Nutrient Availability and Milk Production of Cows in Bundelkhand Region.

Abstract

Fodder shortage exists in most parts of the Bundelkhand region and the crop residues constitute the main source of roughage. Free grazing system of animals is a major practice in this region. From April to September, animals graze freely in arable lands, forests and grazing lands. Most of the animals remain underfed and are in }ow productivity. In high cropping intensity villages, where crop residue production is more, there is stall feeding. A comparative account of free range grazing and managed feeding (in which controlled grazing and supplementary stall feeding is followed) reveals the opportunities for farmers to accrue benefit and make livestock production sustainable.