Hay production from rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop to augment fodder resources of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for supporting the livestock production

Abstract

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) livestock sector performance is severely limited by fodder and feed supplies especially during dry period (January-April) forcing them to feed on low quality paddy straw. In this context, green fodder cum hay production from a tall, long duration, photosensitive rice variety C-14-8 with high biomass production and low grain yields that is widely grown by farmers was assessed to ensure quality fodder supply during 2018 kharif season. Six fodder harvest schedules at 15 days interval starting from 60 days after transplanting (DAT) to 120 DAT along with no fodder harvest control as treatments were tested in randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications for hay production, its quality and economics. Results indicated hay (crude protein) production increased from 4.69 (0.516) to 9.89 (0.787 ) t/ha as harvest schedules got delayed from 60 to 120 DAT. Hay produced from rice green fodder has 2.22, 2.35 and 1.48 times more crude protein, phosphorus and potassium content, respectively than straw. This nutrient dense hay produced would be sufficient to support fodder needs of 2.48 adult cattle units (ACU) during the 4 months rain free period assuming a feeding rate of 15 kg hay/day. Hay cum grain (straw) dual harvest rice production system with hay harvested at 75 DAT has 68.1% higher income than grain (straw) alone producing rice (Rs. 15,300/ha). This was found promising system to augment fodder supplies to dairy animals during dry period.