ABSTRACT
Carrot belongs to Apiaceae family and is popularly known as gajar in India. This root crop is palatable, succulent, easily digestible, and popular feed of all livestock. The feeding value is superior to other root forage crops. Carrot is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, bulbous taproot system. Small, tender varieties are grown for human consumption, while larger varieties are grown as a feed and fodder for livestock. Carrot takes about 3 months to be ready for harvest. Harvesting can start after last irrigation by pulling by hand, a spade, or a country plow. Carrots are harvested when they have reached a diameter of 20 mm and more, still young and tender. Carrot leaves are good poultry feed. Carrot is the most quickly growing fodder crop. The average yield of carrot fodder is 500-600 q/ha under good management conditions. The tuber dry matter contains about 12-14% of which 1% crude protein, 9% carbohydrate, and 1% fiber. The carrot leaves are quite rich in calcium, phosphorus, and minerals.
