Track 2-1-1: Grazing Systems, Grassland Restoration and Livestock Production
Description
In Odisha, underfeeding of the livestock is the primary reason for decrease in production potential of the animals. On an average a desi cow of the state yields 0.214 kg of milk per day. The neglected calf management for generations also reduced the body weight of bullocks gradually. Low productivity of the indigenous and crossbred cows in the state is the absence of proper feeding material for them. The fodder availability in the state is ill matched to the livestock population. Out of the total greenfodder availability, contribution of cultivated green fodder is only 2.83% and majority (97.17 %) is available through grazing in permanent pasture, forest, cultivable wasteland and other fallow land. Due to heavy pressure on land resources, the possibility of increasing forage production by bringing more areas under fodder crops is remote and under such a situation, natural fodder resources on which majority of the livestock depends for grazing, bears a future for sustainable development. There are several herbs/grasses suitable for a variety of land situations, which provide feeding to about 98% of animals in rural Odisha. These grasses are naturally grown on field bunds, river/canal embankments, forest areas, hilly slopes and swampy areas, which are palatable and have a potential for improving the health and productivity level of livestock. The rural people without any harmful effects are so far feeding these grasses to the animals. These perennial grasses can be exploited either in their present productivity level or can be genetically manipulated for higher performance.
Included in
Biodiversity Conservation of Indigenous Grasses to Meet Fodder Deficit in Odisha
In Odisha, underfeeding of the livestock is the primary reason for decrease in production potential of the animals. On an average a desi cow of the state yields 0.214 kg of milk per day. The neglected calf management for generations also reduced the body weight of bullocks gradually. Low productivity of the indigenous and crossbred cows in the state is the absence of proper feeding material for them. The fodder availability in the state is ill matched to the livestock population. Out of the total greenfodder availability, contribution of cultivated green fodder is only 2.83% and majority (97.17 %) is available through grazing in permanent pasture, forest, cultivable wasteland and other fallow land. Due to heavy pressure on land resources, the possibility of increasing forage production by bringing more areas under fodder crops is remote and under such a situation, natural fodder resources on which majority of the livestock depends for grazing, bears a future for sustainable development. There are several herbs/grasses suitable for a variety of land situations, which provide feeding to about 98% of animals in rural Odisha. These grasses are naturally grown on field bunds, river/canal embankments, forest areas, hilly slopes and swampy areas, which are palatable and have a potential for improving the health and productivity level of livestock. The rural people without any harmful effects are so far feeding these grasses to the animals. These perennial grasses can be exploited either in their present productivity level or can be genetically manipulated for higher performance.
