LFP 211: Livestock Farm Practice (0+1)

LEGUMES

• Legumes are the 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) provided much of the required energy (carbohydrates) for livestock while legumes improve the quality of fodders when mixed with non-leguminous fodders.
• 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.