ABSTRACT

Forage crops are an essential component of livestock’s diet. Production and availability of sufficiently good quality forage under diverse ecological dynamics are fundamental to develop an efficient and productive livestock industry.

Growers worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, face significant challenges in producing sufficient winter fodder. The livestock population is increasing at high rates, and its feed requirement is increasing accordingly. Fodder crops are the leading and cheapest source of feed for livestock; however, the shortage of fodder production is the primary limiting factor for livestock production. This book features an extensive overview of literature providing information on winter fodders used in livestock management.

Key features

  • Discusses breeding strategies of winter fodders through conventional approaches and biotechnology.
  • Highlights production, agronomy, and bioecology of winter fodder crops.
  • Provides comprehensive information on the ecological dynamics of winter fodders.
  • Describes the use of precision agriculture for mitigating the effect of climate change on winter fodders.
  • Relays challenges of winter fodder crops on account of microbes, toxins, pests, and diseases.

This book is written for researchers and practitioners in agronomy, biotechnology, bioecology and is a comprehensive guide for improving winter fodder production.

section Section II|188 pages

Ecological Dynamics and Winter Fodders

chapter 4|28 pages

Medicago sativa

Diseases, Etiology, and Management

chapter 5|19 pages

Trifolium Species

Diseases, Etiology, and Management

chapter 7|34 pages

Hordeum vulgare

Diseases, Etiology, and Management

chapter 8|24 pages

Rapeseed and Mustard

Diseases, Etiology, and Management

chapter 10|14 pages

Application of Precision Agriculture

Mitigating the Effect of Climate Change on Winter Fodders

section Section III|143 pages

Challenges of Winter Fodder Crops

chapter 11|29 pages

Winter Fodder

Opportunities and Challenges in Livestock

chapter 12|29 pages

Microbial Determinants in Silage Rotting

A Challenge in Winter Fodders

chapter 14|27 pages

Toxins of Preserved Fodders

A Threat to Livestock