Supply of Greens Throughout the Year | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Profitable Dairying and Forage Planning

• Dairying Success Depends on Green Fodder:
  • Profitable dairy farming relies on a consistent supply of green fodder throughout the year.
• Feeding Approach Based on Milk Yield:
  • Cows producing up to 9 kg of milk can be sustained on green fodder alone, avoiding the need for additional concentrates.
  • For animals producing over 10 kg of milk, concentrates are provided in addition to green fodder, not as a replacement.
• Agronomic Practices Planning:
  • Agronomic practices must be planned to ensure a steady supply of greens throughout the year.
  • The choice of forage crops depends on the region and the time of the year.
• Forage Cropping Systems:
  • Tables 2 to 5 outline suggested forage cropping systems for different regions in India under irrigated conditions.
  • The cropping system is designed to cultivate crops suitable for the specific area, considering different sowing times for continuous forage supply.
• Availability of Grasses Throughout the Year:
  • Some forages, especially grasses, may be accessible throughout the year, allowing periodic cuttings for consistent availability.
• Preservation through Ensiling:
  • Green fodders can be preserved through ensiling to maintain succulence with minimal nutrient loss.
  • This preserved fodder can be used during periods when fresh green fodder is not readily available.
• Storing for Lean Periods:
  • Storing and preserving green fodder during abundant periods helps bridge the gap when green fodder is scarce.
  • However, the nutritional and appetizing value of stored fodder is not equivalent to fresh green fodder.

Relay Cropping for Fodder

• Fodder Supply from a Hectare of Land:
  • A hectare of land, following a relay cropping system, can provide green fodder for ten animals throughout the year.
• Addressing Seasonal Fodder Challenges:
  • The relay cropping system aims to tackle the issue of seasonal fodder production and bridge periods of scarcity.
  • The scheme achieves a cropping intensity of 300-400% to ensure continuous fodder availability.
• Plot Rotation Scheme:
  • The land is divided into six plots, each following a crop rotation schedule.
  • This plan is effective for areas with average soil fertility and a reliable irrigation source.
• Fodder Types in Relay Cropping:
  • Recommended green fodder varieties like maize, sorghum, and bajra are grown during the summer (July-September).
  • To address lean periods (November-January), summer fodders are conserved as silage.
• Winter Fodder Conservation:
  • Surplus winter fodders like berseem and lucerne are harvested during March-May.
  • They are then conserved as hay or silage for feeding during June-July.
• Combination of Forage Types:
  • The scheme includes a mix of leguminous and non-leguminous forages to ensure high-quality fodder production.
• Harvest Timing Importance:
  • Fodders need to be harvested before reaching maturity to maintain digestibility.
  • Delayed harvesting can reduce the nutritional value of the fodder.
• Ensuring Fodder Quality:
  • The goal is to produce high-quality fodder to meet the nutritional needs of animals throughout the year.