Nutrient availability for small ruminants in community pasture of hot arid zone

A study conducted during winter and monsoon seasons on the vegetation yield and composition of community pastureland of Kavni village of Bikaner district showed that percentage of perennial grass species was similar during both the seasons but annual grass species availability was higher during monsoon season. Dry matter availability and pasture quality, especially crude protein substantially improved owing to higher dry matter yield and crude protein content and lower proportion of acid detergent fiber during monsoon as compared to winter in hot arid zone pasture of Rajasthan.