A Study on Nutrient Deficiencies in Feed and Fodder Management Systems in Peri-Urban and Rural Areas of Belgaum District of Karnataka

Abstract

Livestock sector plays an important role in the national economy and in the socio-economic development of the country. Green fodder provides nutrients for milch animals at cheaper cost. In spite of its importance, in the country, green fodder production has not been given proper place in the cropping pattern in providing proper nutrition to livestock. In view of this, a study was undertaken to analyse the nutrient deficiencies in feed and fodder management systems in peri-urban and rural areas of Belgaum district. Total 160 respondents of 8 villages in peri-urban and rural areas were interviewed by administering the standardised interview schedule. The availability of digestible crude protein rural areas was only 0.474 kg/head/day leading to a percentage deficiency of 36.8. In rural areas the availability of total digestible nutrients was only 2.06 kg/head/day and the same was 3.86 kg/head/day in peri-urban areas. The deficiency of total digestible nutrients was observed in both rural (81.42%) and peri-urban areas (75.89). Considerable percentage deficiency was observed in total digestible nutrients of feeds and fodder fed to livestock in rural (93.06%) and peri-urban areas (73.71%).