Vol. 10, Special Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Jeevan Sai Akkenapally and Dr. Swathi Lekkala

Abstract:
Livestock sector has a major role in nutritional security; however, there is a large gap in fodder supply and demand, which is attributed due to climatic changes, urbanization, and increased growth rate of the cattle. A best alternative is hydroponics fodder production, which is economical and available round the year. Hydroponics can be produced in various ranges of crops viz., maize, cowpea, barley, chickpea etc and the fodder can be made available in a short duration of 5-10 days. Fodder is highly nutritive due to the conversion of complex compounds into simpler and essential forms, and enzyme activation during the germination. Feeding the cattle with hydroponic fodder enhanced the uptake and digestibility of fodder, which in turn increased the milk production in the cattle.