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Page 1
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Green fodder production throughout the year
Green fodder production throughout year does not means only to produce or cultivate high yielding
fodder variety but also maintain balance between these things like succulent fodder & dry fodder,
Protein rich & energy rich quality fodder, Dry & concentrate, Fresh fodder & silage as well as manage
all things given above with superiority. Many times, if area under fodder is assumed for fodder
production then things happen like sometimes there may be low fodder yield (causes scarcity of
fodder) or high fodder yield (Causes wastage of green fodder).To avoid circumstances of fodder
scarcity or low yield or wastage of fodder, following things have great concern-
1) Planning of fodder with concern to high yield than assumption.
2) To avoid scarcity of fodder, plan for storage of fodder in emergent situation like staorage of
dry fodder & making silage of green fodder.
3) It is fact that there may be ups & downs in fodder production in rain fed system.
REQUIREMENT OF FODDER FOR ADULT ANIMAL (CATTLE OR BUFFALO):-
An Adult animal requires minimum 10% of green fodder of its body weight.Eg.-Animal weighing 400
kg requires 40 kg green fodder (10% of body weight).Here balancing of green fodder has importance
like ,as a thumb rule, out of 40 kg green fodder
- 2/3 means 30 kg should be Monocotyledons fodder &
- 1/3 means 10 kg should be Dicotyledons fodder
Monocotyledons fodder :-Fodder Maize, Fodder Jowar, Fodder Bajara,Oat,Hybrid napier,Gunea
grass,Para grass,Rhodes grass,Anjan Grass etc.
Monocotyledons fodder is rich in energy than protein & is used for supplying energy & stomach
filling.
Dicotyledons fodder:- Lucerne,Berseem ,Cow pea,Guar,Stylo,Subabaul,Dashrath etc.
Dicotyledons fodder is rich in protein than energy & is used for supplying body building proteins &
milk production.
Sole Monocotyledons fodder or Dicotyledons fodder feeding causes imbalance so feeding of
fodder through above thumb rule is very necessary.
Monocotyledons fodder or Dicotyledons fodder are also differentiated based on their duration or
growth as
Perennial fodder- Fodder crop survives for more than a year like:
Perennial Monocotyledons fodder:-Hybrid napier,Gunea grass,Para grass,Rhodes grass,Anjan
Grass etc.
Perennial Dicotyledons fodder: - Lucerne, Stylo,Subabaul,Dashrath etc.
Seasonal fodder- Fodder crop survives for a season (Monsoon,Winter,Summer)in a year like:
Seasonal Monocotyledons fodder :-Fodder Maize, Fodder Jowar, Fodder Bajara,Oat, etc.
Seasonal Dicotyledons fodder:- Berseem ,Cow pea,Guar, etc.

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Page 2
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
For planning fodder production throughout the year, both kind of fodder crops as
Seasonal/Perennial & Monocotyledons/ Dicotyledons are very essential.

As calculated above, 400 kg weighed adult animal requires 40 kg green fodder daily for
consumption, so for a year requirement for one animal is= 365 40 = 14600 kg or 14.6 MT = 15 MT

From one acre (40R), per year 45 to 50 MT fodder will be produced, so 3 adult animals will be
managed form 1 acre of green fodder produced. For planning of balanced (Monocotyledons &
Dicotyledons fodder) throughout the year (If watering facility throughout the year is available),
following planning is required-
Model no -1


Lucerne Area-10 R :- Yield : 10 -12.5 MT /year Hybrid Napier Area-10 R :- Yield :10-12.5MT
/yr




Kharif fodder sorghum Area-
20 R :- Yield : 8 MT
Rabi fodder maize Area-20 R :-
Yield :10 MT
Summer fodder sorghum
Area-20 R :- Yield : 7 MT

A. On 10 R area, sowing of Lucerne (Variety-RL 88), yields 10-12.5 MT green dicotyledons
fodder supplied to 3 adult animals @ 10 kg per day for a year.
B. On 10 R area, sowing of Hybrid Napier (Variety RBN-13/Baif-10), yields 10-12.5 MT green
monocotyledons fodder supplied to 3 adult animals @ 10 kg per day for a year. Also it is
recommended to do intercropping of Berseem fodder crop in winter season in Hybrid Napier
fodder crop.
C. On remaining 20 R area, sowing of Fodder Sorghum (Variety Sweet Sorghum/MP chari),
yields 7-8 MT green monocotyledons fodder in Kharif season, sowing of Fodder Maize
(Variety African tall), yields 10-12MT green monocotyledons fodder in Rabi season &
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D R . D H A N A N J A Y P . B H O I T E , M . V . S c .

Page 3
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
sowing of Fodder Sorghum (Variety Sweet Sorghum/MP chari), yields 7 MT green
monocotyledons fodder in Summer season supplied to 3 adult animals @ 25 kg per day for a
year (Per day 75 kg for 3 adult animals for a 365 days requires 27.5 MT). From this model,
One adult animal (400 kg) will receive 10 kg Lucerne,10 kg Hybrid Napier & 25 kg Green
Maize/Sorghum means 10+10+25= 45 kg green fodder throughout the year.
D. Lucerne fodder crop yield /year = 10-12.5 MT
Hybrid Napier fodder crop yield/year = 10-12.5 MT
Kharif green fodder sorghum yield/year = 6 MT
Rabi green fodder maize yield/year = 10 MT
Summer green fodder sorghum yield/year =7 MT
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL = 43 to 50 MT
This means, from one year fodder production, three adult animals can sufficiently be fed for
a year .After three years, fodder area of Hybrid Napier & Lucerne can be interchanged. It will
have good effect on new crop of hybrid Napier from stored nitrogen of previous Lucerne
crop.
Model-2:-
Model no -2


Lucerne Area-10 R :- Yield : 10 -12.5 MT /year Hybrid Napier Area-10 R :- Yield :10-12.5MT
/yr




Kharif fodder sorghum Area-
20 R :- Yield : 8 MT
Rabi fodder maize Area-20 R :-
Yield :Kadbi 2200 kg & Grain 550 kg
Summer fodder Bajara
Area-20 R :- Yield : 5 MT

A. On 10 R area, sowing of Lucerne (Variety-RL 88), yields 10-12.5 MT green dicotyledons
fodder for a year.
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Page 4
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
B. On 10 R area, sowing of Hybrid Napier (Variety RBN-13/Baif-10), yields 10-12.5 MT green
monocotyledons fodder for a year. Also it is recommended to do intercropping of Berseem
fodder crop in winter season in Hybrid Napier fodder crop.
C. On remaining 20 R area, sowing of Fodder Sorghum (Variety Sweet Sorghum/MP chari),
yields 8 MT green monocotyledons fodder in Kharif season, sowing of Maldandi Jowar
(Variety Maldandi), yields 2200 kg Kadbi & 550 kg sorghum grains in Rabi season &
sowing of Fodder Bajara (Variety Giant bajara), yields 5 MT green monocotyledons fodder
in Summer season .
D. Hybrid Napier fodder crop yield/year = 12 MT
Kharif green fodder sorghum yield/year = 6 MT
Summer green fodder Bajara yield/year =5 MT
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL = 23 MT
Lucerne fodder crop yield /year = 11 MT
Rabi mladandi Jowar yield/year (Kadbi) = 2200 kg
Rabi maldandi Jowar yield/year (Grain) = 550 kg

To use this fodder-
1.From 23 tons green fodder ,for 3 animals for 365 days, per animal daily supply @ 21 kg per
animal= (3 animals 365 days 21 kg = 23000 kg)
2. For 3 animals 11 tons of Lucerne, for 365 days @ 10 kg per animal = (3 365 10 = 11000
kg)
3. Kadbi -2200 kg for 365 days @ 2 kg per animal/day = (33652= 2200 kg)
4. Jowar grain 550 (crushed)-for 3 animals for 365 days @ kg = (33651/2= 550)
Means from above planning-
1. Monocotyledons green fodder - 21 kg
2. Dicotyledons green fodder - 10 kg
-------------------------------------------
Total - 31 kg
3. Kadbi - 2 kg (Dry fodder)
4. Crushed jowar Grains -1/2 kg (Concentrate ingradient)














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Page 5
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Model 3-


Kharif Cowpea- 20 R Yield- 4 MT Rabi Berseem :20R Yield- 20 MT Summer Cowpea:20R Yield-4MT



Kharif Maize- 20 R Yield- 10 MT Rabi Oat- 20 R Yield- 10 MT Summer fodder sorghum -20R-
Yield:8 ton

a) In Kharif season-
On 20 R area, sowing of fodder maize (Variety-African Tall), yields 10 MT green
monocotyledons fodder.
On remaining 20 R area, sowing of Cow pea (Variety Sweta, EC-4216,UPC-4286) yields 4 MT
green dicotyledons fodder.
b) In Rabi Season-
On 20 R areas, sowing of fodder Oat (Variety-Kent), yields 10 MT green monocotyledons
fodder (2 cuttings).
On remaining 20 R area, sowing of Berseem (Variety Wardan-4,Mescavi) yields 20 MT
green dicotyledons fodder.
c) In Summer Season-
On 20 R area, sowing of fodder Cowpea (Variety- Sweta, EC-4216,UPC-4286), yields 4 MT green
monocotyledons fodder (2 cuttings).
On remaining 20 R area, sowing of fodder Sorghum (Variety sweet Sorghum) yields 8 MT
green dicotyledons fodder.
d) Kharif season-
1. Maize fodder (105 days) - 10 tons
2. Cowpea (105) -4 tons
------------------------------------------------------------
Total= 14 tons
Rabi season-
1. Oat fodder (150 days) - 10 ton Two cuttings
2. Berseem (150 days) - 20 ton 4 cuttings
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total= 30 tons
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Page 6
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
From this 22.5 tons green fodder is used as fodder purpose & 7.5 tons fodder is used for
making dry fodder (Oat + Berseem).
Summer season-
1. Sorghum green fodder (105 days) - 8 tons
2. Cowpea (105 days) - 4 tons
-----------------------------------------------------
Total= 12 tons

To use this fodder-
1) 3750 kg green Berseem fodder should be dried as dry fodder.
2) 3750 kg green Oat fodder should be dried as dry fodder.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total- 7500 kg fodder

By drying these fodders, we will get 750 kg dry Oat & 750 kg dry Berseem, in which if
loss of hay is concern, we will get 1250 kg dry fodder from both crop. This kind of fodder
is used for three adult animals for 365 days is as follows:-
In Kharif season-
44 kg green fodder (for adult animals/day)3 animals 105 days = 14 MT
In rabi season
50 kg green fodder/day/animal 3 animals 150 days = 22.5 MT
In summer season
38 kg green fodder 3 animals 105 days =12 MT
Also we can make dry fodder of Berseem & oat by drying both fodder in winter season
to become 1250 kg dry fodder & use it in summer season as-
4 kg dry fodder/animal /day3 animals105 days = 1.250 MT , means for each animals-
In Kharif,green fodder (Monocot +Dicot) is - 44 kg
In rabi,Green fodder (Monocot +Dicot) is -50 kg
In Summer,green fodder (Monocot +Dicot) is -38kg
Additional ,dry fodder in summer (Monocot +Dicot) is -4 kg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (daily) - 42 kg
So this kind of cultivation of fodder crops may be useful in all three seasons of year.


Ref- Adhik dudhasathi hirwa Chara,BAIF,Publication,April-2004






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Page 7
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Cultivation Practises of different fodder crops
Fodder crops
Particulars Maize

Soil Medium to heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif june to august,Rabbi Oct-
Nov.,Summer-march-April
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety African tall ,Manjari composite
,Ganga safed
Seed kg /ha 75-100
Fertilizer kg/ha. 100N :50P:50K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 60-70

Particulars Sorghum/Jowar

Soil Medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif june to august,Rabbi Oct-
Nov.,Summer-march-April
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved
variety
Ruchira,Maldandi ,MP chari ,Phule
chitra
Seed kg /ha 40
Fertilizer kg/ha. 80N :40P:40K
Manure /FYM
/ha
5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 40-50
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Page 8
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009

Particulars Bajara

Soil Light to medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif june to august,Summer-
march-April
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety Giant Bajara
Seed kg /ha 10
Fertilizer kg/ha. 60N :30P:0K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha.
40-50

Particulars Oat

Soil Medium to heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Rabbi Oct-Nov.
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety Kent ,RO-19
Seed kg /ha 100
Fertilizer kg/ha. 100N :50P:0K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 40-45

Note:1. Fertilizer dose and FYM can be given according to soil testing reports
2. There is need to add micronutrients like FeSo4, ZnSo4, MgSo4, Sulphur according to the
soil testing reports.
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Page 9
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009

Particulars Lucerne

Soil Medium to heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Rabbi Oct-Nov.
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety RL-88,Sirsa-9,Anand- 2,3
Seed kg /ha 25-35 kg
Fertilizer kg/ha. 20N :150P:40Kand 15N:50P
at the interval of every 4
month
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 60-70

Particulars Stylo

Soil Light to Medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif July to august
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety Stylo ceabraena
Seed kg /ha 10
Fertilizer kg/ha. 20N :40P:0K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha.
40-50

Note:1. Fertilizer dose and FYM can be given according to soil testing reports
2. There is need to add micronutrients like FeSo4, ZnSo4, MgSo4, Sulphur according to the
soil testing reports.

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D R . D H A N A N J A Y P . B H O I T E , M . V . S c .

Page 10
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009



Particulars Berseem

Soil Medium to heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Rabbi Oct-Nov.
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety Wardan-4,Mescavi
Seed kg /ha 25-35
Fertilizer kg/ha. 15N :90P:30K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 40-45

Particulars Cow pea

Soil medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif June to
august,Summer-Feb to April
Sowing distance 30 cm
Improved variety Sweta,EC-4216,UPC-4286
Seed kg /ha 40
Fertilizer kg/ha. 20N :60P:0K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 40-50
Note:1. Fertilizer dose and FYM can be given according to soil testing reports
2. There is need to add micronutrients like FeSo4, ZnSo4, MgSo4, Sulphur according to the
soil testing reports.
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Page 11
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Particulars Hybrid Napier

Soil Heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time June to August
Sowing distance 90 x 90 cm or 90 x 60 cm
Improved variety RBN-13(Phule Jaywant ),BAIF
-10.
Seed kg /ha 25,000 stumps
Fertilizer kg/ha. 250N :80P:80K and 50N at
each cutting
Manure /FYM /ha 16 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 250-300

Particulars Marvel

Soil Light -Medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif June to august
Sowing distance 60X30 cm
Improved variety Marvel-93,Marvel-40
Seed kg /ha 70,000 stumps
Fertilizer kg/ha. 50N :20P:0K and 20N at each
cutting
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 80-100

Note:1. Fertilizer dose and FYM can be given according to soil testing reports
2. There is need to add micronutrients like FeSo4, ZnSo4, MgSo4, Sulphur according to the
soil testing reports.

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Page 12
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009


Particulars Dashrath

Soil Light to Medium
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif June to July
Sowing distance 60-100 cm
Improved variety local
Seed kg /ha 15 kg
Fertilizer kg/ha. 20N :50P:20K
Manure /FYM /ha 5 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha. 50-60

Particulars Cenchrus ciliaris (Anjan
,Kajari )



Soil Medium to heavy
Tillage Ploughing and 2-3 harrowing
Sowing time Kharif June to august
Sowing distance 60 cm
Improved variety Kajari-75
Seed kg /ha 8-10 kg
Fertilizer kg/ha. 50N :20P:0K
Manure /FYM /ha 3 tractor trailer
Yield MT/ha.
20-30
Note:1. Fertilizer dose and FYM can be given according to soil testing reports
2.There is need to add micronutrients like FeSo4 ,ZnSo4, MgSo4, Sulphur according to the
soil testing reports.

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Page 13
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Concentrate formulation in dairy farming-
For 100 kg concentrate formulation:-
Sr.No. Ingradients Proportion For 100 kg
1. Barly/Chuni 30% 30
2. Crushed Maize/Jowar/Bajara 35% 35
3. a) Sunflower cake (7%) +
b)Cotton seed cake
(20%) +
c) Groundnut cake (8%)
35% 35
4. Common Salt 1 kg 1 kg
5. Chelated mineral
mixture(Gaumix/Agrimin forte/Bestamin
gold /any suitable mineral mixture
consulting to local expert veterinarian)
1 kg 1kg
6. Shell grit 1 kg 1 kg
7 Probiotic powder 20 gms per animal
For milking buffaloes, you may give 500 gms of formulated concentrate per 1 litre of
milk in buffaloes & 350 gms per litre of milk for cows.
Also it is better to add 20 gms of probiotics powder per animal to increase milk
production & fat % age in buffaloes.Probiotic powder should be soaked with part of
concentrate & keep overnight then add in concentrate feed while milking the animals.
Green fodder requirement for cow and buffalo is 10% of its body weight eg.400 kgs
buffalo or cow requires 40kg of green fodder (in which 30 kgs of cereals as Hybrid
napier/maize/jowar and 10 kgs of pulses like Lucerne/cowpea or Stlyosanthes).
Dry fodder requirement is 5-6 kg per day.

You may also take training on dairy farming for get rid of losses in dairy farming by new scientific
knowledge & practice. You may also consult to local veterinarian (B.V.Sc & A.H. Or M.V.Sc) first
regarding selection cattle breed or quality animals & their management,feed formulation etc.





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Page 14
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Feeding ration for different milk production in dairy cows-
For 25 lit production 550kg weight:-
Sr.no. Feed & fodder given

Fresh
Quantity
Supplied in
kg
DM
kg
Unit
Rate
Rs.
Cost
Rs.

1 Green maize or sorghum or
Hybrid Napier
20 5 0.60 12.00
2 Green Lucerne 20 4 0.70 14.00
3 Urea Treated Wheat straw 1.5 1.35 1.00 1.50
4 Kadabi ( Sorghum hay ) 2 1.80 2.40 4.80
5 Concentrate 8 7.20 9.00 72.00
7 GNC 0.5 0.45 16.00 8.00
6 Molasses 1 0.70 6.00 6.00
Total 53 kg 20.5 118.30

For 20 lit and 550 kg wt.:-
Sr.no. Feed & fodder given Fresh
Quantity
Supplied in
kg
DM
kg
Unit
Rate
Rs.
Cost
Rs.
1 Green maize or sorghum
or Hybrid Napier
20 5 0.60 12.00
2 Green Lucerne 15 3 0.70 10.50
3 Urea Treated Wheat straw 2 1.8 1.00 2.00
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Page 15
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
4 Kadabi ( Sorghum hay ) 5 3.6 2.40 12.00
5 Concentrate 6 5.4 9.00 54.00
6 Molasses 1 0.7 6.00 6.00
Total 48 kg 20.5 96.5

For 15 lit milk and 550 kg wt
Sr.no. Feed & fodder Fresh
Quantity
Supplied in
kg
DM
kg
Unit
rate Rs.
Cost
Rs.
1 Green maize or sorghum
or Hybrid Napier
20 5 0.60 12.00
2 Green Lucerne 15 3 0.70 10.50
3 Urea Treated Wheat straw 3 2.7 1.00 3.00
4 Kadabi ( Sorghum hay ) 5 4.5 2.40 12.00
5 Concentrate 5 4.5 9.00 45.00
6 Molasses 1 0.7 6.00 6.00
Total 49 kg 20.4 88.50





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Page 16
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
For 10lit milk and 500 kg wt.:-
Sr.no. Feed & fodder given Fresh
Quantity
Supplied in
kg
DM
kg
Unit
rate
Rs.
Cost
Rs.
1 Green maize or sorghum or Hybrid
Napier
20 5.00 0.60 12.00
2 Green Lucerne 7.5 1.50 0.70 5.25
3 Urea Treated Wheat straw 4 3.60 1.00 4.00
4 Kadabi ( Sorghum hay ) 5 4.50 2.40 12.00
5 Concentrate 3 2.70 9.00 27.00
Total 39 .50kg 17.30 60.25

Use of advance feeding practises in dairy farming-
Molasses-Urea Blocks
You will find these referred to either as Molasses-Urea blocks or as Urea-Molasses blocks.
Molasses, urea and other ingredients are used in the manufacture of molasses/urea feeds that
are prepared as blocks, pastes or licks. The rate of feed intake is reduced when the molasses
is prepared in this way (compared with a straight molasses lick for example, but intakes
should still be controlled when the blocks are first introduced. These preparations are an
excellent way of providing readily degradable protein and readily fermentable energy to
ruminant animals, and they help increase the protein supply to the animal. However, goats are
particularly sensitive to urea toxicity and so it is essential that the blocks are accurately made
so that goats are not fed too much urea at one time.
The blocks can be made from a variety of components depending on their local availability,
nutritive value, price, existing facilities for their use and their influence on the quality of
blocks. They can also include specific components.
Molasses provides fermentable substrate and various minerals and trace elements (but
low amounts of phosphorous). Because of its pleasant taste and smell, it makes the
block very attractive and palatable to animals. The degree Brix of the molasses should
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Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
be as high as possible, and preferably higher than 85, to ensure solidification.
(Degrees Brix is a hydrometer scale for sugar solutions graduated so that readings at a
specified temperature represent percentages by weight of sugar in the solution, so 85
Brix is equivalent to 85% sugar).
Urea, which provides fermentable nitrogen, is the most important component of the
block. Urea may increase the intake of straw and other low quality forages as well as
their digestibility. The intake of urea must be limited to avoid toxicity problems but
sufficient to maintain ammonia levels in the rumen consistently above 200 mg N/l for
growth of microorganisms in the rumen and high rates of degradation of fibre.
Wheat or rice bran has a multiple purpose in the blocks. It provides some key
nutrients including fat, protein and phosphorus (see Dietary Requirements). It also
acts as an absorbent for the moisture contained in molasses and gives structure to the
block. It may be replaced by other fibrous materials such as dry and fine bagasse (the
residue from sugar cane processing) or groundnut hulls which are finely ground but
some loss of nutritive value occurs.
Other crop residues can also be included in Molasses-Urea blocks. Clearly this
depends on availability, and some crop residues and by-products will provide more
nutrients than others.
Minerals may be added where appropriate. Common salt is generally added because
this is often deficient in the diet and it is cheap. Calcium is supplied by molasses and
by the gelling agent, calcium oxide or cement (see below). Although phosphorus is
deficient, there is no evidence that its addition is beneficial where animals are at
below maintenance requirements when grazing on dry mature pastures or fed low-
quality forage. Mineral requirements are reduced at maintenance or survival levels.
Deficiencies will generally become a problem only when production is increased,
particularly when a bypass protein supplement is given (proteins that are not degraded
by rumen microorganisms and are digested in the intestines, see Digestive Systems
and Digestion of Feeds). In these cases phosphorus should be included in that
supplement.
A gelling agent or binder is necessary in order to solidify the blocks. Various products
have been tried successfully: magnesium oxide, bentonite, calcium oxide, calcium
hydroxide and cement. The use of cement has raised questions about possible
negative effects on animals. Research on the use of cement or its by-product, cement
kiln dust, as a mineral supplement have not shown adverse effects at levels of 1 to 3
per cent of the total diet dry matter. However, the USDA has restricted the use of
cement kiln dust since it could cause a deposit of heavy metals in animal tissue.
Various chemicals or drugs for the control of parasites or for manipulation of rumen
fermentation can be added to the molasses blocks which can be an excellent carrier
for these products.
Ingredients and Procedures for Making UMB
A formulation of a molasses-urea block, reported by Rajkomar (1991), included the
following ingredients:
Molasses 50%
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Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
Urea 9%
Salt 5%
Cement 14%
Wheat Bran 22%
A leaflet produced by Samad Khan and Siddiki (2004) as part of research project R6610,
includes the following ingredients for a 10 Kg block:
Ingredients Percentage % Amount
(g)

Molasses 39 3900
Wheat bran 20 2000
Rice polishings 20 2000
Urea 10 1000
Lime 6 600
Salt 5 500
Total 100 10 Kg
This leaflet also includes instructions for making UMB blocks, as well as tips on feeding
and precautions on their use.
Ref- http://www.smallstock.info/research/reports/R6610/UMB_leaflet.htm



Treatment on low quality fodder waste:-
Many times it happened that remaining residues in farm are burned without using their
potential in dairy farming. Waste of crop like wheat straw, Rice straw, Gram straw can be
used as feed of animals but it need treatment.
Reason for treatment on crop residues:-
1) It is tasteless.
2) Some crop residues are having micro spines which cause injury to soft tissues in the mouth
of animals.
3) Its energy as well as protein value is inferior.
4) Some of them are deficient in minerals.
It has seen that wheat straw or rice straw are available in abundant quantity as crop waste &
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Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009
many farmers used to burn it as traditional practice, so it is necessary to use it as a feed for
animals after having treatment of following ingredients.


Sr.No. Ingredients Required
quantity
Approx.Cost
1 Wheat straw / rice
straw/maize stovers etc.
100 kg ----
(Available in
farmers own land)
2 Urea 1.5 kg (1.5 %) 7.50/-
3 Mineral mixture
(Locally available)
1.0 Kg (1.0%) 45.00/-
4. Salt (Big granules) 1.0 Kg (1.0%) 4.00/-
5. Low quality Jaggery
(If not available ,you can use
waste flour in Flour mill)
3.0 kg (3.0 %) 36.00/-
6 Water 30-40 litres --------
Total Rs:- 92.25/-

Method-
1. Dissolve urea in correct concentration (as above) in water (1.5 kg urea in 30-40 litres of
water)
2. Then also add Salt, Mineral mixture & Jaggary (or Flour) in urea dissolved water to
become concentrate single solution.
3. Make a layer of 6 inches of wheat or rice straw and sprinkle concentrates solution on it
equally. Again mix this layer thoroughly & make a heap. Once again make a layer of 6 inch
of this wheat straw and sprinkle the concentrated solution.
4. Make a heap & press it with the help of hand so that all air will expel out form heap. Then
cover it with plastic paper for 2 hours.
5. Then use it for feed to animals.
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Page 20
Feed & fodder management [Above information is based on recommendations from National
Agriculture Research System. The Effectiveness of the recommendations varies from place to place with
changes in natural resource and climate. Farmers are advised to use the information on their own
responsibility. KVK Baramati shall not be responsible for any consequences.]

2009

Facts for urea /ammonia treatment:-
a) Urea provides readymade protein source for animals
b) Salt & mineral mixture provide essential mineral for animals which are lacking in
crop residues.
c) Jaggery or flour provides taste to straw as straw is tasteless.
d) Water soften the spine as well as harder part in straw so it is easy to fed on it & may
not cause any injury to soft tissues in mouths of animals.

Care to be taken for urea treated straw:-
1. Do not exceed the urea concentration for wheat straw more than 1.5 % for 100 kg of
straw. If it will increase then there may be danger of urea poisoning to animals.
2. Care to be taken to dissolve each granules of urea in water thoroughly.
3. Use this urea treated straw immediately after 2 hours of treatment. Do not store
treated material for more than 8 hours.
4. Daily use fresh treated straw for animals & for each animals use this straw 4-6 kg
only for high producing dairy animals .If the animals are not in production then it is
physible to use 7-8 kgs of treated wheat straw for feeding animals.
5. Mix treated wheat straw in chaffed green as well as dry fodder so that animal can not
use its selective behavior of feeding.
6. Per Kg cost of Kadbi (Dry Sorghum) is Rs.3.00/- per kg & treated wheat straw is
Rs.0.92/- per kg so it is economical

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