Consumption pattern, demand and supply of livestock feed and fodder in Gujarat

This study examines consumption pattern, demand and supply of feed and fodder production in Gujarat. Field survey indicate data that the average feed and fodder consumption of milch animals was ranges between 14- 16 kg of green of fodder followed by 12-14 kg of dry fodder, 2-3 kg of concentrates and very few quantity of the supplements were fed to the adult animals. The state is deficit in concentrates around 84%, and in dry fodder around 28%. The green fodder availability is in excess by almost 30% than requirement. The gap between the requirement and availability of feed and fodder is increasing due to decreasing area under fodder cultivations and reduced availability of crop residues as fodder. Also there is continuous shrinking of common property resources leading to over grazing on the existing grass land. Therefore, there is a need to work out the strategies for sufficient good quality feed and fodder for efficient utilisation of genetic potential; of the various livestock species and for sustainable improvement in productivity. Besides, fodder community farming farms should be encouraged. Co-operative farming of fodder particularly on the barren land of the village can assure sufficient local availability of the fodder and thereby reduce the variable cost, create a positive impact on net income.