A survey of feeds and feeding practices in Kashmir valley

A comprehensive survey of locally available feed stuffs and feeding practices adopted by the farmers of Kashmir valley was conducted in three districts viz, Kupwara, Srinagar and Anantnag. A total of 100 fanners were contacted in these districts. Rice and maize were the main crops cultivated and oats was the only improved fodder crop being cultivated in 21.62% of irrigated land in the Kashmir valley. Every family had one bull/bullock for ploughing and followed traditional farming system. Every two families had three cows out of which 50% cows were crossbred, with an average of 7.73 liter milk available per family out of which 50% milk was used for home consumption and rest was sold locally. Milk production was higher in Anantnag. Each family had 18 sheep and one goat. Wool production was higher in Srinagar. Rice straw, maize stover and small quantity of bund/natural grass hay was the sole source of roughage fed to the animals in all the three districts, whereas sheep and goats were also fed tree leaves (Salix Populus, Ulmus, Acacia, Moras and Malus). In summer, sheep were extensively reared on high alpine pastures. Rice bran, maize grain and mustard cake were the parts of concentrate mixture fed to productive animals and ploughing bulls/bullocks during winter. Only 10% of the farmers were supplementing diet, with salt and mineral mixture in case of milch cattle and none, to sheep and unproductive animals. It was concluded that feeds and feeding practices could be improved to a greater extent, to strengthen the Socio-ecnomics status of farmers in Kashmir valley.