<div>Background: India ranks first in global livestock production and it is an important subsidiary enterprise that support more than 75 per cent of the rural community. But fodder production is not well practiced in our country and animals generally consume naturally grown grasses and shrubs which are of low quality in terms of protein and available energy. Hence, there is an urgent need to look for new fodder resources that are sustainable in nature and cover our fodder deficit. Keeping the above in view, the present study has been proposed to evaluate the predominant tree fodders and shrubs of Southern Kerala as a quality livestock feed. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during January-September, 2020 to assess the nutritional value of predominant tree fodders and shrubs in Southern Kerala as a quality feed for cattle. Ten different fodder trees and shrubs that locally fed to the cattle viz., Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), erythrina (Erythrina indica), Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Glyricidia (Glyricidia maculate), Matti (Terminalia elliptica), Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Banana (Musa acuminate) and Mango (Mangifera indica) were selected and analysed for proximate composition, crude fiber and mineral status. 
 
Result: The result revealed that mean values for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and total ash in tree fodders were 37.07&plusmn;4.02, 18.52&plusmn;1.72, 18.56&plusmn;2.07, 4.68&plusmn;0.51, 8.72&plusmn;0.66, respectively. The study also proved that Sesbania grandiflora (Agathi) is nutritionally superior to other tree fodders with high crude protein (25.24%) and lower crude fiber (8.43%) content. The Neutral Detergent Fiber content of fodder tree leaves varied from 17.34- 65.32 per cent and that of Acid Detergent Fiber from 11.10-48.69 per cent. Phosphorus and potassium status of top feeds comes under the range of 0.26-0.93 per cent and 1.0-2.7 per cent respectively. However the highest amount of Calcium as well as magnesium was found in Moringa oleifera (2.75 and 0.60 per cent respectively).</div>

​Nutritional Evaluation of Predominant Tree Fodders and Shrubs of Southern Kerala as a Quality Livestock Feed

Background: A negative impact on livestock productivity and the environment due to accumulation of greenhouse gases, might be mitigated by using secondary metabolic compounds from plants in the form of tannins which potentially proven in reducing the methane production of ruminants. This study aims to explore the Fodder Trees Species (FTS) in terms of nutritional value, energy metabolism content and its potential as an inhibitor of methane gas produced in rumen fermentation.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This research was carried out in two stages. Phase I, evaluation of the nutritional value of the FTS which includes a proximate analysis and analysis of the NDF and ADF fiber fractions components. Phase II, the evaluation of FTS with in vitro gas methods.&nbsp;The study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 6 species of FTS as treatment and 4 replications. Profil GP and metan&nbsp; production are measured at incubation time of 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. DM digestibility, OM digestibility, N-amonia and energy metabolism were measured at the end of in vitro gas study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Species of FTS has varied chemical composition, potential nutritional value and not only provides protein but also a source of energy for ruminant animal. At incubation times of 12 to 24 hours, the production of methane gas from M. oleifera, S. grandiflora and L. leucocephala is greater than that from G. sepium and C. calothyrsus. However, at incubation times exceeding 24 hours, C. calothyrsus produces more methane gas than P. falcataria and G. sepium. The highest levels of N-ammonia are produced by M. oleifera, L. leucocephala, S. grandiflora and C. calothyrsus, while the lowest levels are observed in P. falcataria and G. sepium. P. falcataria and G. sepium found as the potential low methane-producing feeds and have protein characteristic which are resistant to rumen microbe digestion.

Nutritive Value, Energy Metabolism, Organic Matter Digestibility of Some Fodder Tree Species and its Potential as Methane Inhibitor

<div>Background: Indian farmers are facing shortage of green and dry fodders to feed their livestock during dry period (lean period) which possess a major hurdle in improving livestock productivity. This study delineates, pelleting of green, dry fodders and concentraes in order to meet out the fodder requirement during winter/lean period, which will in turn consequently improve livestock productivity. 
 
Methods: The experiments were conducted at Forage Pelleting Unit, Department of Forage Crops in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from December 2020 to June 2022 to identify the best suitable fodder crops for pellets production. Three laboratory experiments laid out in completely randomized block design (CRD) were conducted with three replication. Each experiment of pelletisation had different treatments, viz., experiment I with 13 different categories of green fodder, experiment II with 11 different types of dry fodders and experiment III with 9 types of concentrates.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The observation of physical characteristics (colour and odour) and sensory characteristics (mould) were noted at regular intervals from date of pelleting, 60 days after pelleting, 120 days after pelleting and 180 days after pelleting. The mechanical characteristics such as pellet durability index (PDI) was recorded by using a tumbling can apparatus. The PDI was remained steady over the period of time. In case of pellets made from certain fodder sources, the colour was not the same and odour was not favourable when the pellets were kept for longer duration (beyond 120 DAP). Except for the agathi pellets, cumbu stover pellets and sorghum grain pellets, all other feed pellets were mold-free.</div>

Effect of Storage Period on Physical, Sensory and Mechanical Characteristics of Green Fodders Pellets, Dry Fodders Pellets and Concentrates Pellets

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

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

<div style="text-align: justify;">Field experiments were carried out at Mountain Livestock Research Institute (MLRI), Manasbal, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir, India to study the direct and residual effect of different rates of organic and chemical sources of nutrients on fodder sorghum-fodder oat cropping sequence during Kharif 2008, 2009 and rabi 2008-09, 2009-10. Application of FYM @ 25tonnes recorded &nbsp;higher green fodder yield of sorghum than rest of treatments. The physical optimum dose of direct+residual effect of FYM on fodder sorghum-fodder oat sequence was 25.49 t ha-1 and economic optimum dose 12.63 t ha-1. Applying 120, 80 and 30 (N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1) &nbsp;was found superior in green fodder yield than rest of treatments. However, physical optimum dose due to direct +residual effect of N, P2O5 and K2O on fodder sorghum-fodder oat was 134.19 , 67.07 &nbsp;and 33.54 kg ha-1 &nbsp;and mean total economic optimum dose was found to be 128.0, 64.19 and 32.62 NPK kg ha-1 &nbsp;respectively.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Direct and residual effect of organic and chemical sources of nutrients on fodder sorghum-fodder oat cropping sequence</div>

<div>Background: The study reported in this research is to assess the methane reduction potential of hydroponic fodders and its novel combination with anionic salts on the serum calcium level in transition cows, the period cows are prone to metabolic disorders.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A growth trial of hydroponic fodders to assess the biomass yield and an in vitro gas production study was conducted to assess the methane production on inclusion of different hydroponic fodders with that of conventionally cultivated fodders along with paddy straw and concentrate feed. A feeding trial was also conducted in 16 transition cows (farm and field conditions) to assess the serum calcium level through feeding anionic salts viz., calcium sulphide and magnesium chloride along with hydroponic fodder bajra.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowest methane production was observed in paddy straw, hydroponic fodder bajra, concentrate feed group compared to other treatment groups. Anionic salts supplementation for three weeks prior to calving resulted in significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in the serum calcium levels. In post supplementation, average increase in serum calcium level is 0.93 mg/dl, an increase by 10.80 per cent. Further, feeding cost of anionic salts (Calcium sulphide and magnesium chloride) for three weeks (21 days) is only INR 55.65/-.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</div>

Methane Reduction Potential of Hydroponic Fodders and Combination of Hydroponic Fodder Bajra with Anionic Salts in Increasing Serum Calcium Level of Transition Cows

The locally grown forage grasses are main fodder source for maintaining the indigenous livestock breeds like Dangi cattle and Sangamneri goat in Ahmednagar district. Most commonly observed fodder grass and tree species grazed by livestock were collected from the field. The nutritional quality of these grasses and tree species was determined by undertaking proximate analysis in the laboratory. The local fodder species include Dicanthium annulatum, Setaria intermedia, Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Indigofera cordifolia, Apluda mutica, Cymbopogon martini, Tephrosia purpurea. Among the tree species Melia azedarach, Azadirachta indica, Prosopis julifera, Grewia asiatica, Clerodendrum multiflorum were the major tree species commonly available as fodder source. The nutritional analysis indicated that crude protein content ranged from 5.61 to 15.46%, crude fiber 18.09 to 34.87%, ether extract 1.00 to 3.24%, Ash 6.44 to 21.56 % &nbsp;and silica was less than 5.31%. The grass and tree species found in hilly regions are showing tremendous variation in nutritional composition. This study highlighted the importance of local fodder species including grasses, legumes, bushes and trees in rearing the livestock with low inputs at field conditions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nutritional study of local fodder species in Ahmednagar district of western Maharashtra 
&nbsp;

Background: The profitability of ruminant production hinges on the reliable availability of top-quality fodder. Nevertheless, a concerning issue is emerging: a substantial gap between the supply and demand of fodder. This imbalance predominantly affects small and marginal dairy farmers, who possess limited land. These farmers prioritize cash crop cultivation on their available land while dedicating only minimal space to fodder production. The rising cost of external feed supplements further intensifies the burden, affecting both milk yield and animal health. Inadequate fodder leads to nutritional deficiencies, reduced reproductive efficiency and increased susceptibility to diseases. Ensuring year-round access to diverse, nutrient-rich green fodder is, therefore, essential for improving livestock productivity and farmer income. Integrated fodder production models that maximize yield even in limited spaces can serve as a sustainable solution. Empowering farmers with low-cost, space-efficient techniques for cultivating multiple fodder types can significantly bridge the gap and support resilient dairy farming systems. 
 
Methods: In this regard, to address the prevailing fodder scarcity challenge, Bhagavatula Charitable Trust&ndash;Krishi Vigyan Kendra (BCT-KVK), Anakapalli, has been actively demonstrating a multi-cut fodder production model in a compact area of 10 cents. This model is specifically designed to enable small to medium-scale dairy farmers to access a consistent and diverse supply of green fodder throughout the year in its operational villages across the Anakapalli district. The demonstration plot incorporates a strategic mix of high-biomass-yielding grasses like Super Napier, cereal fodders (such as fodder maize and sorghum) and leguminous fodders (like cowpea and hedge lucerne) thereby ensuring a balanced nutritional profile for ruminants. In addition, tree fodders such as Subabul, Sesbania, Moringa and Glyricidia are planted around the boundaries to serve as a perennial source of green fodder and to provide essential vitamins and minerals. This integrated approach contrasts with the conventional practice of feeding carbohydrate-dominant grasses alone, which often leads to poor nutrient balance, reduced milk productivity and subclinical deficiencies. The model is designed for continuous harvesting and re-growth, ensuring sustainable fodder availability and minimizing the dependency on purchased feed resources. 
 
Result: With the multi-cut fodder production model, farmers obtained average milk yields of 2,500-3,000 litres per lactation in crossbred HF cows. The average milk fat and SNF content were consistently above 4% and 8%, respectively. This improvement is attributed to the year-round availability of nutritious green fodder, which enhanced rumen function, digestion and overall animal health. The inclusion of leguminous and tree fodders helped bridge nutrient gaps, leading to better metabolic efficiency and sustained lactation performance. Farmers also reported reduced dependency on commercial feed and improved profitability per animal due to better feed conversion efficiency and reduced health-related issues. 
&nbsp;

Empowering Small Farmers with the 10- Cent Multi-cut Fodder Model

An experiment consisting of four phosphorus levels (0, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha P2O5) and five zinc levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha ZnSO4) was laid out in &nbsp;randomized block design in factorial mode to find out the effect on yield and quality of fodder cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.)Walp.]. Growth parameters viz. plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf length, leaf width and leaf stem ratio were improved with the application of &nbsp;60 kg/ha P2O5 and 20 kg/ha ZnSO4. Application of 60 kg/ha phosphorus recorded 27.64 t/ha yield, which was 7.50 and 55.6 % higher than 40 kg/ha and no phosphorus application, respectively. Application of zinc in the form of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha increased significantly the green fodder yield (25.89 t/ha). Interaction effect of phosphorus and zinc application was found significant with respect to green fodder, dry matter yield and nutrient uptake. Yield, phosphorus and zinc uptake in cowpea fodder were showing declining trend at combination of application rate more than 60 kg/ha P2O5 and 20 kg/ha ZnSO4.

Effect of phosphorus and zinc nutrition on growth and yield of fodder cowpea

<div>Background: In India, agriculture and animal husbandry are inextricably linked and are essential for livelihood security. Despite the fact that India has the world&rsquo;s largest livestock population, feed and fodder supply is under huge strain, especially as area accessible for fodder cultivation has been shrinking. During the months of March-May and November-February are known as lean periods of fodder production, the supply of green fodder is limited throughout the year in a rainfed condition. Fodder crops develop swiftly and cover the ground surface quickly, even in low-rainfall conditions, producing a significant amount of green fodder while also providing vegetative cover over the land, resulting in resource conserving&nbsp; as well as increased productivity. In this context, the current study was conducted to evaluate various fodder crops, assess their productivity and quality and make appropriate recommendations for semi-arid tropics of India. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were carried out for three years from 2015-16 to 2017-18 at the Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu andhra Pradesh, India, which is located between 14&deg;41&#39;N Latitude and 77&deg;40&#39;E Longitude and an altitude of 350 m. above mean sea level, which falls under the Semi-Arid Tropics. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments (fodder crops) and three replications. The treatments comprised of different fodder crops viz., fodder sorghum, fodder maize, fodder bajra, clusterbean, fodder cowpea, field bean, brown top millet, horse gram and sunhemp. 
 
Result: The current study concludes that fodder bajra, fodder sorghum and fodder maize are potential forage cereals because they can produce more quantity and quality fodder while also ensuring net monetary returns and fodder cowpea and sunhemp are the next best suitable forage legumes under late-sown conditions in the semi-arid tropics of India.</div>