&nbsp;A field experiment was conducted at Forage Research and Management Centre, NDRI, Karnal during Kharif season of 2014 and 2015 to study the effect of zinc application on productivity and quality of fodder maize. The treatment consists of two fodder maize cultivars African tall and J-1006 in main plot and six zinc sulphate treatments viz. No zinc sulphate, 10 kg/ha &nbsp;ZnSO4 as basal dose, 20 kg/ha &nbsp;ZnSO4 as basal dose, 0.5% &nbsp;one foliar spray &nbsp;of ZnSO4 at 30 DAS, 0.5% &nbsp;two foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 and 45 DAS and 10 kg/ha &nbsp;ZnSO4 as basal dose+0.5% &nbsp;one foliar spray at 30 DAS in subplots of split plot design. Soil and foliar applied zinc sulphate had significantly improved green fodder, dry matter yield and quality parameters viz leaf length, leaf width, leaf stem ratio of both the cultivars tested. From the results of two year study, it can be concluded that maize fodder productivity and quality can be enhanced with Zinc fertilization.

Enhancing productivity and quality of fodder maize&nbsp;through soil and foliar zinc nutrition&nbsp;

Growth and development of huge livestock population of Kachchh is dependent on availability of quality fodder. The quality fodder shortage can be partially met out by cultivating grasses-legumes in intercropping systems. Therefore, this study with the aim of identifying best grass-legume intercropping system for enhanced quality fodder production was undertaken in randomized complete block design with three replications at Bhuj Gujarat, India. Dicanthium annulatum in combination of Clitoria ternatia and Stylosanthes hamata recorded 8096 and 8040 kg ha-1 fresh herbage and 4665 and 4622 kg ha-1 dry matter yield, respectively. Further, Dicanthium annulatum+Clitoria ternatia and Dicanthium annulatum+Stylosanthes hamata resulted significantly maximum crude protein yield, 685 and 668 kg ha-1, respectively over rest of the treatments. Thus, it may be concluded that &nbsp;Dicanthium annulatum (DA) grass based intercropping systems are the best grass-legume intercropping system for enhanced quality fodder production for the arid condition of the Kachchh for overall development of livestock sector.&nbsp;

Enhanced quality fodder production through grass-legume intercropping under arid eco-system of Kachchh, Gujarat

Nutrient management is one of the most important factors in crop production. The review of  knowledge regarding the use of optimum dose of nutrients especially nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc is of prime concern. The literature regarding effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc on growth, yield and quality of kharif fodder is very scanty, therefore, findings of this paper and views of active investigators, theoreticians and practitioners on growth, yield and quality of kharif fodders viz. teosinite, maize, bajra and sorghum will be useful.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc fertilization on yield and quality of kharif fodder -A review

<div>Background: In India, agriculture and animal husbandry are inextricably linked and are essential for livelihood security. Despite the fact that India has the world&rsquo;s largest livestock population, feed and fodder supply is under huge strain, especially as area accessible for fodder cultivation has been shrinking. During the months of March-May and November-February are known as lean periods of fodder production, the supply of green fodder is limited throughout the year in a rainfed condition. Fodder crops develop swiftly and cover the ground surface quickly, even in low-rainfall conditions, producing a significant amount of green fodder while also providing vegetative cover over the land, resulting in resource conserving&nbsp; as well as increased productivity. In this context, the current study was conducted to evaluate various fodder crops, assess their productivity and quality and make appropriate recommendations for semi-arid tropics of India. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were carried out for three years from 2015-16 to 2017-18 at the Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu andhra Pradesh, India, which is located between 14&deg;41&#39;N Latitude and 77&deg;40&#39;E Longitude and an altitude of 350 m. above mean sea level, which falls under the Semi-Arid Tropics. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments (fodder crops) and three replications. The treatments comprised of different fodder crops viz., fodder sorghum, fodder maize, fodder bajra, clusterbean, fodder cowpea, field bean, brown top millet, horse gram and sunhemp. 
 
Result: The current study concludes that fodder bajra, fodder sorghum and fodder maize are potential forage cereals because they can produce more quantity and quality fodder while also ensuring net monetary returns and fodder cowpea and sunhemp are the next best suitable forage legumes under late-sown conditions in the semi-arid tropics of India.</div>

Productivity and Quality of Fodder Crops under Late-sown Conditions in Semi-arid Tropics of India

Livestock is the backbone of agriculture, in spite of that, its performance is poor with low productivity, the reason is lack of nutritious fodder in sufficient quantities that reduces milk production in cattle and causes health issues. The nutritional quality and yield of fodder crops can be improved by using appropriate agronomic practices such as adequate tillage operations, proper/timely water management, weed management, nutrient management, sowing at the right time with the right seed rate, timely harvesting and so on. In this review paper, several research and review papers have been studied to understand the impact of different agronomic practices on quality and productivity of fodder crops. When compared to zero tillage, the use of tillage operations such as primary, secondary, conventional and deep tillage increases dry matter and green fodder yield. Irrigation at critical phases and on a frequent basis boosts the organic matter (OM) content and dry matter of feed. In comparison to late harvesting, early harvested forages have higher DMD (Dry matter digestibility) and CP (crude protein) content. Nitrogen application certainly fostered crop growth and development resulting in higher green fodder yield with improved fodder quality. When it comes to raising the DMD % of fodder crops, intercropping is crucial. DMD % in intercropping of Maize + cowpea (2:1) is higher as compared to sole maize and sole cowpea. Fodder yield and quality are reduced as a result of late sowing. Therefore, we conclude that agronomic interventions have a significant impact on the primary and secondary quality characteristics of fodder crops. As a result, proper methods for improving nutritional quality and overall crop productivity should be implemented in the fields.

<div>Impact of Agronomic Management Practices on Quality and Productivity of Fodder Crops: A Review</div>

<div>Background: India ranks first in global livestock production and it is an important subsidiary enterprise that support more than 75 per cent of the rural community. But fodder production is not well practiced in our country and animals generally consume naturally grown grasses and shrubs which are of low quality in terms of protein and available energy. Hence, there is an urgent need to look for new fodder resources that are sustainable in nature and cover our fodder deficit. Keeping the above in view, the present study has been proposed to evaluate the predominant tree fodders and shrubs of Southern Kerala as a quality livestock feed. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during January-September, 2020 to assess the nutritional value of predominant tree fodders and shrubs in Southern Kerala as a quality feed for cattle. Ten different fodder trees and shrubs that locally fed to the cattle viz., Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), erythrina (Erythrina indica), Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Glyricidia (Glyricidia maculate), Matti (Terminalia elliptica), Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Banana (Musa acuminate) and Mango (Mangifera indica) were selected and analysed for proximate composition, crude fiber and mineral status. 
 
Result: The result revealed that mean values for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and total ash in tree fodders were 37.07&plusmn;4.02, 18.52&plusmn;1.72, 18.56&plusmn;2.07, 4.68&plusmn;0.51, 8.72&plusmn;0.66, respectively. The study also proved that Sesbania grandiflora (Agathi) is nutritionally superior to other tree fodders with high crude protein (25.24%) and lower crude fiber (8.43%) content. The Neutral Detergent Fiber content of fodder tree leaves varied from 17.34- 65.32 per cent and that of Acid Detergent Fiber from 11.10-48.69 per cent. Phosphorus and potassium status of top feeds comes under the range of 0.26-0.93 per cent and 1.0-2.7 per cent respectively. However the highest amount of Calcium as well as magnesium was found in Moringa oleifera (2.75 and 0.60 per cent respectively).</div>

​Nutritional Evaluation of Predominant Tree Fodders and Shrubs of Southern Kerala as a Quality Livestock Feed

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of incorporating high value fodder on the productive performance of experimental Prim Holstein cows in lactation.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This supplementary feed ration is composed of a mixture of green grass silage and meadow hay. The effect of this incorporation on milk production and cheesemaking quality was studied on a batch of twenty-five high-lactation cows in experimental stalls. 
 
Result: Physico-chemical analysis showed that concentrate and hay are energy-dense feeds, with the highest dry matter and crude cellulose content However, the fodder ration is richer in crude protein and minerals. Evaluation of the chemical composition of milk in the high-lactation phase revealed a significant difference between the experimental batch and the control batch in terms of protein, dry matter and urea content, but no difference was observed in terms of fat, lactose and mineral content. Analysis of production performance data clearly showsed that the fodder ration significantly improved milk production and technological milk quality. The use of green fodder remainsed effective in improving milk production performance and the cheese-making quality of the milk. Technological milk coagulation times have been optimized to ensure the correct orientation of the targeted cheese matrices.

Effect of the Incorporation of a High Food Value Fodder Ration on the Cheesemaking Quality of Milk

Background: The rising demand for sustainable farming practices, especially in regions with constrained land and water resources, has led to the spread of hydroponic systems for green fodder production. Cereals are commonly used in these systems due to their high adaptability, biomass production and ability to meet livestock energy requirements. However, integrating legumes into these cereal-based systems offers potential nutritional benefits, such as increased protein content and improved feed digestibility, which are essential for optimizing livestock productivity. 
 
Methods: This study evaluated the effects of co-cultivating barley and triticale with various legumes (common vetch, forage pea, soybean and sunn hemp) on the yield and quality in hydroponic fodder production. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications, involving mixture ratios of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% legumes. Some parameters were evaluated: vegetation height, forage yield, dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, metabolizable energy, digestible dry matter, dry matter intake, relative feed quality and some mineral contents (Ca, Mg, K, P). Data were analyzed using ANOVA to determine significant effects of treatments. 
 
Result: The inclusion of legumes, particularly at 5% and 10% mixture ratios, significantly improved forage yield and key quality traits, such as crude protein content, digestible dry matter, metabolizable energy and relative feed value. Mixtures containing 10% legumes consistently performed best, balancing yield and quality traits. Both barley- and triticale-based mixtures containing 10% soybean and forage pea demonstrated the most promising results, offering high yields and a favorable nutrient composition. Legume supplementation also increased mineral content while reducing neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, thereby improving overall digestibility. Additionally, triticale was also found to be a suitable substitute for barley in hydroponic systems. These findings suggest that the co-cultivation barley and triticale with legumes can enhance the nutritional composition and productivity of hydroponic fodder, providing a sustainable solution for livestock feed production.

Yield and Quality Effects of Co-cultivating Barley and Triticale with Legumes in Hydroponic Fodder Production

<div>Background: Bio-recycling of crop residues is contemplated as an environment friendly soil enrichment and conservation practice that sustains agricultural productivity in the long run. Legume residues are privileged by the unique nitrogen fixing capacity and rhizospheric properties that enhance soil fertility, thereby reducing the need for chemical nutrient inputs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the residual effect of red gram on fodder maize cultivated as succeeding crop in the southern laterites of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. 
 
Methods: The field experiment to assess the effect of red gram residue incorporation on the growth and yield of fodder maize was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during June - August 2019. Fodder maize (African tall) was sown in the plots after incorporation of crop residues of red gram varieties (APK 1 and Vamban (Rg) 3) grown under different planting geometry (40 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm) and NPK doses (40:80:40, 30:60:30 and 20:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) and compared with the package of practices recommendation and in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significantly higher quantities of red gram residues were realised and incorporated in the treatments involving a planting geometry of 40 cm x 20 cm and an NPK dose of 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 in both varieties used, Vamban (Rg) 3 and APK 1 (T7 and T1).&nbsp; Nutrient contents in the residues and decomposition in T1 and T7 resulted in the maximum additions in soil, available N, P and K status and dehydrogenase activity. Evaluation of the residual effects of the legume on fodder maize revealed the significantly highest growth and yields in maize raised with chemical fertilizers as per package recommendation and, among the residue incorporated treatments, maximum plant height and fodder yields were recorded in the treatment in which residues of Vamban (Rg) 3 raised at 40 cm x 20 cm spacing and fertilised with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1&nbsp; were incorporated, on par with variety APK 1 raised under same management practice. The green fodder yield with residue incorporation was 80-90 per cent that under chemical fertilizer managed treatment. Among the quality parameters, crude protein (9.30%) was the highest with chemical fertilizer application while carbohydrate content (66.23%) was the lowest.</div>

Residual Effects of Red Gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: The present study investigated the effect of lopping schedules and stump heights on the growth, fodder yield and quality of dual-purpose barley to optimise fodder production from existing cropping patterns in Punjab during winters. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: An experiment was carried out during the rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the agriculture farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab with 10 treatments viz., T1: No lopping, T2: Lopping @ 30 DAS + 1-inch stump height, T3: Lopping @ 30 DAS + 2 inches stump height, T4: Lopping @ 30 DAS + 3 inches stump height, T5: Lopping @ 45 DAS + 1 inch stump height, T6: Lopping @ 45 DAS + 2 inches stump height, T7: Lopping @ 45 DAS + 3 inches stump height, T8: Lopping @6 0 DAS + 1-inch stump height, T9: Lopping @ 60 DAS + 2 inches stump height, T10: Lopping @ 60 DAS + 3 inches stump height, replicated four times in randomized block design. Growth parameters, fodder yield and quality parameters were recorded. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Though, the higher green fodder yield (10.9 t/ha) was obtained under lopping at 60 DAS with a 1inch stump height, to maintain quality and further regeneration of crop, lopping done at 30 DAS with 3 inches stump height was found to be better with considerable green fodder yield (2.5 t/ha). Lopping in dual-purpose barley should be done at early vegetative stages to obtain a considerable amount of quality green fodder, as it provides sufficient time for the crop to regenerate further.

Effect of Varying Lopping Schedules and Stump Heights on Growth, Fodder Yield and Quality of Dual-purpose Barley (Hordeum distichon L.)&nbsp;