7 per cent. The maximum productivity on average over the years of research was observed in hybrids FAO 170–180 Mashuk 172 and Shihan (34.8 t/ha). The minimum for hybrids FAO 140 K 140 (26.3 t/ha) and Mashuk 140 (26.5 t/ha). Against the background of heat deficit (2019), the maximum productivity was in the FAO 140–150 groups: K 140 (3.88 t/ha), Nur (4.03 t/ha), Mashuk 140 (3.99 t/ha), K 150 (4.11 t/ha). In terms of the collection of the target component – starch, the highest productivity on average for 5 years was shown by hybrids of the FAO 140–150 group: Nur (2.93 t/ha), K 150 (2.81 t/ha) and Mashuk 140 (2.68 t/ha). It has been established that that in the conditions of the Middle Urals, from the set of hybrids bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Corn, the highest fodder productivity is – K 140, Nur, Mashuk 140, K 150.

Assessment of BxN Hybrids for Fodder Productivity in South Gujarat, India

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bharuch, Gujarat to evaluate eight Bajra x Napier (BxN) hybrids viz. BNH-10, BNH-11, CO-5, CO-6, DHN-5, DHN-15, Phule Jaywant, and Phule Gunwant for their fodder yield potentials and quality parameters over three years (2021-2024). A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the experiment. The pooled results of three years revealed that significant variations were observed in hybrids investigated. The hybrid BNH-11 consistently and significantly outperformed other tested hybrids, demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters, including plant height (143.25 cm), tillers per plant (26), leaf-to-stem ratio (1.14), green fodder yield (207.05 MT ha⁻¹), dry matter yield (80.36 MT ha⁻¹) and crude protein yield (6.06 MT ha⁻¹). Phule Gunwant closely followed BNH-11, performing on par across all evaluated parameters. These findings indicate that BxN hybrids exhibit substantial potential for fodder production, supporting their use in sustainable livestock farming systems in the region.

Improved Agronomic Practices on Enhancement of Quality Forage Production for Livestock Farming

The lack of nutrient-rich fodder and forage is one of the problems of livestock farming. Adequate tillage operations, timely and suitable water management, weed management, insect pests and disease management, fertilizer management, seeding at the proper time and seed rate, timely harvesting, and other agronomic techniques can all help to increase the nutritional content and yield of fodder and forage crops. A number of research and review papers have been systematically reviewed in this study. The use of tillage practices such as primary, secondary, conventional, and deep tillage enhances dry matter and yield of green fodder as compared to zero tillage. The organic matter (OM) content and dry matter (DM) of fodder crops are increased by regular and appropriate irrigation. The DMD (dry matter digestibility) and CP (crude protein) contents of early harvested forages are higher than those of late harvested forages. The application of nitrogen promotes crop development and growth, increasing the production of green fodder and improving its quality. Intercropping is essential for increasing the yield of fodder crops. Compared to sole cropping of maize and cowpea, the yield is found higher in intercropping of maize + cowpea. The production and quality of fodder are decreased by late seeding. The management of insect pests and diseases enhances the production and quality of fodder and forage. Thus, we draw the conclusion that fodder and forage crops production and their quality parameters are greatly influenced by agronomic practices.

Biomass tables and allometric equations for predicting the fodder and fuelwood production of prominent tree resources in agricultural landscapes of the mid-hills of the North-Western Himalayas

Biomass tables and allometric equations for predicting the fodder and fuelwood production of prominent tree resources in agricultural landscapes of the mid-hills of the North-Western Himalayas

Evaluation of Brachiaria Decumbens Production by Humus Plus Mycograss Biofertilisers Effect

Objective: This research was carried out in Pichincha Province, San Miguel de los Bancos Canton, San Bernabe Sector, in which the agronomic performance of Brachiaria decumbens was evaluated, by applying different levels of humus: 2, 4, 6, and 8 ton/ha plus 4 kg/ha of mycorrhizae, compared to a control treatment (T0). Theoretical Framework: Producers around the world have taken up organic agriculture with intensive crops, not only in products for human consumption but also in the production of pasture and fodder for animal feed, because it has been proven that the use of biofertilisers such as humus and mycorrhizae improve the physical and nutritional conditions Method: 20 experimental units were used with an area of 25 m2, each with 4 replicates giving a total area of 500 m2. The distribution of treatments was performed through a complete randomized block design with four replications (RCBD). Results and Discussion:When the results were evaluated, the best production was achieved, when using 8 ton/ha of humus more than 4 kg/ha of mycorrhizae in pastures, showing in the first and second cutting the plant height in 30 days (53.40 and 65.85 cm), coverage area during 30 days (91.44 and 91.06 %), production of biomass grass (3.16 and 9.95 ton/ha), and dry matter production (0.55 to 1.75 ton/ha) respectively. When using 0 ton/ha of humus with 4 kg/ha of mycorrhizae in the second replicate, a benefit/cost of 1.24 was obtained; with a profitability of 24%. Thus It is recommended to use 8 ton/ha of humus with 4 kg/ha of mycorrhizae because their profitability was better in the production. Research Implications: In the fight against climate change, the use of synthetic fertilisers has been the subject of objections from the scientific community. For this reason, a new front of work is opening up in the search for strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of chemical fertilisers with a high carbon footprint. Originality/Value: The relevance and value of this research are very important at level to Ecuador as an alternative to replace the use of synthetic fertilizer in pastures.

Uncovering service gaps and patterns in smallholder dairy production systems: A data mining approach

Traditional clustering algorithms have often been used to categorize farmers but tend to overlook the underlying reasons for these groupings. Typically, clusters are formed based on common metrics such as dispersal and centrality, which provide limited insights into the relationships among key attributes. This study introduces an innovative approach using pattern and association rules analysis to better understand the characteristics of dairy production clusters. Focusing on Tanzanian smallholder farmers, the research moves beyond identifying clusters to uncovering the hidden relationships within them. Through pattern analysis, the study logically examines the behavioral mechanisms that define these clusters, highlighting service gaps that, if addressed, could enhance smallholder dairy farmers' productivity. Frequent patterns with support ranging from 57 % to 93 % and confidence levels between 85 % and 100 % were identified, revealing critical challenges faced by these farmers. For instance, farmers using Artificial Insemination—typically younger or new entrants—face constraints related to farm size, land holdings, fodder production, lack of farmer groups, and insufficient formal training in dairy care. Meanwhile, seasoned farmers deal more with institutional barriers such as limited access to marketplaces, extension services, and distant water sources. The study highlights the diverse challenges faced by different farmer groups and provides strategic recommendations for improving dairy productivity. Enhancing access to formal training, improving fodder production, supporting the formation of farmer groups, and addressing institutional barriers are key actions that could help Tanzanian smallholder dairy farmers increase milk yield and overall productivity.

Unveiling the Genomic Symphony: Identification Cultivar-Specific Genes and Enhanced Insights on Sweet Sorghum Genomes Through Comprehensive superTranscriptomic Analysis.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a multipurpose crop grown for food, fodder, and bioenergy production. Its cultivated varieties, along with their wild counterparts, contribute to the core genetic pool. Despite the availability of several re-sequenced sorghum genomes, a variable portion of sorghum genomes is not reported during reference genome assembly and annotation. The present analysis used 223 publicly available RNA-seq datasets from seven sweet sorghum cultivars to construct superTranscriptome. This approach yielded 45,864 Representative Transcript Assemblies (RTAs) that showcased intriguing Presence/Absence Variation (PAV) across 15 published sorghum genomes. We found 301 superTranscripts were exclusive to sweet sorghum, including 58 de novo genes encoded core and linker histones, zinc finger domains, glucosyl transferases, cellulose synthase, etc. The superTranscriptome added 2,802 new protein-coding genes to the Sweet Sorghum Reference Genome (SSRG), of which 559 code for different transcription factors (TFs). Our analysis revealed that MULE-like transposases were abundant in the sweet sorghum genome and could play a hidden role in the evolution of sweet sorghum. We observed large deletions in the D locus and terminal deletions in four other NAC encoding loci in the SSRG compared to its wild progenitor (353) suggesting non-functional NAC genes contributed to trait development in sweet sorghum. Moreover, superTranscript-based methods for Differential Exon Usage (DEU) and Differential Gene Expression (DGE) analyses were more accurate than those based on the SSRG. This study demonstrates that the superTranscriptome can enhance our understanding of fundamental sorghum mechanisms, improve genome annotations, and potentially even replace the reference genome.

Effect of fortified pine needle biochar on green fodder yield, nutrient uptake of oat and soil properties

In the Himalayan region, the low green fodder supply to livestock necessitates agronomic interventions, including the use of fortified pine needle biochar, a viable option for slow-release nutrients, to enhance fodder oat production, improve soil health, and safely manage the abundant pine needles that pose a fire risk. In a greenhouse study, the effect of different levels of pine needle biochar (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.11 and 0.22 % of soil weight) fortified with 0, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF, 80 kg N: 60 kg P2O5: 40 kg K2O ha−1) was examined on the green fodder yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of oat, and general soil properties and extractable nutrients. Application of 0.02 % biochar fortified with 75 % RDF gave a fodder yield (56.9 g pot−1) which was 46.6 percent higher than the control (38.8 g pot−1) but statistically similar to the yield with 100 % RDF alone (54.9 g pot−1). The highest fodder yield (72.0 g pot−1) was recorded with 0.22 % biochar fortified with 100 % RDF. Higher doses of biochar without fortification decreased the N concentration but increased the K concentration and brought no significant change in P concentration in the fodder oat. Biochar fortified with 75 and 100 % RDF enhanced the uptake of N, P, and K by fodder oat. The moderate levels of biochar (0.02 and 0.04 %) fortified with 75 % RDF and all levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF decreased soil pH while higher levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF increased soil EC and organic C. The treatments receiving the highest level of biochar addition (0.22 %) with 0 % RDF, 0.11 and 0.22 % biochar fortified with 75 % RDF and all levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF significantly increased soil extractable N, P and K after crop harvest except for K under 0.22 % biochar fortified with 100 % RDF. Pine needle biochar fortified with RDF helped to achieve higher oat fodder production and maintain soil fertility than solo application of biochar or chemical fertilisers.

Impact of Harvest Age on Corn (Zea Mays) Fodder Productivity

Corn fodder is simply seeding corn kernels that are sown until the age of 8-13 days. The harvest age of corn fodder is one way to regulate plant productivity factors. The regulation of the harvest age will affect regrowth, so it is very important to pay attention so that corn fodder plants can provide optimal production in both quantity and quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of differences in harvest age on the productivity of corn (Zea mays) forage. This study used the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications, namely T1 (harvest age 7 days), T2 (harvest age 14 days), T3 (harvest age 21 days) and T4 (harvest age 28 days). The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass. The results showed that the average height of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) was T1; 1.11, T2; 4.96, T3; 8.30 and T4; 10. The average number of leaves of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 0.34, T2; 1.30, T3; 1.30 and T4; 2.3. The average wet biomass of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 197.67, T2; 249.33, T3; 246 and T4; 241.67. The average dry biomass of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 35, T2; 47, T3; 45 and T4; 41. The conclusion of this study is that corn fodder with different harvest age variations has a very significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass.

Impact of Variations in Rabbit Urine Fertilizer Dosage on Corn Fodder (Zea mays) productivity

Corn is a ruminant animal feed with high vegetable protein and carbohydrate values. Because corn growers need a large area of land, one alternative is corn fodder. The application of corn fodder is very simple, harvests quickly and saves land. To support the growth of corn fodder, adequate nutrition is needed. Rabbit urine organic fertilizer contains high levels of N, P and K nutrients to increase plant productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of different doses of rabbit urine on the productivity of corn fodder (Zea mays). The method in this research is the research method used in this research is the Completely Randomized Design Method (CRD) which consists of 4 treatments, namely the concentration of rabbit urine fertilizer. Rabbit urine fertilizer concentrations consisted of 7 ml, 14 ml and 21 ml. Harvested on day 14. The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the use of rabbit urine fertilizer in corn fodder at the average plant height P0=10.32 P1=11.85 P2=11.44 P3=13.67. The mean number of leaves P0=1.64 P1=1.73 P2=1.69 P3=1.81. The mean for wet biomass P0=57.37 P1=71.14 P2=74.09 P3=86.65. The average dry biomass, namely P0=6 P1=11 P2=11.40 P3=17.40. The conclusion from this research is that corn fodder given rabbit urine fertilizer has a very significant effect (P<0,01) on plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass.

Enhancing Bio-Fertilization Potential of Introduced Hedysarum Species Through Indirect Root Inoculation: Implications for Agro-Ecological Sustainability in Arid Lands

Saharan soils are devoid of Rhizobium bacteria specific to the Sulla plants which is indispensable for nitrogen fixation and soil fertility. The present study aims to test the possibility of formation nodules on the roots of some species of Hedysarum (Sulla) genus introduced in Ghardaïa region with indirect inoculation in the reason to optimize the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Three soil samples were chosen from three different districts of Algeria (Tizi-Ouzou, Sétif and El-Tarf) to be used as substrate and source of bacterial strains for three different species of Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium, Hedysarum carnosum, Hedysarum flexuosum). The results showed the formation of a considerable number of nodules in all treatments. The effect of species and samples of soils on the studied parameter was highly significant (p<0.000) at the 5% significance level. All cultivated species in the soil of Sétif could form significant more nodules compared to other soils. The disparity in the average number of nodules formed in the soil of Sétif represents a rate of 78.75% compared to the soil of Tizi-Ouzou. This study could contribute to improve fodder production of Sulla species cultivated in Ghardaïa region and also provides a forage rich in protein for local livestock.

Bases of the adaptive system of fodder production for dairy cattle

Bases of the adaptive system of fodder production for dairy cattle

Assessing the Early Establishment and Adaptability of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions of Punjab, Pakistan

In Punjab, Pakistan, more than 60% expenditure incurred on the feeding of livestock and offered low quality forage thus affecting the productivity of milk and meat. The less production of livestock oriented products often results malnutrition in the society. An effort was made to evaluate the Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) early growth and its adaptation to rainfed and irrigated environments. The main objective of this study is to provide important new information for sustainable fodder production systems. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design with seeds obtained from Korea and was carried out in the winter of 2023 in both rainfed Chakwal and irrigated Sargodha zone of Punjab. The plant's response to varying soil conditions and water availability was evaluated by measuring a range of growth parameters, such as plant height, population density, root and shoot biomass, root length, and the root-shoot ratio. The results show that there are significant differences between rainfed and irrigated locations as established by the statistical analysis. Italian Ryegrass in irrigated plots showed higher mean plant height (43.75 cm), higher plant population (317.50 plants/m²), higher shoot biomass (7.425 g/plant), greater length of roots (5.950 cm), and a lower root-shoot ratio (0.1135) than in rainfed areas. Additionally, the study provides data on soil profiles that show differences between the two locations in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The findings provide important information for enhancing Italian Ryegrass cultivation in Punjab's various agro-ecological zones, given the critical role fodder feed plays in supporting livestock and agriculture. The study provides the basis for well-informed farming practices by highlighting the importance of water management strategies to improve fodder production during scarcity period and, by consequently, animal nutrition in the area.

Technological status of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) fermentation to increase the protein value of its fodder

Objective: To analyze the state-of-the-art technology and the application of the fermentation process, in order to increase the protein value of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), as a source of fodder, in three technological levels. Design/Methodology/Approach: The technological parameters and mechanization level of three fermenters —employed to increase the protein value of prickly pear fodder— were characterized. The conceptual technical analysis was determined through quantitative and qualitative indicators, based on mathematical expressions and equations. Results: Quantitative indicators showed a fermentation technology with limited efficiency, which provides an opportunity for technical improvements. Findings/Conclusions: The application of fermentation technology results in significant savings in water, soil, and fertilizer resources. Furthermore, it provides an alternative for fodder production and food security for livestock in the semi-arid region of Mexico.

Optimizing weed control methods to enhance seed yield and economic returns in fodder oats production

Optimizing weed control methods to enhance seed yield and economic returns in fodder oats production

Principles of rye breeding for low content of water-soluble pentosans in grain

Winter rye is the second cereal crop after wheat. Rye exceeds other cereals in terms of nutritional value due to the high content of lysine, methionine, valine, as well as the balance of other essential amino acids in its protein. The direct use of baking rye grain as an animal feed is limited by the presence of water-soluble pentosans (arabinoxylans) in it. Therefore, the creation of low-pentosan rye with highly nutritious grain is a very perspective direction in the grain feed cultivar breeding. Under the leadership and with direct participation of Vladimir D. Kobylyansky, a technology for breeding multiple-use low-pentosan rye was worked out at the N.I. Vavilov VIR in 2004-2021. A relationship between the low pentosan content and grain coat thinness has been revealed. For the first time, an effective method of low-pentosan genotypes identification by selecting thin-coat grains has been developed. This method was used to study 562 accessions from the VIR collection represented by cultivar populations, weedy and wild rye. It has been established that the number of thin-coat grains in a sample varies from 12 to 70%, depending on the accession. Varieties with the highest frequencies of low-pentosan genotypes can be used as initial material for breeding. The dependence of low content of water-soluble pentosans in grains on the expression of recessive alleles of the gene/genes responsible for the manifestation of the trait has been revealed. To create grain feed cultivars, it is proposed to use the method of cumulative intrapopulation crosses and the method of pairwise cross-pollinations of the plants with indicator ears. As a result, new cultivar populations of low-pentosan rye for universal use have been created, namely ‘Vavilovskayaʼ, ‘Bereginyaʼ, ‘Podarokʼ, ‘Yantarnayaʼ, ‘Krasnoyarskaya Universalnayaʼ, ‘Novaya Eraʼ, and ‘Argaʼ. These cultivars are characterized by a low, as in wheat, genetically determined content of pentosans. They have been evaluated in the main rye growing regions, tested as raw material for fodder production and bread baking, and found to match the previously released commercial (bread) cultivars in terms of yield. The baking properties of new cultivars do not exceed those of bread rye. The use of low-pentosan cultivars in animal diets eliminates the problem that exists when feeding them with bread rye grain. These cultivars have no analogs in the world; they are listed in the State Register for Selection Achievements Admitted for Usage (2023).

MARKET OF PRODUCTS OF THE FEED INDUSTRY IN TODAY'S CONDITIONS

The article is devoted to the study of the state and prospects for the development of the feed industry market in Ukraine. The main reasons for the unstable activity of subjects of compound feed production, such as the high sensitivity of the market to changes in the grain industry, the limitation of the available raw material base, the lack of high-tech production in the necessary volumes, the constant increase in costs for the production of compound feed products, the insufficient development of the market infrastructure, the lack of sufficient solvent demand. The war in Ukraine affected the demand for compound feed products, production, sales, and logistics. The article provides statistical data of the Ukrainian market in 2022–2023 on the volume of compound feed production and the prices of compound feed components, namely grain and oil crops. Considering the export problems in Ukraine, raw materials are competitive in price policy. This situation is favorable for the Ukrainian production of compound feed, which, in turn, allows to increase the production of animal husbandry products . State influence in the direction of vertical integration makes it possible to control the beginning of the production chain, primarily grain producers to ensure the sale of agricultural products, protection from price fluctuations in raw materials markets, and flexible response to consumer requests. State stimulation of research and innovation , such as providing financial support and incentives for research in the field of compound fodder production, will contribute to the development of new technologies , improvement of feed quality, and increased competitiveness . To date, compound feed producers have overcome infrastructure challenges associated with the loss of logistics chains, damaged businesses, and demonstrated positive development trends and sustainable economic performance.

Effect of Diet on Carcass and Meat Quality in Rabbits

A trial was conducted to assess the growth performance of Soviet Chinchilla rabbit under different feeding regimes at Livestock Farm Complex, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai-51. Thirty Soviet Chinchilla weaned bunnies of both sexes aged around six weeks were randomly selected and divided into three groups namely T1 (Guinea grass + Concentrate), T2 (Hydroponic Maize + Concentrate) and T3 (Hydroponic Cowpea +Concentrate). All the groups were reared under similar intensive system of management. The dressing percentage of rabbits in T1, T2 and T3 were 59.40±0.87,60.20±1.50 and 61.20±0.97 respectively. There was no significant difference in dressing percentage between the treatment groups. The meat bone ratio in T3 was significantly higher than T1 and T2. The carcass characteristics did not differ between the treatment groups. It is concluded from this study the hydroponic fodder production technology can be recommended for broiler rabbit production in urban, peri-urban areas where land availability for fodder production is a constraint.