Fodder Production and Grassland Management

INTRODUCTION

• Legumes are most important component of animal fodder in view of their high content of crude protein (20-25%) compared to fodder cereals (8-12%) and fodder grasses (5-10%).
• Non-leguminous fodders (Cereal and grass) provide much of the required energy (carbohydrate) for livestock, while legumes improve the quality of fodders when mixed with non-leguminous fodders. This is by virtue of the high protein content present in the legumes.
• Green fodders of non-legumes are fed in bulk quantities (about 10% of body weight of the animal) whereas that of legumes are fed in small quantities (1-2% of body weight).
• If legumes are fed in bulk, it may create problems like bloat in animals. The following are the choices of leguminous fodder.