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This review delves into the processing of tannery solid waste, emphasizing fleshings and chromium-tanned leather waste. This paper centers on fat recovery, chromium elimination, and protein preservation, aiming to make them apt for animal consumption. This paper also assesses the potential of introducing such recycled products to the global market. Drawing on the literature from the past two decades, sourced comprehensively from Scopus and Web of Science, 36 articles were selected because of their significant contributions from leather production powerhouses such as India and Brazil. Fleshings have shown immense potential as animal feed, and the extraction of tallow and collagen from rawhide trimmings yields up to 98% and 93%, respectively. Fermented tannery fleshings, notably with Enterococcus faecium HAB01, also demonstrate strong antioxidant capabilities. The overarching consensus emphasizes the need for rigorous purification when dealing with chromium-containing wastes, addressing concerns tied to Cr (III) and Cr (VI). Furthermore, raw tannery fleshings stand out as a sustainable, cost-effective, and globally marketable solution for animal feed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is recognized as the world's second-largest agro-based economy. With 20% of the world's total rice production, India ranks second in the world behind China. Farmers in northern India, including Punjab, Haryana, and other regions, frequently burn any leftover stubble or straw in their fields after the grain harvest. So as to decrease the quantity of agricultural waste, farmers carry out this clearing technique (Parali burning) to get the fields ready for the next planting season. In India as well as other countries throughout the world, crop residue burning is an alarming issue. Every year, throughout the months of September and October, the Delhi and its nearby areas witness significant air pollution due to stubble burning after rice harvesting, which leads to chaos. Despite implementing numerous significant steps, both the Central and Delhi governments have not yet been able to resolve this issue. There are several adverse consequences of burning stubble, such as the release of potentially dangerous pollutants into the air, increased smog production, and worsened human health. Moreover, this has a detrimental effect on the nutritious value of the soil. Crop residue can be dealt with different efficient ways, even though it cannot be completely eradicated. In this regard, the present article aims to investigate optional environmental friendly disposal methods for stubble burning that India could implement. It is possible to transform stubble into something valuable in a number of ways such as the production of electricity from biomass, domestic animal feed, or even the production of necessary end products like medicines, health products, and composts. Furthermore, addition of crop leftovers into soil can also improve the physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soil in a number of ways. In North India, the majority of farmers think burning is the best option as they are unaware of various other options available to control stubble. Therefore, extensive awareness campaigns are required to inform farmers about the adverse impacts of stubble burning and the availability of other better financially viable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees are important as a source of fuelwood and fodder for rural populations in the Himalayas. This paper analysed the fuelwood and fodder consumption patterns of rural households in 16 villages in Alaknanda Valley, Uttarakhand, northern India. The results showed that consumption of biomass from agroforestry and other sources varied significantly in different seasons. The fuelwood consumption requirement from agroforestry was an estimated 2.05, 0.63 and 1.24 kg/capita/day in winter, summer and rainy season, respectively, while the corresponding values for fuelwood from other sources were 1.16, 0.34 and 0.65 kg/capita/day, respectively. The fodder from agroforestry also contributed an estimated value of 12.96, 10.35 and 7.65 kg/adult cattle unit/day in winter, summer and the rainy season, respectively, while other sources contributed 3.53, 4.76 and 11.58 kg/ACU/day, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of agroforestry comprising suitable tree species for fuelwood and fodder in mountainous regions. Agroforestry can be a potential strategy to enhance resilience to climate change among smallholders who are fully dependent on natural resources, by reducing the risk of total crop yield losses, providing a more stable source of fuelwood and fodder, and reducing the time and energy spent on collecting resources from outside the smallholding or farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the world's largest producer of milk for over 20 years. This production mainly responds to growing domestic demand, and relies almost entirely on millions of small herds (3 female buffaloes or cows) fed with local crop residues. This paper aims to assess the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of this dairy development model by implementing different approaches at various geographical scales. To assess such a model is complex. On the one hand, the recycling of biomass for livestock feed is mainly practiced by the poorest farmers, who have a limited access to land, markets and other resources. It sustains their employment and livelihoods, but also their food security since theyconsume part of their milk production. On the other hand, the intensive use of subsidized mineral fertilizers and energy for irrigation to produce crop grains and residues leads to high fossil energy uses and greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk, calling into question the model's environmental sustainability. Our results need to be explored further by (i) investigating more case studies to develop a larger picture of the diversity of the Indian dairy sector, and (ii) integrating the different approaches and levels within a larger framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper aims at an in‐depth analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and status of fodder production in India. A comprehensive review of available literature and various reports by govt. as well as non govt. organizations have been done as part of the methodology for preparing the manuscript. India caters to approximately 20% of the world's livestock population and about 17.5% of the human population on just 2.3% of the world's land area. The human population is increasing at a pace of 1.6% per annum, while the livestock population is increasing at a rate of 0.66% per year. Theses increasing human and animal populations are fighting tooth and nail for land resources for food and fodder production, respectively. As a result, cultivated fodders occupy only 4% of the entire cultivable land in the country. Presently, the country faces a net shortfall of 35.6% green fodder, 10.5% dry crop leftovers, and 44% concentrate feed ingredients. The option for increasing land area under fodder cultivation is very limited. Hence, it is big challenge in front of us to utilize the available meagre land wisely with its fullest potential to produce the fodders for the animals. Which could be achieved by adopting suitable cropping systems, incorporation of fodder crops in food and other cash crop‐based cropping systems on rotational basis, production of fodder on degraded lands by adopting fodder‐based agro forestry systems and exploring other options of green fodder like azolla. The cropping system with forage crops provides a potential alternative to overcome the fodder problem as it utilizes the resources more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the main staple crop of India, where it covers about 44 million hectares of arable land for the cultivation. To tackle the problem of in situ field burning of rice straw in various states is the major challenge for researchers, government and farmers. This review is focused on cleaner and environment friendly technologies that can apply easily for the management of straw economically and ecofriendly. Conversion of straw into biomethane, biohydrogen, manufacturing of pulp and paper, in house enzyme synthesis, biochar, bio oil production, animal feed preparation and use for the mushroom composting are incredibly achievable with the modest efforts. Proposed technologies have potential to rein the straw burning at root level and further can improve the socio economic status of farmers and public that lives in the rural areas. Many of the above said technologies are least exploited at commercial scale, because most of the Indian farmers are unacquainted from the financial and environmental benefits of these advancements. This article tends to draw the attention of agriculturists, stake holders and further will update the knowledge of extension scientists regarding the scientifically exploitation of straw in-situ or ex-situ without burning and polluting the environment with green house gases (GHGs). • Critically reviewed the progressive and cleaner technologies for the possible management of rice straw. • Many implications discussed, how these technologies can improve the economy of agriculturists. • Comprehending of an ethical concepts behind the campaign for ceasing the straw burning. • Initiatives taken by government and private sectors for reining the straw burning incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backyard poultry plays an important role in the livelihood of rural families in developing countries as a source of ready cash income alongwith satisfying social needs. This paper is based on a study conducted in eight villages from Nuzvid division of Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh to assess the status of backyard poultry rearing. The survey indicated the existence of desi birds in the study area with an average flock size of 4-9 birds per household with little or negligible supplementary feeding. High mortality, poor productivity was reported by majority of the respondents which might be due to lack of awareness about improved backyard varieties and poultry related government schemes. Appropriate institutional support in terms of provision of improved backyard varieties, disease control strategies, training and awareness programmes can promote this remunerative enterprise in the region keeping in view of raising demand for backyard egg and chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the adoption of scientific animal feeding practices among women dairy farmers in regions with good access to veterinary institutions. Access to these services is crucial for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. But, such studies are lacking in India. This research involved 150 women farmers in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, with easy access to veterinary institutions. High adoption levels were observed for most scientific dairy feeding practices. Colostrum feeding for new-born calves was the most adopted, while home preparation of animal feed was the least. The study revealed significant correlations between adoption levels and factors like landholding size, dairy experience, and market orientation. In summary, multiple veterinary institutions’ support positively influences the adoption of scientific dairy feeding practices among women dairy farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing nutrient management strategies is crucial for enhancing the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) while minimizing environmental impacts. This study investigated the effects of innovative nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) management approaches on fodder maize production. Different combinations of nitrogen fertilizers, including conventional urea and nano-urea, were applied in conjunction with targeted foliar sprays of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and nano-zinc. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial Randomized Block design with four nitrogen management strategies (control N, 100% recommended nitrogen dose RDN through urea, 50% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stages, and 33.33% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stage) and four zinc management strategies (control Zn, soil application of ZnSO4, foliar application of ZnSO4, and foliar application of nano-Zn) which were replicated thrice. The study revealed that applying 50% of RDN through urea, along with dual foliar sprays of nano-urea, achieved comparable productivity to the 100% RDN through urea only. Among the Zn managements, both foliar and soil applications of conventional ZnSO4 recorded similar green and dry fodder yields, although foliar application of ZnSO4 was observed to be superior in terms of qualitative attributes. Maize subjected to the integrated nitrogen and zinc management strategy exhibited elevated protein content and reduced fiber fractions. These findings highlight the potential of nano-urea and foliar zinc application in enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality, while reducing dependence on conventional chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate agricultural practices consume more input energy and emit higher greenhouse gases (GHGs) which cause global warming and climate change, thereby threatening environmental sustainability. To identify energy and carbon-efficient varieties and nutrient management practices, the present study was undertaken during the kharif season of 2018 and 2019 in a split-plot design with three varieties of fodder maize (African Tall, J-1006 and P-3396) and four nutrient management practices such as N0: Absolute control, N1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), N2: 75% RDF + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) + Panchagavya spray and N3: 50% RDF + 25% farmyard manure (FYM) + PGPR + Panchagavya spray). Results indicated that variety J-1006 and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray produced significantly higher dry fodder yield. Among the varieties, J-1006 recorded the highest total energy output (224,123 MJ ha−1), net energy (211,280 MJ ha−1), energy use efficiency (17.64), energy productivity (0.98 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (16.64), and lowest specific energy (1.03 MJ ha−1). Regarding nutrient management, 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray fetched the highest total energy output (229,470 MJ ha−1) and net energy (215,482 MJ ha−1). However, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and energy profitability were significantly higher with integrated nutrient management (N2 and N3) over 100% RDF. Concerning the carbon estimation, J-1006 resulted in a significantly higher carbon output (5479 kg CE ha−1), net carbon gain (5029 kg CE ha−1), carbon efficiency (12.46), carbon sustainability index (11.46), and significantly lower carbon footprint per unit yield (CFy) (131.3 kg CO2-e Mg−1). For nutrient management, the application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray showed significantly higher carbon output (5609 kg CE ha−1) and net carbon gain (5112 kg CE ha−1). However, significantly higher carbon efficiency, carbon sustainability index, and lower CFy were reported with integrated nutrient management over 100% RDF. Overall, selecting the J-1006 variety and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray for fodder maize cultivation could be the most productive in terms of dry fodder production, energy, and carbon efficiency approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India ranks first in milk production in the world. Government of India plans to increase the milk production at the rate of 23% per year. The various cost effective and practically feasible strategies which can be implemented for increasing milk production in India especially Kerala, are reviewed in this paper with emphasis on technologies such as unconventional and complete feed. The problems and solutions in Iced and fodder sector in India are reviewed separately. Several general recommendations, which can be practically implemented in the field for the betterment of the sector in India especially Kerala, arc also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An area under cultivation of fodder crops has almost remained static (8.3 million ha) for the last 3 decades and area under permanent pastures has been declining over the years. Whereas, uncontrolled overgrazing reduced productivity of permanent pastures. Overgrazing also affect the soil bio-physic-chemical properties. The situation is further aggravated due to increasing human population and preferential need for food and growing commercial crops. In India, supply of forage has always been a limiting factor for enhancing livestock production. Demand of green and dry fodder continuously increasing as enhancing country's livestock population. The gap in feed and forage supply, however, can effectively be reduced through integrated crop management practices with greater emphasis on nutrient management in forage crops. Application of nitrogen increases crude protein, digestible dry matter content and metabolic energy. Growth attributes with respect to plant height, stem diameter, Leaf Area Index (LAI) and number of basal node tillers increased with increase of phosphorus application levels. Application of micronutrients improves enzymatic activities and it leads to increase growth and yield of the fodder sorghum. Review regarding the use of adequate and optimum dose of nutrients especially nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients are of prime concern for the fodder sorghum crop in India. Keeping these points in view, the literature reviewed pertaining to the nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients in this crop to obtain higher biomass and good quality fodder production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the impact of improved green fodder production activities on technical efficiency (TE) of dairy farmers in climate vulnerable landscapes of central India. We estimated stochastic production frontiers, considering potential self-selection bias stemming from both observable and unobservable factors in adoption of fodder interventions at farm level. The empirical results show that TE for treated group ranges from 0.55 to 0.59 and that for control ranges from 0.41 to 0.48, depending on how biases are controlled. Additionally, the efficiency levels of both adopters and non-adopters would be underestimated if the selectivity bias is not appropriately accounted. As the average TE is consistently higher for adopter farmers than the control group, promoting improved fodder cultivation would increase input use efficiency, especially in resource-deprived small holder dairy farmers in the semi-arid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve is one of India's 32 elephant reserves. It is home to wild elephants as well as other wildlife. This study aims to document the fodder plants and foraging behaviour of elephants in the Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve. Elephants in the Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve consumed 61 plant species from 25 different families. In the current study, the majority of the fodder plants of Asian Elephants belonged to the families of Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Malvaceae. Elephants were found to feed more frequently on trees (66%), followed by shrubs (16%), herbs (9%), and climbers (6%). It was observed that the elephants ate both the browsing tree and grazing grass species during the wet season, but browsing tree species dominated during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the sustainability of the rice-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic Plains is facing many problems in various fronts viz., agricultural, ecological, environmental and economical. Therefore, to ensure long-term sustainability, the rice-wheat cropping system needs to be diversified. The present study was conducted to identify an alternative cropping system for Indo-Gangetic Plains region of India by diversifying and intensifying the current rice-wheat cropping system. Ten treatments (rice-wheat = control, rice-wheat-green gram, rice-potato-green gram, rice-wheat-cowpea fodder, rice-potato-cowpea fodder, rice-berseem fodder-maize fodder, rice-berseem fodder-cowpea fodder, rice-mustard-sudan grass fodder, rice-mustard-cowpea fodder and rice-cabbage-cowpea fodder) were compared consecutively two years in randomized block design with three replications. Diversification of rice-wheat cropping system with rice-potato-green gram resulted in increase in system productivity (142.35%), gross returns (99.57%), net returns (130.34%), profitability (130.96%), relative production efficiency (142.53%), relative economic efficiency (130.79%) and labour employment (55.73%). The inclusion of legume crops in cropping sequences was found better in improving the soil quality parameters. Our results revealed the significance of diversification and intensification of rice-wheat cropping system under irrigated ecosystem of IGP as it enhanced system productivity, profitability and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize, referred as Queen of cereals is the third most important cereal crop after rice and wheat in India. Maize serves as both human food as well as animal feed and for. Productivity of maize can be increased by proper nutrient management practices. Maize is a zinc responsive crop and found deficient in soils. Zinc as an essential micronutrient that has significant role in basic plant metabolic processes and enhances the growth, yield and quality of maize by stimulating chlorophyll production, photosynthetic activity, nutrient uptake and protein biosynthesis. The zinc application to maize crop either by seed treatment, soil application or by foliar spray by using inorganics have shown significant impact on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, quality and economics from investigations of eminent researchers with increasing trend in productivity. Application of zinc at 20-25 kg ha-1 to maize gave maximum grain yield (7500 kg ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.4) in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In temperate environments, forage availability and quality are known to influence life history traits of wild ungulates. However, variations in foraging strategies of these mountain dwellers with changing plant availability have received little attention. The seasonal vegetation availability in temperate climatic conditions of Kajinag National Park (KNP) was assessed by plot method at different altitudes (1900–3600 m a.s.l.) from 2018 to 2020 on seasonal basis. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of availability of vegetation on seasonal diet composition of Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) inhabiting the National Park. We recorded 61 plant species whose availability differed significantly across seasons (F3,240 = 20.14, p < 0.05). We found seasonal variation in the diet composition of Himalayan goral depicting a strong relationship between plant consumption and dynamic availability in the study area. Himalayan goral consumed herbs in spring (dominated by Dioscorea deltoidea relative importance value (RIV) = 27.20, Poa pratensis RIV = 14.99 and Themeda spp. RIV = 12.87), grasses in summer (dominated by Themeda spp. RIV = 34.12, P. pratensis RIV = 30.14, Bothriochloa ischaemum RIV = 22.72) and autumn (dominated by Themeda spp. RIV = 34.64, P. pratensis RIV = 30.14, Stipa spp. RIV = 29.73) and shrubs in winter (dominated by Indigofera heterantha RIV = 47.05, Prunus tomentosa RIV = 17.51 and Lonicera spp. RIV = 16.98). The annual diet of Himalayan goral was dominated by graze species (72.66%). The proportion of graze items in the diet showed a sharp decline from spring (90.67%) to winter (19.23%) whereas that of browse showed a huge increment from spring (4.67%) to winter (74.43%). This shift shows a survival or foraging strategy of a temperate ungulate in harsh winters with limited forage availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are one of the major environmental contaminants in animal feed and pose a potential threat to human health due to their secretion in the milk of lactating animals. The present study was conducted with the objectives to determine the occurrence of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in dairy animal concentrate feed and to evaluate the effect of season, spatial variation, and dairy farm size on the levels of aflatoxins contamination. A total of 189 dairy animal concentrate feed samples were tested for aflatoxins with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as screening and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) as confirmatory techniques. Of the total, 59% feed samples were found positive for aflatoxins, while 44% samples were detected with total aflatoxins levels higher than the tolerance limit established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 58% samples were found with aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) levels above the European Commission (EC) legal limit. AFB1 levels in dairy animal concentrate feed were found significantly higher during rainy (41.6 μg kg−1) and winter (35.9 μg kg−1) seasons as compared to the summer season (25.5 μg kg−1). The theoretical extrapolation of the AFB1 carry-over from animal feed to milk (aflatoxins M1) in different seasons may lead to 50–100% contamination of milk at levels above the EC tolerance limit. The incidence and levels of aflatoxins especially AFB1 in animal feed, not only pose a direct effect on animals but may also pose a concern for food safety in relation to the occurrence of aflatoxins M1 in milk. Therefore, continuous surveillance of aflatoxins in dairy animal feeds is required to reduce animal and consequently human exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A high yielding perennial herbaceous legume fodder variety Desmanthus CO 2 was developed at the Department of Forage Crops, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It is a gamma ray mutant of Desmanthus CO 1. The mutant was identified owing to its superior performance in station trials conducted from 2013 to 2015. It was evaluated in Multi Location during 2015-17 and in On Farm Trial during 2016-18. Simultaneously it was also tested under the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization Trials during 2016-18. The variety CO 2 (mutant TND 1308) registered an overall green fodder yield of 91.04 t/ha in all the trials which were 14.18 per cent increase over the national check CO 1. The mean dry matter yield was 115.1 q/ ha which was 15.15 per cent over the national check CO 1. Similarly, it has the mean dry matter yield of 0.55 q/ha/day, the crude protein content of 15.58 per cent, Acid Detergent Fibre of 40.80 per cent, Neutral detergent fibre of 54.38 per cent and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of 60.06 per cent ensuring increased palatability, digestibility and intake rate. It ranked first at All India level during 2016 to 2018 for a green fodder yield (44.18 t/ha), dry matter yield (115.1 q/ha) and DMY (0.55 q/ha/day) which was 12.78, 15.15 and 14.58 per cent superior over the national check CO 1, respectively. Considering the green fodder yield and fodder quality of the culture TND 1308, it was proposed and identified for release as Desmanthus CO 2 for general cultivation throughout India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rice and wheat straw are vital components of the crop livestock systems. • Straw feed attributes can be simultaneously improved without compromising grains. • Whole plant optimization is a promising approach for improving feed resources. • Substantial improvement in feed resources can be achieved through plant breeding Feed scarcity results in large yield gaps in livestock production in low- and middle-income countries (LMC)). In India, for example, the feed deficit in terms of digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients is estimated to be 50 and 60%, respectively. Feed supply scenarios in India suggest that on a dry matter basis, crop residues (i.e., straws, stover, and haulms, the byproducts from grain production) contribute about 70% to feed resources. Crop residues are therefore the single most important feed resource in India, a scenario that likely holds good for many LMCs. Crop residues and crop byproduct-based feeding systems have the advantage of low direct and indirect food competing feed resourcing, since no or few grains (i.e. food) are fed to livestock and no land or water had to be exclusively allocated to feed production. Considering the importance of crop residues as feed resources, it comes as no surprise that many attempts to upgrade crop residues post-harvest by physical, chemical and biological treatments have been made. However, comparatively little uptake of these technologies has been observed. The lack of adoption of post-harvest approaches to improvement of crop residues gave way to a new research paradigm of targeted improvement of crop residues by plant breeding and selection at source. It was in the mid-nineties that the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) started to explore concomitant improvement of grain and crop residue traits as a major cross-CGIAR collaborative project. Initially more attention was given to typical rain-fed crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut and cowpea than to crops such as rice and wheat which are usually grown in irrigated areas such as the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Eastern Gangetic Plains and Southern India. In 2016 rice and wheat straw production potentially available as fodder was about 113 and 78 million tons respectively in India, contributing about 67% of all cereal straws and about 37% of the total feed metabolizable energy from straws. Using three scenarios, a 10% increase in rice and wheat straw yield (scenario 1), a 10% increase in rice and wheat straw metabolizable energy content (scenario 2) and a combination of the two (scenario 3) the paper estimates that at all India level an increase in yield (scenario 1) would add around 23 million tons while increase in the quality of the straw (scenario 2) would add additional 138 × 109 MJ ME and a combination of yield and quality increase (scenario 3) would add around 23 million tons and additional 291 × 109 MJ ME. Translated in terms of milk and meat production excluding the maintenance requirements the additional energy in scenario 1 or 2 would be equal to 27.6 million tons of milk or 9.2 million tons of mutton and the corresponding figures in scenario three would be 58.2 and 19.4 million tons, respectively. Hence, the opportunity lies with whole plant optimization which needs to be worked out by the plant and animal scientist together for mitigating the shortage of feed resources in LMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, livestock plays important role for the nutritional security particularly for the small and marginal farmers. Though, India represents as the highest livestock population and milk producing country, but only 5% of cropped land area is utilized for cultivating fodder and facing a deficit of 35.6% green fodder, 26% of dry fodder and 41% of concentrate feed ingredients. Rapid urbanization, climate change, water scarcity etc. are the momentum to search alternate system for green fodder production. Hydroponic is the best alternative which involves production of fodder without soil in a confined environment (hi-tech or low-cost device) and harvested at 7-8days period of time. It is gaining importance as it is used to guarantee a constant production of high quantity of green forage round the year for livestock. Seed for hydroponic cultivation is the major input and shares 90% of the total cost of production as compared to conventional system. Since the hydroponics fodder is more palatable, digestible and nutritious, it improves immune status of the animals and augments productive and reproductive performance of the livestock. Supplementation of 5-10kg hydroponic fodders per cow per day increases milk production by 8-13%; and meat quality based on the digestibility of the nutrients. Farmers can adopt small- or large-scale hydroponic production following low cost devices and sustain green fodder supplements round the year for profitable livestock production. Livestock farmers are to be educated and aware through capacity building programme for their keen interest towards importance of the hydroponic and green fodders for sustainable livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The availability and efficient use of the feed resources in India are the primary drivers to maximize productivity of Indian livestock. Feed security is vital to the livestock management, extent of use, conservation and productivity enhancement. A study was conducted in four district of Uttar Pradesh to understand the livestock production and management systems for making strategies for the improving livestock production. The data were collected from 4 districts from each district 4 village and total 160 farmers, on socio-economic status of farmers, animal status, feeding system, assistance needs etc. The average land holding was significant difference among the districts. Land holdings in Hapur was significantly low than Bulandsahar and Gautambudhnagar. Area under main crops like wheat, paddy forage crops like sugarcane, maize, mustard and other miscellaneous crops was also significant difference among categories for most of the crops. However it was significant between C2, C4 and C5. Total availability of crop residues and green fodder differ significant among Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahar and Gautambudhnagar districts. Green fodder offered to the animals was surplus and minimum in C1 category of farmer. Dry fodder was also surplus and maximum in C3 categories. It was significantly higher while concentrate was also negative in fed basis. Among the districts was recorded maximum green fodder and significantly higher in Meerut. In the end, a challenge to scientists is indicated: to developtechnologies and recommendations which will improve productivity (notjust production of one sub-system) in a sustainable, environment-enriching and energy efficient manner, but without competing for human food and at the same time, benefiting small, underprivileged farmers. Some caution is required: the benefit is notalways a straightforward equation of rupees in and rupees out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress‐induced antioxidative defense responses were studied in seven soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) cultivars PUSA 9712, LSB 1, JS 335, ADB 22, NRC 37, DSB 20, and MAUS 61, respectively. Drought stress was imposed by withholding irrigation till the leaf water potentials reached −1.0, −1.5, and −2.0 MPa. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide, H2O2, •OH, DPPH radical scavenging assays were performed. Antioxidants during drought stress were studied by quantifying the ascorbic acid, glutathione, α‐tocopherol, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Antioxidant levels were significantly high in soybean foliages exposed to drought with the increased concentrations of radicals and enhanced lipid peroxidation rates. Isoenzyme analysis of SOD has shown the upregulation of Cu/Zn and MnSODs. Our results demonstrate that cultivars PUSA 9712 and LSB1 have shown to possess a high rate of antioxidants and a very efficient antioxidative defense system when compared with other cultivars. Practical applications: Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an economically important cash crop, cultivated globally for its rich protein, oil, nutraceutical, and antioxidant constituents. It is also cultivated for its rich enriched food, animal feed as well as several other commercial products. In India, most of the soybean cultivation is being done under rainfed conditions. Hence, identification of superior soybean cultivars rich in antioxidants is very important. The work presented here is the output of the investigation carried out on cramming the changes in antioxidative defense mechanisms of seven popular soybean cultivars that are regularly cultivated in India. A study was performed by quantifying the radicals, H2O2 concentrations, lipid peroxidation, determination of enzymatic, and nonenzymatic antioxidants in all selected soybean cultivars exposed to control and increased the duration of drought stress, for the identification of superior cultivars with a rich avenue of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]