Sheep - AgRIS

Sorghum-Berseem-Maize
Improved varieties of sorghum such as J. L-263 and J.S-29/1 can be sown in the last week
of June. It can be harvested after 80 to 90 days. Then Berseem can be sown in mid October.
Aftertaking 56 cuts, maize can be sown in April, which can be harvested by June.
Sorghum-Oats-Bajra
After harvesting sorghum in mid October, H.F.0-114 variety of oats can be sown. Two
cuttings of oats can be taken. Then fast growing varieties of bajra (S 530 or S 1/3) can be sown.
Sudan grass-Berseem-Madze Sudan grass is a high yielding crop which can give 5-6 cuttings.
The berseem can be sown in October. Maize can be sown in April.
In addition to these there are more fodder crop rotations. By following these sheep farmers
can get green fodder for their animals throughout the year. Package of practices for increasing
fodder production are given in Table 8.8.
8.3 Fodder conservation
The pastures will turn dry during summer months in arid and semi-arid areas and will be
covered with snow during winters in temperate regions. Thus, total dependence on pasture for
maintaining the sheep throughout the year can involve a great risk for proper health and
production. Alternative arrangements should be made to maintain the sheep through lean
periods. Fodder conservation is the only alternative that can solve this problem to a great
extent. The other alternative is to have a large number of fodder trees and shrubs which could
be lopped during pasture scarcity period.
The most economic, simple and perhaps also the most satisfactory method for preserving
forage crops or grasses is in the form of hay. The grasses, legumes and tree leaves should be
conserved during their luxuriant growth. These should be harvested at the preflowering stage to
maintain their nutritive quality. The hay should not be sun-bleached as a good hay should retain
its green colour.
The fodder could also be converted as silage. This could be prepared in pits or trenches, if
it is not possible to conserve as hay due to adverse weather conditions. Cowpea, pearlmillet,
clusterbean, sorghum, maize, seasonal grasses, etc. should be chaffed before putting in the
silos. These fodders should also be harvested and ensiled at pre-flowering stage after bringing
the dry matter content to 30 to 35 per cent by wilting. Thorough pressing and packing ofthe
fodder and proper sealing of the silos is equally important. Similarly, the tree leaves lopped
during the period of abundance of grazing resources should be conserved as hay or silage.
Fodders, grasses and tree leaves which have poor nutritive value may be improved through
added supplements like urea, molasses and minteral mixture. This will improve their feeding
value and also improve intake. The grasses from the forest lands are not fully utilized for the
animals and hence these grow very tall and become unfit for sheep grazing. If these grasses are
harvested during August and September before allowing the sheep to graze, a substantial
amount of hay silage can be made.
440