‘Proper storage of fodder must in monsoon’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 15

If animal feed or feed ingredients become wet due to seepage of rainwater, it can develop mould, which in turn, can become a probable cause of serious diseases in animals leading to morbidity and mortality.

It was stated by Dr APS Sethi, HoD, Animal Nutrition Department of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana.

He advised that one should store the feed in a dry place.

“Your feed stores should be well ventilated and the feed should be stacked in such a way that air can circulate within rows,” he said, adding “Avoid stacking alongside the wall. Store as much quantity of feed which can be utilised in a short period. Clumpy feeds should not be used for feeding livestock. Aflatoxin levels should be evaluated from time to time.”

Grass that grows in the rainy season has lots of water as well as fibre. The water fills up the stomach and therefore, it is virtually of no use. It causes animals to pass watery dung in wet seasons.

“Livestock farmers must chop some young grass in rainy season and dry it up in sunlight before feeding. It will remove water from the grass and will turn it into a good feed,” said the expert.

Weather events could affect quality due to leaching, which leads to movement of water-soluble components out of the forage. Many of the compounds are highly digestible carbohydrates, Dr Sethi said.

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