Coarse Fodders

dry plant feed with high cellulose content (25–45 percent). Coarse fodders include hay, threshing feeds (straw and husks), branch feeds, and dried seaweed. Coarse fodders form an essential part of winter rations for herbivorous animals. About half of the necessary winter food units and digestible protein is received from coarse fodders. Feeds from this group assure the required ration quantity and roughage of the fodder mass, thus aiding normal digestion in herbivorous animals. Young animals are taught to eat these feeds from an early age to hasten development of the digestive system.

100 kg of wheat straw there are 22 feed units;, in oats straw, 31; in millet, 40. The straw from100 kg of wheat straw there are 22 feed units’, in oats straw, 31; in millet, 40. The straw from spring grain crops is more nourishing than that from winter crops. To improve edibility of straw, various means of preparation are employed, such as cutting, scalding, and calcination. The amount of coarse fodders in rations depends on the type, growth, and productivity of the animals. With increasing milk production the proportion of coarse fodders in the rations is reduced, and fresh and concentrated proportions are increased. Milk cows receive 2–2.5 kg of coarse fodders per 100 kg live weight.

Hay and straw are kept in ricks, stacks, and lofts; for ease in storing and transporting they are baled.