ABSTRACT
Amaranthus can be grown as an important forage crop. This plant may be fed to cattle and pigs as forage and fodder. When supplied in moderation, it is regarded as an exceptionally nutritious fodder. However, excess amount may cause many health problems in domestic animals. The amaranth is grown throughout the year in India because of its low production cost and high yield. The amaranth is really unique in many respects. It is easy to cultivate in a kitchen garden or on large scale and responds very favorably to fertilizer and organic manure. Such forage may cause fatal nephrotoxicity, presumably because of its high oxalate content. Other symptoms, such as bloat, might reflect its high nitrate content. Amaranth contains phytochemicals that may be antinutrient factors, such as polyphenols, saponins, tannins, and oxalates which are reduced in content and effect by cooking. The average yield of green leaves is about 74-94 q/ha. The average yield in “Shyamoli” and “Rodali” has been recorded to be 126 q/ ha and 111 q/ha, respectively.
