Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Swayam

Fodder Production and Conservation for Sustainable Livestock Feeding

via Swayam

Overview

Coursera Spring Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus Annual!
Grab it
ABOUT THE COURSE: Livestock plays a vital role in the Indian agricultural economy, contributing significantly to farmers' income, rural employment, and food security. However, the productivity of livestock is often limited by inadequate and irregular supply of quality fodder throughout the year. This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for ensuring year-round supply of nutritious fodder, which is a cornerstone for overall productivity and wellbeing of farm animals. This course will cover the principles and practices of fodder crop cultivation, including the selection of suitable crops, agronomic practices, soil and water management, as well as integrated nutrient management. Special attention is given to climate-resilient and high-yielding fodder varieties, which are crucial for sustainable livestock farming in the face of changing climatic scenario. The course also explores integrated farming approaches, use of pasture lands, and intercropping techniques that ensure year-round fodder availability. Another major highlight of the course is its focus on conservation practices, including silage and hay-making techniques which ensure feed availability during lean seasons. The audience will also learn about the agro-forestry systems, pasture management, integrated farming practices and balanced animal feeding that combine crop and livestock production for maximum resource utilization. Emphasis is placed on environmentally sustainable practices that enhance soil fertility, water use efficiency, and biodiversity. Moreover, the course integrates modern technological interventions such as hydroponics, use of bio-fertilizers, and fodder banks. It also addresses the economic aspects of fodder production, including cost-benefit analysis, government schemes, and marketing strategies for fodder-based enterprises. The course is ideal for students, farmers, livestock owners, extension workers, and agri-entrepreneurs. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to plan, produce, and conserve fodder efficiently in order to contribute to food security and sustainable rural development. INTENDED AUDIENCE:Intermediate and Undergraduate Students, Agri-entrepreneurs, Livestock-keepers, Extension Workers and Industry personals etc.PREREQUISITES: Intermediate/ Undergraduate INDUSTRY SUPPORT:NA

Syllabus

Week 1: Dr. K.K. Verma

i. Introduction to fodders and their role in livestock production ii. Types and classification of fodder crops, grasses and fodder trees

iii. Familiarization with important cereal fodder crops iv. Familiarization with major leguminous fodder crops v. Familiarization with grasses and fodder trees

Week 2: Dr. K.K. Verma & Dr. S.K. Rajpoot

i. Management of pastures and grazing lands

ii. Fodder based cropping systems

iii. Agroforestry based forage production systems

iv. Eco-friendly recycling of livestock farm wastes-I v. Eco-friendly recycling of livestock farm wastes-II Week 3: Dr. S.K. Rajpoot

i. Role of manures and fertilizers in fodder production ii. Farm implements for agronomical operations

iii. Fodder production for different agro-climatic regions iv. Agronomic practices for cultivation of maize and sorghum v. Agronomic practices for cultivation of bajra, teosinte and ragi

Week 4- Dr. S.K. Rajpoot

i. Agronomic practices for cultivation of oat, barley and rye ii. Agronomic practices for cultivation of berseem and lucerne iii. Agronomic practices for cultivation of cowpea, guar and senji

iv. Agronomic practices for cultivation of Napier grass, hybrid Napier grass and para grass

v. Agronomic practices for cultivation of dinanath grass, anjan grass and guinea grass

Week 5- Dr. S.K. Rajpoot

i. Agronomic practices for cultivation of bermuda grass, rhodes grass and marvel grass

ii. Agronomic practices for cultivation of fodder trees: moringa, subabul and hedge lucerne

iii. Agronomic practices for cultivation of azolla and fodder cactus

iv. Round the year fodder production models

v. Harvesting and post-harvest handling management of fodder crops

Week 6- Dr. K.K. Verma & Dr. M.S. Mahesh

i. Preservation of green fodders-I: silage

ii. Preservation of green fodders-II: hay

iii. Losses during preservation of green fodders

iv. Storage of feeds and fodders

v. Nutrients and their functions in farm animals

Week 7- Dr. M.S. Mahesh

i. Nutritional composition of different feeds and fodders ii. Feeding management of cattle and buffalo

iii. Feeding management of sheep and goat

iv. Role of scarcity fodders in animal feeding

v. Anti-nutritional factors in forage plants

Week 8- Dr. M.S. Mahesh

i. Alternative system of fodder production: Hydroponics ii. Newer feeds and fodder resources

iii. Enrichment of poor-quality roughages

iv. Quality control of feeds and fodders

v. Economics and entrepreneurship development in fodder production


Taught by

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Verma, .Dr. M.S. Mahesh, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Rajpoot

Reviews

Start your review of Fodder Production and Conservation for Sustainable Livestock Feeding

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.