Availability and Requirement of Millet Feed and Fodder for Ruminants in Andhra Pradesh: An Analysis

Author: Sangappa, K. Chandhini, D. Rafi, Laxmi B., Sandhya and E. Charishma

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Abstract

Agriculture and animal husbandry are closely intertwined and mutually dependent on each for promoting food security, rural development, economic growth, building society, and incorporating cultural, religious believes. Mixed farming and livestock rearing play a crucial role in rural life. Livestock plays a significant role in the global agricultural sector, accounting for 40% of its total value. The availability of sufficient quantity of feed and fodder plays a crucial role in affecting the productivity and performance of animals. Availability and requirement of millets as feed and fodder to various livestock population in comparison with different crops of Andhra Pradesh was analysed in this study. The data pertaining to availability and requirement of millets as feed and fodder was collected from 1991 to 2020 by using various sources and availability of millets as feed was calculated by means of crop residues, concentrates and greens. Descriptive statistics and CAGR was conducted for analysing the feed and fodder availability. The dry matter requirement for livestock ruminants was not stable (increasing and then decreasing) but the availability of feed resources was in positive trend with CAGR value of 0.011. Among various feed resources the availability of crop residues showed high positive CAGR value of 0.015. Adoption of millets as fodder to ruminants will balance the feed requirement of livestock. Availability of data was the major challenge faced but with the help of Directorate of Economics & Statistics data was collected and analyzed.

Keywords

Livestock, Feed and Fodder, Millets, Availability, Requirement

Conclusion

Livestock plays a significant role in the Indian economy with 30.5 million people dependent on cattle for their livelihood. Livestock rearing supports the well-being of two-thirds of rural population in India. From the study it could be concluded that crop residues showed the positive trend over last three decades. There is a considerable increase in dry matter availability over the three decades when compared to the dry matter requirement. The dry matter requirement of livestock has increased from 1993 to 2007 and then decreased again due to improper feed efficiency, lack of best alternative feed resources, change in genetic selection and changing environmental considerations. Through best fodder-based millet cultivars, technology dissemination on millets will further increase crop residues availability with the same positive trend and acts as best alternative for feed and fodder for livestock.

References

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How to cite this article

Sangappa, K. Chandhini, D. Rafi, Laxmi B., Sandhya and E. Charishma (2023). Availability and Requirement of Millet Feed and Fodder for Ruminants in Andhra Pradesh: An Analysis. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 999-1007.