This study evaluates the nutritional and mineral profiles of the leaf parts of five fodder plant species with the highest use reports (UR): Acer pictum (34 UR), Berberis lycium (30 UR), Bromus japonicus (31 UR), Cynodon dactylon (34 UR), and Rosa webbiana (36 UR). These plants were collected from the high-altitude Batseri village in the Kinnaur district of the Western Himalaya. Nutritional characteristics were analysed using standard methods, and mineral content was determined through ICP-MS. The findings revealed a significant decline in traditional knowledge of fodder plants among younger generations, driven by societal modernization. This highlights the urgency of documenting traditional knowledge along with the nutritional and mineral profiles of fodder plants in the region. The study highlights the dependence of rural communities in the Western Himalaya on these plants and the pressing need for conservation strategies to safeguard them from extinction in the fragile cold desert ecosystem. The analysis showed that the leaves of these plants are rich in essential minerals, including N, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. These findings suggest that the evaluated fodder plants not only serve as vital forage but also hold potential as nutritional supplements for livestock, contributing to sustainable livestock management in the region.

Nutrition, Minerals, Forage, Batseri, Tribal community, Use report

The study evaluated the nutritional and mineral profiles of five commonly used fodder plants from Batseri village in the Kinnaur district of the Northwestern Himalaya, revealing their significant potential for sustainable livestock management. The findings demonstrated that these plants are rich sources of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, and critical minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. Among the species studied, Berberis lycium exhibited the highest protein and nitrogen content, while Rosa webbiana stood out for its high moisture levels, which could extend shelf life and reduce contamination risks. The research highlights the importance of these indigenous plants as dietary supplements to address nutritional deficiencies in livestock. However, the study also highlights challenges such as declining traditional knowledge due to modernization and reduced interest among younger generations. This knowledge erosion poses a risk to the conservation of these valuable fodder resources. To mitigate these challenges, the study calls for urgent documentation and scientific validation of traditional practices. Integrating this knowledge with modern agricultural and veterinary systems can enhance livestock productivity and biodiversity conservation in fragile ecosystems like the cold deserts of the Himalayas. Overall, the findings emphasize the dual role of these fodder plants in providing nutritional support and contributing to the ecological sustainability of pastoral systems, reinforcing the need for focused conservation strategies and community-driven initiatives.

Sharma, Niharika, Radha, Gogari, Samar and Pant, Nutan (2025). Nutritional and Mineral Analysis of Selected Fodder Plants from Northwestern Himalaya. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 16(1): 08–13.