Using Quality Protein Maize as an Elite Feed and Fodder for Livestock

摘要

Maize (Zea mays L.) popularly known as "queen of cereals" is the third most important cereal in the country after wheat and rice. Worldwide, India ranks fourth in terms of maize stadstics with 9.4 million ha area, 24.26 million tonnes of production and 2.57 t/ha average productivity. The crop occupies an important place in the cereal production system of the country. Maize is considered as the most versatile cereal due to its large demand not only for feed but also for industrial purpose, as it is used as source of human food (25%), animal feed (12 %), poultry feed (49%), industrial products (12%), and in brewery and seed (1% each). Maize is acknowledged as the king of animal feed as 70-80% of its total production is used as feed over the world. Itis a primary source of energy supplement and can contribute up to 30 percent protein, 60 percent energy and 90 percent starch in an animal's diet (Dado, 1999). Several million dairy farmers rely on maize as a feed for their livestock throughout the world. As fodder it is the most important crop as it yields maximum per unit area and time and is free from any negative factors.