Fodder availability and feeding practices as influenced by cropping patterns and systems of Jammu and Kashmir, India

AParticipatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)-based study was conducted in Poonch district of Jammu to assess the influence of cropping pattern on fodder availability and utilization. Integration of crop-livestock systems was the most prevalent system followed by the farmers. However, there are differences in the perception of farmers of different ecosystems with regard to quality of various crops byproducts used as fodder and their feeding pattern to livestock. Training on knowledge component of crop residue and fodder is essential to the farmers of the studied area. Technological back-stopping on fodder production and management can be beneficial to the farmers of Jammu & Kashmir engaged in livestock-based farming.