Green Fodder Production Research Articles

RESPONSE OF BARLEY FORAGE PRODUCTION AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS TO ADDING AZOLLA UNDER HYDROPOIC SYSTEM

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) matures faster and more evenly under a hydroponic system than a conventional soil based system. Supplemented Azolla (Azolla Pinnata) to hydroponic system as an aquatic free floating fern provides protein with all essential amino acid which is required for animal nutrition. So, this investigation aimed to evaluate green fodder production and inhibition of root rot fungi under hydroponic conditions for barley. The experiment has been conducted under temperature and artificial illumination at growth room of Soilless Culture Laboratory, Sadat city University, Egypt. The results showed that green fodder can be produced in 8 days using hydroponic technique. Trays treated with Azolla gave more green fresh yield (11.8 kg/tray) than untreated ones (7.2 kg/tray). Adding Azolla increased of protein, N, P and K content percentages by 28.7, 0.98, 0.82 and 0.70 %, respectively, as compared to no addition of Azolla. There is no disease incidences were achieved with treated by Azolla as compared to 26.0 % with those untreated by Azolla. It could be concluded from this study that adding Azolla to hydroponic barley forage production improved green forage yield and its chemical analysis

Fodder productivity and profitability of different maize and legume intercropping systems

The current trend in global agriculture is to search for highly productive, sustainable and eco-friendly cropping systems. Intercropping of cereals with legumes is a recognized practice for economizing the use of nitrogenous fertilizers and increasing the productivity, quality, and profitability particularly in commercial grain crops but possibilities of fodder production in these intercropping systems is less explored. Availability of green fodder with improved quality to animals is the key to success of dairy enterprises and it is difficult to maintain the health and milk production of the livestock without supply of the quality green fodder. The growing of fodder crops in mixture with legumes has potential to improve palatability and digestibility of fodder (Kumar et al. 2018, Kumar et al. 2016). It is fact that about 65-70% of the total cost of livestock farming is attributed to feeding. However, green fodder production is a good way in order to curtail the cost on feed and fodder resources for sustainable livestock production. At present, the country is facing a net deficit of 35.6% green fodder, 10.95% dry crop residues and 44% concentrate feed ingredients. At the current level of growth in forage resources, there will be 18.4% deficit in green fodder and 13.2% deficit in dry fodder by the year 2050 (Anonymous 2015). The main objective of intercropping has been to maximize use of resources such as space, light and nutrients as well as to improve fodder quality and quantity. When legumes are used as intercrops, they provide beneficial effect on soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, improving physical, chemical and biological properties. Hence, present study was undertaken in order to to assess the productivity, soil nutrient status and economics of different forage maize-legumes based intercropping systems.

Cows fed hydroponic fodder and conventional diet: effects on milk quality.

The technology of green fodder production is especially important in arid and semiarid regions. Hydroponics improves on average the amount of crops in the same space, as traditional soil-based farming and can reduce water consumption compared to traditional farming methods. Limited research has been carried out on the use of hydroponic fodder and milk quality.A comparative study of traditional (Malta farm) and hydroponic fodder (Gozo farm) was conducted in Malta with 20 cows of the Holstein–Friesian breed from two farms. Individual and bulk-tank milk samples were collected once a week for a period of 1 month in order to evaluate physical (pH, conductivity, density, freezing point) and chemical (fat, protein, ash, lactose, solid nonfat) parameters as well as mineral (Zn, Cu, Pb, Ba) content. Milk proximate and physical data were processed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and an ANOVA procedure with farm and time as effects for minerals.The results indicated differences in fat content and pH, showing higher values () in milk samples of cows fed with the hydroponic rather than the traditional fodder; a significant time effect () was found in all qualitative analyses except for lactose and salts. Minerals were in the range as reported elsewhere; Cu and Pb content was significantly higher () in the Gozo farm than the one in Malta, whereas Zn content showed higher values in Malta () than Gozo. Although the proximate results were similar for both farms, except for the higher fat content for the Gozo farm, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that milk quality for the Gozo farm was superior to that of the Malta farm. However, further studies are needed to determine the effects of different hydroponic fodder using a large herd size.

Caracterización nutricional y de producción de biomasa de Sambucus peruviana, Sambucus nigra y Morus alba en un banco forrajero

Los bancos forrajeros son estrategias de cultivo de especies arbustivas en altas densidades de siembra que permiten garantizar la disponibilidad de alimento destinado a rumiantes en las fincas. Por ello, se evaluó la producción de hojas y la calidad nutricional de morera (Morus albaL.), tilo (Sambucus peruviana) y sauco (Sambucus nigra L.) sin fertilización en Boyacá (2700 msnm) en un diseño completamente al azar. Se realizó un análisis de varianza (Anova) y donde hubo diferencias significativas se aplicó la prueba de Tukey (p<0.05). Los resultados fueron, área foliar por planta de 81,82 ± 0,01cm2,131,37± 0,01cm2, 89,98± 0,01cm2; peso de forraje verde individual 1,73 ± 0,05 kg, 2,23 ± 0,05 kg, 1 ± 0,04 kg; materia seca (MS)30,8±0,05%, 20,2±0,06%,20,1±0,06%; proteína cruda (PC) 14,62±0,01%, 14,2±0,06%,13,4±0,05%; extracto etéreo (EE)0,85±0,01%, 1,8±0,05,1,4±0,05%; cenizas (CEN)8,6±0,05%, 1,8±0,05%, 10,07±0,01%;fibra cruda (FC) 18,97±0,01%, 17,92±0,18 %,17,8±0,05%; fibra detergente neutra (FDN) 37,8±0,05%, 29,9±0,05%,23,1±0,05%; fibra detergente ácida (FDA) 29,4±0,05%, 47,3±0,05%, 34,8±0,05%, para morera, tilo y sauco respectivamente. La biomasa y calidad nutricional varió por especie destacándose tilo con la mayor producción de forraje verde (6,9 ton/ha) y proteína de 0,19 ton/ha (p<0,05).

Low-Cost Hydroponic Fodder Production Technology for Sustainable Livestock Farming during Fodder Scarcity

Availability of quality green fodder has always been a challenge to livestock farmers. The green fodder deficit in India is reported to be 24.81%, which is mainly due to the decline in pasture lands in the urbanization era and vagaries in monsoon 1 . Conventional fodder crops are grown in soil which involves large land area, more manpower and huge amounts of water 2 . Alternative means to ensure fodder production for feeding livestock is an urgent priority. Hydroponic fodder production is one such technology to increase green fodder production by vertical farming which requires less land, water as well as manpower. The term ‘hydroponics’ was derived from the Greek word ‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labour. This system helps overcome the challenges of climatic change and also helps in production system management for efficient utilization of natural resources and mitigating malnutrition 3 . Hence, the present study was envisaged to assess the feasibility of low-cost techniques using six experiments in a low-cost hydroponic fodder unit for the production of hydroponic green fodder for sustainable livestock farming during fodder scarcity.

Variations in Round-the-Year Fodder Production in a Low-Cost Hydroponic Shed

The objective of this study was to evaluate four forage crops, i.e. maize, wheat, cowpea and rice bean, for green fodder production under a low-cost hydroponic shed. The experiment was conducted under temperature-controlled condition, irrigation by micro-sprinkler and closed chamber by green agro-shed net cover. The result showed that green forage can be produced in 8 days from planting to harvesting using hydroponic technology. On overall basis, maize produced the highest quantity of green fodder per kg seed (8.40 kg) round the year, followed by wheat (7.11 kg), rice bean (6.75 kg) and cowpea (6.58 kg). The yield from maize and cowpea did not vary significantly with season, whereas wheat gave better yield during Rabi and rice bean during Kharif and summer.

Nutritional Benefit and Economic Value of Hydroponics Fodder Production Technology in Sustainable Livestock Production Against Climate Change - A Mini-Review

In many parts of the world, production of sufficient green fodder and grain to feed the livestock population has become a big challenge. This is due to limited land allocation, fertilizer and manure requirements for cultivation, lack of irrigation facilities and natural calamity. To overcome this problem, hydroponics fodder production technology is an emerging as alternative to grow sufficient quality fodder and some parts of concentrate in livestock farms. Hydroponic fodder production is a method of fodder production, in which fodder seeds are germinated into a high quality, highly nutritious, disease free animal food in a hygienic environment. It is also more palatable and digestible and can be grown in low cost devices with locally home grown grains. Moreover, it is advantageous in terms of nutritional benefit and economic value, constant food supply year-round, marginal land use, reduced labour requirement and natural feed for animals. However, there is a big gap and no adequate compiled information that clearly indicates the importance of hydroponics fodder production for sustainable livestock production against climate change. Therefore, it is important to review the aspect thoroughly and bring minor details into focus to have better understanding of hydroponics fodder production for sustainable livestock production against climate change.

Фізіологічний стан та біохімічні показники крові ремонтних телиць при використанні в раціонах тритикалево-викової сумішки

In order to create a stable food supply, increasing the volume of livestock production and improving its quality, high-yielding forage crops are used for the production of green fodder, silage, haylage and hay. But the priority of these crops in terms of land use efficiency, the reduction of energy costs, labour and material resources do not sufficiently take into account. Because of this, the aim of study was to find out the impact of green mass triticale vetch mixtures on the metabolic processes in the body of replacement heifers. The researches were conducted in, AF «Dniester» Arziz district, Odessa region on the replacement heifers of Ukrainian Red Dairy breed. The experiment on breeding replacement heifers from 8 to 12 months of age was lasted to 90 days. The difference in feeding was that the experimental group of animals were fed on hay and green fodder from triticale vetch mixtures and control one - on hay and green fodder triticale. Before feeding hay and green fodder were evaluated by organ leptically method. During the experiment food of high quality that meets the requirements of the first class both in the control and experimental group was used. Hay and green fodder contained nutrients essential for all animals: protein of high quality, easily to enzymatic carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins (especially rich in carotene and vitamins E and B complex), minerals and biologically active substances. Besides green fodder has dietary properties. The dry matter of green fodder for energy and nutrient content of digestible protein is similar to the concentrated feed, while for biological value and the content of biologically active substances it is considerably dominant. Nutritive value of green mass depends on the phase of vegetation, the botanical composition of grass, on climate conditions and soils. Passing the phases of vegetation the content of protein and fat are decreased in plants and the amount of fiber and MAR are increased. In the early stages of vegetation it is characterized by a higher concentration of energy and digestibility of nutrients, higher content of digestible protein, fat, starch, sugar, micro minerals and vitamins. Blood for researches was taken from the jugular vein in three groups of animals in the morning before feeding. Studying the biochemical composition of blood, the amount of phosphorus, calcium, carotene, reserved alkalinity, total protein were investigated. Amount of phosphorus in the blood serum was determined by Brix and the amount of calcium – by trylonometrychnyi method. Carotene content in blood serum was determined by Rachevskyi calorimetric method, alkalinity – by Nevodova (Smirnov, Konopelko, & Postnikov, 1981). The total amount of protein in the serum was determined by refractometres method on refractometr RLU. Physiological parameters of heifers body in all groups were within the permissible limits. Body’s temperature ranged from 38 to 38,6 o C, pulse rate from 77 to 82 per minute, respiration 25-29, rumination 48-51, large differences were not observed between animals. Heifers had normal hair but the animals of the experimental group had hair with a specific shine. It was found that the use of triticale vetch mixtures in the diets of replacement young animals of experimental group has resulted in comparison with the control animals to the calcium’s increase in blood by 3.19%, inorganic phosphorus by 2.48%, carotene by 11.3%. The total protein in the heifers blood of experimental group was higher by 5.19 g / L compared with the control group. These data indicate more intensive metabolism of young cattle under the influence of the investigated factors - feeding triticale vetch mixtures. Carried out researches have shown that the addition of triticale vetch hay and green fodder mixtures in the heifers diets (in phase of budding and flowering) did not cause a violation of physiological state, metabolic and harmful effects on the body as a whole.

EVOLUTION OF SOME EGYPTIAN STRAINS BARLEY CULTIVATORS FOR GREEN FODDER HYDROPONIC SYSTEM AND PREDICTION DIGESTIBILITY VALUES BY IN-VITRO DAISYII INCUBATOR

The hydroponic under Egyptian condition take more attention in the last decade. The experiment was conducted under net house in intensive hydroponic system and replicated three times during January and February 2017. The study was done to evaluate vegetative characteristics and quality properties of produced sprouting of six barley cultivars (Giza123,126,127,128,129 and130). The results observed that the sprouting can be produce in 8 days from planting to harvest using hydroponic technique under the net house conditions. The Highest green barley fodder was recorded with Giza 127 followed by 129 which gave 6.98, 6.83 Kg, respectively compared with other strain. The results indicated that the highest value of fresh sprout: seeds weight ratio was recorded significantly by Giza 127 followed by Giza 129 compared to the other four cultivars. The crude protein values in several green fodder barley species significant (P<0.05) increase (the range from 11.56 to 13.45%) compared with its grains (the range from 9.58 to 12.60%). The highest values CP% in green fodder barley recorded with (Giza 127) was (13.45% on DM basis). There were a significantly (P<0.05) increase for CF% between green fodder barley species (the range from 9.93 to 14.36) in 8- days sprouting compared with the several original barley grains (the range from 5.67 to 8.85%). Also, the EE were significant increased except (Giza 129 and Giza 130) were decreased. The highest significant values NDF was recorded (37.47%) with (Giza 123) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species, but ADF was recorded (17.93) with (Giza 127). The highest significant values ADF and acid insoluble ash were recorded (5.91 and 1.78) with (Giza 130) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. The highest significant values hemicellulose was recorded (20.85%) with (Giza 123), celluloses was recorded (12.63%) with (Giza 126) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. however, significant increased NDF-cell soluble was recorded (80.88) with (Giza 130). The parameters of nutritive values are predication from chemical composition observed significant increase of DCP between seed barley and several cultivator Green fodder barleys except Giza (129) and (130). The highest result values of DCP cultivator Green fodder barley was recorded with (Giza127) the value increase from7.67% in seed to 8.44%in sprouting. The DDM and DMI were significantly decrease in all several cultivator Green fodder barleys compared with seed barley. Also, several cultivator Green fodder barley productions observed significantly decreased of TDN in all strains compared with its seeds. The parameters of energy values are predication from chemical composition of Egyptian barley for seed (Giza 128, Giza 127, Giza 130, Giza 129, Giza 126, and Giza 123) and it green fodder production observed significantly decreased of GE, NEL, NEM, NEg, DE and ME in all strains barely green fodder production compared with its seeds. Except the highest result prediction growth energy were recorded with seed Giza (129) compared with other barley strains, the values increase from 1.58 to 1.6 (MJ/Kg DM). Apparent dry matter and true dry matter digestibility by determination In-Vitro DaisyII incubator. The values in all several barleys green fodder was significant increase compared with its seeds. The highest values of seed barley were recorded with strain (Giza129) compared with other seed strains. Also, the best significant (P<0.05) values of data barley for green fodder production recorded with strains (Giza 129) compared with other strains (Giza 128, Giza 127, Giza 130, Giza 126, and Giza 123). Finally, the best significant (P<0.05) values of apparent dry matter and true dry matter digestibility of green fodder production was observed with strains (Giza129). The obtained results indicated that the highest values of economic production and profit were gained by Giza 127 and Giza 129 which gave 39.8 and 38.3LE/m2, 7.1 and 7.0 respectively with constant of other production costs. Conclusion This process takes place in a very versatile and intensive hydroponic growing unit, where only water and nutrients are used to produce a grass and root combination that is very highest values in nutrients, in physical characteristics, in digestibility analysis, high in protein and production costs. The best result recorded with Sprouted barley yield using Egyptian barley Giza 129 barely cultivar could be used animal’s diets as hydroponic green forage in short period (8 days – 3.5 production cycles /month) any time from year. Under the conditions of this experiment, the fodder strains (Giza 129) best results indicated could be used animal’s diets. These feeds are suitable for use at all types and categories of animals.

MODELING OF THE THERMAL LOADS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION IN HYDRPONICS SPROUTS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Sprouting green fodder production systems (SGFPS) are considered highly condensed agro-industrial systems in terms of electric energy consumption. Therefore, price rising or scarcity of electric energy of the traditional source “Public Network of Electricity” constitutes critical issue in the SGFPS management. Additionally, engineering criteria to determine the technical specifications of suitable electric solar system (ESS) as an alternative source of energy are not found. Therefore, the research main objectives were to construct mathematical model, to determine the thermal loads, to determine the best alternatives of energy conservation, and to develop an engineering criteria to specify suitable ESS. To execute these objectives a mathematical model was constructed and used in the determination of type and quantity of the thermal loads. Statistical trial was designed and executed to determine the best alternative for energy conservation. Engineering criteria were developed to determine the technical specifications of the ESS. The results showed that: The mathematical model is valid to use. The thermal equilibrium is going for cooling direction. The cooling loads are located between 5915.3 and 7739.9 BTU/h. The thermal properties of the building materials are responsible on saving 65% of the thermal loads. Operations management is responsible on saving 35% of the thermal loads, and the engineering criteria should be effective in order to determine the technical specifications of the electric solar energy source to reduce the reliance on conventional source “Public Network of Electricity” (PNE).

DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF SMART VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR MANAGING THE BIOENVIRONMENT OF THE HYDRPONICS SYSTEMS

From the technical, environmental and economic perspectives, using air conditioning systems (ACS) to manage the bioenvironmental conditions inside the sprouting chambers is considered a common mistake. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to design and evaluate a smart evaporative cooling system for executing efficient ventilation and conserving a suitable bioenvironment. Multi-stage smart evaporative cooling system (MSECS) was designed and installed to manage bioenvironment conditions inside the chamber. This system consists of Multi-stage evaporative cooling unit, smart control unit and air exhaust unit. To evaluate the proposed ventilation system two types of trials were executed. The first deals with temperature uniformity through the chamber and the second deals with production quantity and quality. Dry bulb temperature Tdb was measured, analyzed and drawn to study the temperature uniformity. Three levels of relative humidity ratios RH% and three types of multi-stage smart evaporative cooling systems were studied through complete randomize trial. Physical and chemical properties of the green fodder production were laboratory measured and statistically analyzed. The trials results statistical and graphical analysis revealed that: (1) Using MSECS with four exhaust fans led to significant decrease at (p<0.05) in the Tdb variance comparing with the ACS. (2) Using MSECS with one or two exhaust fans hasn’t significant effect at (p<0.05) on the Tdb variance comparing with the ACS. (3) Using MSECS with four exhaust fans led to in-crowd and uniformity of Tdb contouring lines comparing with the ACS. (4) Using MSECS with four exhaust fans led to significant increase at (p<0.05) in the desired properties of the green fodder such as percentage of dry matter Dm and crude protein Cp, and the in desired properties such as percentage of crude fiber Cf and Ash. Therefore, the research conclusion is substitution of the ACS by smart MSECS with four exhaust fans for managing the bioenvironmental conditions of sprouting chambers at Tdb 20oC and RH75%.

Influence of Sustainable Fertilization on Yield and Quality Food of Mountain Grassland

The semi-natural grasslands in Romanian mountains are particularly important for the sustainable development of this region. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of mineral and manure fertilization upon the sward in order to recommend certain versions which have minor repercussions upon the plant diversity. In this study, we examined the influence of organic and mineral fertilizers on the production, biodiversity and quality of green fodder. The experiment was set up in mountain grassland of Festuca rubra L. and Agrostis capillaris L., during five years. In the experiment was evaluated the effects of management treatments on productivity, biodiversity and quality of the forage grass. The rate applications of fertilizers determine the number of species and the rate of production. The small quantities of organic and mineral nutrients (10 t·ha-1 manure and 30 kg·ha-1 nitrogen) can lead to larger yields while at the same time, improving biodiversity conservation and the quality of forage. Using a low input-based management system can be a solution that will lead to higher yields and contribute to biodiversity conservation and the good quality of the forage. In conclusion the use of a fertilizer management regime based on small quantities of organic and mineral nutrients can lead to larger yields while at the same time, improving biodiversity conservation and the quality of forage.

Economic evaluation of green fodder crops in comparison to other crops in Punjab

The present study was conducted in three agro-climatic zones of Punjab state viz., sub mountainous zone, central plain zone and south western zone for assessing the profitability of various green fodder crops and other competing crops. It was observed from the study consisting of a total sample size of 120 farmers growing green fodder and other competing crops that the profitability from crop rotation based on green fodder crops was little higher than the predominant paddy-wheat rotation. Among the important kharif fodder crops, bajra fodder was the most profitable with overall profit of ` 49, 111/ha compared to paddy with profit of ` 64, 925/ha. The profit from berseem was observed to be ` 78, 918/ha which is the main fodder crop in rabi season. The main competing crop in this season was wheat with profit of ` 57, 584/ha. Therefore, there is need to create awareness among the farmers to shift some area from paddy-wheat rotation to enhance green fodder production.

SUCCESSIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE DEFICIT WATER RESOURCES IN HYDOPONICS AND SOILLESS GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION

Maximization of water use efficiency (WUE) in green fodder production in the arid regions is considered critical issue for overcoming the limitation of water resources. Therefore, three experiments were executed using electric controller system to manage the deficit water resources inside hydroponics and soilless green fodder production system. Single, double, and triple programs for water management were applied in the first, second, and third experiments respectively. Irrigation intervals “4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and14h” and irrigation durations “30, 45, and 60sec.” were used as main variables in these experiments. The consumed water, fresh weight of the produced green fodder, dry matter weight, dry matter percentage, water use efficiency and germination percentage were taken as main indicators. The statistical analysis of the results revealed that water use efficiency values for the best treatment in the first, second, and third exponent are 49.11, 79.92 and, 109.01 ”gram of dry matter /liter of water” respectively. Therefore, applying triple successive programs “60 sec. per 6h in the initial period, “45 sec. per 10h in the intermediate period” and “30 sec. per 12h in the final period” is considered the best management of the deficit water resources inside hydroponics and soilless green fodder production systems.

Determinación de lisina, triptófano y proteína en germinados de maíz criollo y QPM

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la lisina, triptófano, proteína y rendimiento de forraje verde en maíz QPM y criollo. El trabajo se realizó en el CINVESTAV e Instituto Tecnológico de Roque, Celaya, México, en el año 2014. Se evaluaron dos genotipos de maíz, uno de alto contenido de proteína (QPM) y otro normal. La producción de forraje verde se realizó de acuerdo al método de la FAO (2001). Se realizaron muestreos a los 9, 11, 13, 15, y 17 días después de la siembra y se tomaron como variables la altura de plántula, peso fresco, materia seca, lisina, triptófano, proteína y rendimiento de forraje. El rendimiento de forraje verde alcanzó sus valores más altos a los 17 días, el criollo 25.4 kg m-2 y QPM 27.14 kg m-2. Para el contenido de lisina y triptófano el valor más alto se determinó a los 13 días en ambos genotipos, 0.55 y 1.17% y 1.18 y 0.56%, respectivamente. Asimismo, se concluye que la proteína del maíz QPM fue más alta a los 17 días con un valor de 19.86% y para el maíz criollo a los 15 días con 14.45%.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Analysis of Farmers’ Information Needs on Fodder Production

Fodder situation in India is extremely precarious and gap between its demand and availability is very wide. However, fodder production is profitable to livestock farmers. A study was therefore conducted to know fodder shortage experienced by livestock farmers, farmer’s information source consultancy pattern and analyse their information needs on fodder crops cultivation in Karnataka covering under 4 agro-climatic zones, 4 districts, 4 taluks, 12 villages and 120 farmers’ selected using stratified random sampling. The mean green fodder deficiency was comparatively more in hilly zone followed by coastal zone, northern transition zone and northern dry zone. Progressive farmers/farmer’s friends from own or neighbouring villages were consulted very often by the respondents to seek information. Information need on ‘Green fodder production throughout the year’ was ranked first by the farmers of all the zones. Extension functionaries of these zones should educate farmers on methods to produce green fodder throughout the year.

Socio-economic Characterisation and Dairy Production System Maintained by Women Milk Producer Cooperative Societies in Indian Sundarban Region

The present study was undertaken to characterise socio economic pattern of WMPCS members and analyse small holder dairy production system including its constraints in the Indian Sundarban. A total of 160 respondents from six development blocks were interviewed with a pre tested questionnaire. 74.4 per cent of the farmers had age between 20–45 yr and 88 per cent of them were married, which reflects young and energetic attitude of the farmers. 46.9 per cent of the farmers had only primary level of education.63.5 per cent of the WMPCS members belonged to low income group (Rs 2500/--5000/-), evidently, net income from sale of milk by WMPCS members was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of informal dairy farmers. Herd size per household varied between 1.46 to 1.87 total livestock units (TLU); non-descript Indian zebu was the pre-dominant breed. 37.6 per cent respondents used artificial technique for breeding purpose. FEAST computer program was used to analyse feed resources of the area and it was found that the small holder dairy production system entirely depend upon grazing with little supplementation of concentrates. In the lean months of winters, residues of leguminous crops as well as mangrove leaves were used as fodders. Milk production of different cattle breeds varied significantly (P<0.01) and milk yield from cross-bred Jersey was maximum (1652 l/lactation). Principal constraint was lack of green fodder production for dairy farming.

Producción y calidad del forraje de tres variedades de yuca bajo tres densidades de siembra

Una limitante de la ganadería, de la región Caribe colombiana es la disminución de la producción y calidad del forraje en épocas de sequía o de lluvias. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la producción y calidad del forraje de tres variedades de yuca (SM 2546-40, SM 1511-6 y SM 2081-34) bajo tres densidades de siembra (40.000, 55.000 y 70.000 plantas ha-1 ) y tres edades de cosecha (75, 90 y 105 días). El experimento se realizó en el Centro de Investigación Turipaná-Corpoica, en 2011, bajo un diseño de parcelas subdivididas, con tres repeticiones. Se evaluaron las producciones de forraje verde (PFV), materia seca (PMS), proteína bruta (PPB), contenido de proteína bruta (CPB), fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente acida (FDA) y cenizas. En el periodo húmedo (mayo-agosto), la PFV y PMS fue 150% más alta que en el seco (enero-abril) y, la de proteína 100% mayor. La variedad de yuca SM 2081-34 produjo mayores PFV y PMS, y menor contenido de FDA. En las tres densidades de siembra las PFV y PMS fueron similares, pero con 55.000 y 70.000 plantas/ha, la PPB fue más alta. A los 105 días, se obtuvieron mayores PFV, PMS y PPB; mientras que, a los 75 días, el forraje presentó menores contenidos de FDN y FDA, y mayor contenido de proteína (CPB). A los 105 días, el contenido de cenizas fue más alto. La variedad SM 2081-34 produjo más materia seca y proteína a los 105 días con 55.000 plantas ha-1 . Palabras clave: Yuca forrajera, materia seca, proteína bruta, fibra detergente ácida.

Reuse of fish pond sediments as fertilizer for fodder grass production in Bangladesh: Potential for sustainable intensification and improved nutrition

Intensive aquaculture systems (e.g. pangasius farming) make important contributions to food security in developing countries, including Bangladesh, but are associated with a variety of negative environmental impacts, including the discharge of nutrient rich sediments into local ecosystems. The present study consists of laboratory based analysis of the nutrient content of pangasius pond sediments (PPS), a trial of the efficacy of reuse of PPS as fertilizer to produce para grass as a green fodder for dairy cattle, and a comparative assessment of the economic viability of para grass production in rice fields using PPS to support small-scale dairy farming operations, thereby removing a major constraint to the growth of commercial dairy production in Bangladesh. PPS had significantly higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulfur than rice plot soil, and was a highly effective fertilizer for para grass cultivation. Production of green fodder for dairy cows using PPS yielded a higher rate of return than rice production. The indirect integration of aquaculture with agriculture through the reuse of PPS as fertilizer for green fodder production has significant potential to contribute to sustainable intensification and nutrition security goals, by improving the efficiency of nutrient use in aquaculture, reducing local environmental impacts associated with sediment disposal, and increasing the production of micronutrient rich milk.

Performance of lucerne (Medicago sativa) under semi-arid ecosystem of Central Gujarat

The present study was conducted to popularize the improved green fodder production technology in Panchmahals district of Central Gujarat. Constraints in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) production were identified through participatory approach. Preferential ranking technique was utilized to identify the constraints faced by the farmers in lucerne production. The results revealed that lack of suitable HYVs, scarcity of irrigation water, weed (Cuscuta spp.) infestation and lack of technical knowledge were found to be the four most important factors responsible for the non-adoption of HYVs of lucerne in Panchmahals district of Gujarat. The yield of green fodder from lucerne in demonstrated variety Anand 2 was 610 q/ha as compared to local check (395 q/ha). The percentage increase in the yield over local check was computed to be 54.43.Results of study on economic analysis of the yield performance revealed that the front line demonstrations (Anand 2) recorded higher gross returns (Rupees 91 500/ha) and net return (Rupees 64 500/ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (3.39) as compared to local check (2.61). Mean difference with respect to farmers’ knowledge level after implementation of frontline demonstrations increased with the tune of 37.20. The impact of frontline demonstrations was also analyzed which had reflected significant improvement in knowledge and satisfaction level on the part of farmers.