ABSTRACT
Livestock production is of an important part of the economies of most developing and developed countries. Fodder of summer and winter seasons is produced annually for feeding the livestock population for better production of meat, milk, and other dairy products. The production of fodder crops is always associated with seed quality, pests, diseases, preservation, climate change, and so on. These problems lead to fodder shortage in the growing season and during the lean periods of feed to dairy farms, resulting in decreasing livestock products. Insect pests and diseases have always been significant competitors of food resources with humans and fodder production for animals. Berseem, lucerne, mustard, pastures/legume pastures, turfs, and so on are winter fodder crops attacked by major and minor pests that reduce their production and quality. They also have an indirect effect by reducing nodule formation in legumes, resulting in reduced nitrogen fixation, while plant pathogens may produce toxins such as mycotoxins, which affect animal health after consumption. Using pesticides for pest and disease management is also of concern because of pesticide residue on fodder and the risk of animal feed contamination. The rearing of livestock on pesticide-contaminated crops accumulates pesticide residue in edible tissue, milk, and other fat-rich substances. In most countries, fodder and grasses are preserved as hay or silage to overcome the feeding shortage in scarce periods. However, improper silage or haymaking processes may lead to spoilage of preserved fodder and the occurrence of non-infectious animal diseases. This chapter will discuss the main pests and diseases of winter fodder and their effects on fodder preservation, which greatly influence livestock production. Challenges of winter fodder production and preservation and strategies to overcome challenges will also be discussed.
