Challenges and opportunities in utilization of paddy straw as animal feed

Abstract

Paddy straw is one of the important by-products of rice production. Immediately after harvesting the crop, farmers are practicing residue burning for easy and early sowing of the next crop. This results in the vast emission of greenhouse gases and a lot of pollutants into the atmosphere. The residue can be used as a source of animal feed along or by combining with other rations as high lignin and silica content in straw reduces the intake in animals. Some economical treatments like chopping, soaking with water, urea treatment etc, enhance the digestibility and voluntary intake in the animals. This aids in the fight against the fodder crisis with poor quality fodders and environmental pollution.