The Right Green Fodders for Your Cattles: Grow these 9 Crops for Nutritious Feeds

Fodder cultivation plays a vital role in providing high-quality nutrition for livestock throughout the year. By growing a diverse range of crops, farmers can ensure a consistent supply of nutritious feeds that contribute to the health and productivity of their animals. In this article, we will delve into the cultivation techniques and benefits of various fodder crops, including Oats, Napier Grass, Ricebean, Deenanath Grass, Guinea Grass, Cowpea, Rina Grass, Para Grass, and Maize or Corn.

1. Oats:

Oats are a nutritious winter crop that can be fed to livestock as fresh green fodder or as hay. They thrive in sandy and well-drained soil. To cultivate oats, the land should be plowed multiple times beforehand. Seeds are typically sown between October and December, with a spacing of one foot between rows. Applying fertilizers during plowing and regular irrigation ensures optimal growth. The first harvest can be expected around 60-70 days after sowing, yielding approximately 30-40 quintals per bigha.

2. Napier Grass:

Napier Grass is a year-round fodder crop that grows well in all types of soil. It can be planted using cuttings or seedlings. Planting is recommended from March to July, with 2-3 bud cuttings inserted at a 45-degree angle in rows. Regular irrigation, weeding, and fertilization contribute to its growth. Harvesting can commence 60 days after planting, followed by subsequent harvests every 45 days. A yield of around 175 quintals per bigha can be expected.

3. Ricebean:

Ricebean, a legume crop, serves as nutritious fodder for livestock, even during dry weather. It can be cultivated in various soil types, with lowlands featuring residual soil water being ideal. Seeds can be scattered or planted in rows with proper spacing. Adequate composting, fertilization, and irrigation are essential for its growth. The first harvest can be done 60 days after sowing, with a yield of 40-45 quintals per bigha.

Also Read: Fodder Beet Cultivation: Reshaping Livestock Nutrition in Challenging Indian Climates

4. Deenanath Grass (Desho Grass):

Deenanath Grass is a high-quality monsoon fodder suitable for cattle. It thrives in wet conditions and well-drained highland soil. Plowing the land and sowing seeds in rows ensure optimal growth. Adding compost and fertilizers during soil preparation, followed by proper irrigation, contributes to its productivity. The first harvest can be done after two months, with a yield of 60-80 quintals per hectare.

5. Guinea Grass:

Guinea Grass is a perennial fodder with high nutritional value. It can withstand dry weather and is particularly abundant during the monsoon season. Planting can be done using seeds or cuttings, and the crop grows best in shaded, damp soil. Adequate fertilization, irrigation, and timely harvesting are crucial for its cultivation. Guinea Grass can be harvested 6-7 times a year, with an average yield of 100-135 quintals per bigha.

6. Cowpea (Lesera):

Cowpea is a Kharif legume crop that thrives in well-drained sandy soil. It is known for its protein-rich and nutritious fodder. Seeds should be sown with proper spacing, and soil preparation should include composting and the application of fertilizers. Irrigation is necessary during dry weather, and the first harvest can be done after 60 days. The yield typically ranges from 30-35 quintals per bigha.

Also Read: How this Farmer Converted 'Almirahs' into High-Yield Fodder Systems for Cattle?

7. Rina Grass:

Rina Grass is a summer fodder crop suitable for humid and moist conditions. It grows well in sandy loam soil and requires proper irrigation. Seeds are sown in rows with adequate spacing. Regular weeding, fertilization, and irrigation contribute to its growth. The first harvest can be expected 50-55 days after sowing, with a yield of approximately 25-30 quintals per bigha.

8. Para Grass:

Para Grass is a perennial fodder crop with high productivity and nutritive value. It grows well in low-lying areas with moist soil. Planting can be done using seeds or cuttings, with proper spacing. Adequate irrigation, fertilization, and timely harvesting are essential for optimal growth. Para Grass can be harvested 6-7 times a year, with a yield of 150-200 quintals per bigha.

9. Maize or Corn:

Maize or Corn is a widely cultivated fodder crop known for its versatility. It can be grown in a variety of soil types but thrives in well-drained loamy soil. Seeds should be sown in rows, with proper spacing and irrigation. Fertilizers are applied during plowing for better yield. Harvesting can be done after 70-80 days, with an average yield of 25-30 quintals per bigha.

Also Read: Focus On Livestock Sector For Income Growth in Indian Agriculture