Validation of ten-cent model fodder plot for sustainable ruminant production

Abstract

Fodder quality and availability are major determinants in profitable ruminant production system. Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Tamil Nadu and other related institutions promote fodder production through several schemes and projects. Intensive fodder production through promotion of sustainable fodder production model under irrigated condition is one among them. The objective of the present study was to validate the fodder production potential of the ten-cent model for livestock feeding. In livestock farm complex Madhavaram, ten-cent model fodder plot was established with Hybrid Napier grass variety Co (BN) 5 in 4 cents area; fodder maize (African Tall) in 1 cent; fodder sorghum (CoFS 31) in 2 cents; fodder cowpea (Co 8) and Velimasal (Desmanthus virgatus) in 1.5 cents area each; Agathi (Sesbania grandiÀora) and Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) were cultivated as boundary plantation. Standard agronomical management practices were adopted during the study period (15 months) and fodder was harvested at specified intervals. The total biomass yield realized was 9918 kg. The average yield/cut (kg) of Co5, sorghum, maize, cow pea, Desmanthus and Agathi/Subabul were 1340.0, 264.6, 160.0, 178.0, 71.0 and 98.0 kg respectively. Highest fodder yield was noticed during south west monsoon season (2492.0 kg) followed by north east monsoon season (1796.5 kg) and lowest yield noticed in summer season (1465.0 kg). The total CP and TDN yield (on dry matter basis) of ten-cent model fodder plot, estimated from available standards were 1121.71 kg and 5586.58 kg respectively during the study period. The results of this study revealed that quantity and quality of fodder harvested from the ten-cent model fodder plot can support one cattle or five goats for a year. It is possible to sustain one cow or five goats through fodder production in the ten-cent model fodder plot.