There are several varieties of grass which are suitable for growing as green fodder for cattle. The main cultivars are Hamil, PPG -14, Makuni, and Rivers-dale. They grow well on all soil types and drainage conditions, but do not grow well on heavy clay soil. These crops are planted with slips of approximately 65,000 per hectare. A slip of this crop accommodates 50-cm spacing. Cutting intervals should be 40 to 45 days between successive cuts. In eight cuts, green fodder yields can be produced.
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Hydroponics
Besides providing a high-quality source of green fodder for cattle, hydroponics also reduces the water and fertilizer use. Unlike conventional agricultural techniques, hydroponic fodder production can take place all year round and requires very little water. Because it uses a recirculation system, the growing room uses only two to three percent of the water needed for conventional growing.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a high-quality source of energy for cattle. Its deep tap root helps it reach water and nutrients deep in the soil. It also acts as a storage organ for nitrogen and carbohydrates needed for the plant to regenerate after grazing or cutting. The crown develops at the top of the tap root and basal buds develop to form new stems and leaves, once environmental conditions are favorable.
Barley
It is possible to increase the nutritional value of barley by adding it to silage. Barley is a rich source of energy and protein and can be added to silage at ensiling to increase dry-matter percent and minimize effluent losses. Barley may be used as the sole grain in finishing rations, but the amount of forage should be moderate to achieve best results. In addition, a moderate amount of ionophore should be added to the silage pile to ensure optimum performance.
Oats
Oats as green fodder for cows has a long history in the cattle industry, but its potential is largely untapped. Recent research has begun to address this question by examining the yield and quality of oat forage. Research from the Quaker Oats International oat improvement program has shown that oats are a good choice for cattle feed. Compared to other cereal grains, oats can yield up to 110% of their dry matter yield.
Lucerne multicut
Lucerne multicut green fodder is a high-quality, highly nutritious fodder that cattle will love. The plant’s fiber and fatty acids make it a great source of energy for cattle. In addition to this, the plant’s high concentration of vitamins and minerals makes it a great source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus. In addition to this, the multicut fodder is also highly digestible. It is recommended for cattle weighing three to five kilograms per day.
Medicago
Medicago sativa is a promising alternative for providing fodder to cattle. The Medicago plant has the potential to replace the expensive concentrate feed that cattle usually consume. Its high nutritional value makes it an excellent choice for supplementary feeding in ruminant systems. Moreover, the plant is highly versatile, allowing farmers to grow Medicago on a single gunta.
Mulberry
Mulberry is a high-quality, nutrient-rich forage. When simultaneously offered with other forages, animals are drawn to the mulberry and dig through the pile to find it. According to Prasad and Reddy (1991), sheep and goats ingest more mulberry leaves than cattle, but their intakes are lower. Mulberry is particularly well suited to grazing in Tuscany.
