Abstract

The problem of producing good fodder grasses and improving the pastures has been engaging the attention of many in the development of Indian Agriculture & Livestock. Good pastures not only provide an excellent feed, but they reduce the labour and expense in- volved in Livestock production and maintenance by supplying the essential nutrients for body development. Improved pastures and improved live- stock always go hand in hand. In South India there are over a dozen good perennial pasture grasses of which only a few form the staple fodder for the South Indian breeds of cattle. The bulk of our cattle which are in the villages depend on the poor local natural pastures or grazing grounds which consist chiefly of annual gresses which spring up with the rains of the monsoons and die after seeding from October to January. There are no regular pastures as in the western countries where they are systematically grazed.

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