Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India.
* Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Kamal - 132001.
To assess the potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production for green fodder cum grain, present experiment was conducted sowing three varieties viz. UP 2003, UP 2338 and WH 542 in the first week of November. Nutrient composition with regard to various stages of harvest were comparable. Harvesting green fodder at 60 or 70 days, yielded good amount of green fodder in terms of DM production of wheat straw however grain was significantly lower as compared to uncut control. Crude protein (CP) production from straw (3.88q/ha) and grain (5.41 q/ha) was highest when the crop was harvested at maturity. The total CP yield was 30%, and 58% higher in 60 and 70 days cuts, respectively as compared to control. Per cent cost of CP harvested (Rupees per unit) was significantly reduced to 18 and 44% by harvesting at 60 and 70 days intervals.
