Livestock feed and fodder resources of India and strategies for their judicious utilization: A review

Abstract

Livestock production has been an integral part of Indian agriculture and this scenario is not likely to change in the near future. For sustenance and growth of the livestock sector in the country it is essential that the feed resources be utilized efficiently since the feed cost accounts to almost 60-70% of the total cost of rearing of the animals. Livestock in India are mostly dependent on the crop residues as their staple diet and any interventions for bringing about changes in the feeding systems has to essentially look in to this aspect. The present potential availabilit)~ of dry roughages, greens and concentrates in the country is to the extent of 393.38,462.05 and 35.32 million tonnes respectively. Contrary to the expactatio, adequate feed resources are available in the country, at least in terms of quantitative availablity However, a wide gap still exists in terms of qualitative parameters. For drawing out any short-term or long-term plans/ stratagies for enhancing the productivity of Indian livestock, it is imperative that an inventory of the available feed resources has to be drawn out meticulously and such information as to be updated periodically. Several improved feeding strategies are being adopted looking in to the production parameters of the livestock and the feed resources available.Subtle changes in the feeding systems, which are cost effective and region specific have to he brought in for enhancing the production performance of our livestock.