According to the Annual Reports of the Department of Animal Husbandry Government of India the livestock population in the country between 1951 and 2007 has been increasing. During this period, the number of cattle has increased by 28.19%, buffaloes by142.72%, sheep by 83.02% and goats by 197.76%, with the total livestock population growing by 80.91%. Economic viability of livestock keeping in India is directly dependent on the practices of livestock husbandry, animal management, feeding and nutrition and of course the genetic potential for production of our livestock. It is well established that about 65-70% of the total cost of livestock farming is attributed to feeding. Therefore, efficiency of livestock management and the prosperity of the Indian farmer are related to availability of feeds and fodders. Livestock require certain quantity of protein and carbohydrates from either concentrate or nutritious fodder. For example, cows or buffaloes yielding 5-8 kg milk per day can be maintained exclusively on 48-55 kg lucerne or berseem greens, as a substitute for 4.5 to 5.0 kg concentrate. Green fodder is an integral component of nutrition and a natural diet for dairy animals. It is best for improving the quality as well as for production of milk andmeat. Green fodders enhance the content of poly unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., Omega 3; vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. Apart from ancient practitioners favouring the use of green fodders for cows, modern researches have confirmed that grass-fed cow's milk is very rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 is the most important constituent of grass-fed cow milk. Importance of Omega 3 in human diet is established by the fact that it is known to improve the functions of brain and eyes. Some clinical studies indicate that a 1:1 ingested ratio of Omega 6- to Omega 3- fatty acids is important for maintaining cardiovascular health.
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