Year: 2024

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”|40px||40px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=” border-style: dotted;|| border-width: 1px 0px 1px 0px;|| border-color: #aaaaaa;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_parent dnxte_feature_list_icon_color=”#015AAA” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”float:right;” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_child dnxte_feature_list_title=”Dr. R. L. Bhagat” dnxte_feature_list_icon=”||fa||900″ dnxte_feature_list_icon_color=”#015AAA” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dnxte_feature_list_child][/dnxte_feature_list_parent][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_parent _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” custom_padding=”|20px||40px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”float:none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_child dnxte_feature_list_title=”Dec 24, 2024″ dnxte_feature_list_icon=”||fa||900″ dnxte_feature_list_icon_color=”#015AAA” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_text_align=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dnxte_feature_list_child][/dnxte_feature_list_parent][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”|40px||40px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=” border-style: dotted;|| border-width: 1px 0px 1px 0px;|| border-color: #aaaaaa;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_parent _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” custom_padding=”|20px||40px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_child dnxte_feature_list_title=”Dr. R. L. Bhagat” dnxte_feature_list_icon=”||fa||900″ dnxte_feature_list_icon_color=”#015AAA” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_text_align=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dnxte_feature_list_child][/dnxte_feature_list_parent][dnxte_feature_list_parent _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” custom_padding=”|20px||40px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][dnxte_feature_list_child dnxte_feature_list_title=”Dec 24, 2024″ dnxte_feature_list_icon=”||fa||900″ dnxte_feature_list_icon_color=”#015AAA” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_text_align=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dnxte_feature_list_child][/dnxte_feature_list_parent][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ width=”100%” custom_padding=”|40px||40px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://baif.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Herd2.jpg” title_text=”Herd2″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”15px” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Inbreeding which is the practice of mating animals with blood relationship, has been a practice since long with an aim to preserve desirable traits. However, this practice can threaten the health, productivity and sustainability of dairy animals. Hence, it is necessary to avoid inbreeding in dairy animals.

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Genetic Diversity: 

Genetic diversity is the foundation of a healthy animal population. It provides animals the inherent capacity to adapt to changing environments and to resist diseases.

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Adverse effects of Inbreeding:

• Reduction in genetic diversity: The practice of inbreeding reduces genetic diversity and increases the risk of inbreeding depression, a phenomenon whereby offsprings exhibit reduced fitness, vigour and productivity. The general rule is that each 1% increase in inbreeding coefficient (F) leads to 3-5% decrease in reproductive performance (conception rate, calving rate) and 1-2% decrease in production traits (milk yield, growth rate).
• Reproductive inefficiency: Inbreeding increases the likelihood of hereditary disorders, leading to lower conception rates and higher calf mortality.
• Productivity decline: Traits like milk yield or birth weight of calf often deteriorate in inbred populations, affecting the profitability of livestock farming.
• Increased Risk of Genetic Disorders: The probability of expressing recessive genetic disorders, increases and are manifest in the form of physical abnormalities, reduced immune response or metabolic inefficiencies, which compromise on the welfare and longevity of the animals.
• Vulnerability to Environmental Changes: Populations with limited genetic variation are less capable of coping with environmental changes such as climate variability, new diseases or shifting resource availability. This vulnerability can lead to significant loss in the productivity.
• Ethical and Welfare Considerations: Inbreeding often results in animals suffering from congenital disabilities, reduced life expectancy and chronic health problems. Ethical breeding practices prioritises the welfare of animals, ensuring they lead healthy, productive lives.

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Case Studies in Dairy Cattle:

Studies have shown that a 1% increase in inbreeding level can reduce milk production by 20-30 kg per lactation. Likewise, fertility issues and calving difficulties increase significantly in inbred herds.

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Percent Contribution of Inbreeding over Generations:

The percent contribution of inbreeding increases with each successive generation when closely related animals are mated. The degree of inbreeding is quantified using the inbreeding coefficient (F), which measures the probability that two alleles at a locus in an individual are inherited from a common ancestor.

• • Full siblings mating: Full siblings share approximately 50% of their genetic material. When they mate, the chances of identical alleles (genes from both parents) being inherited by the offspring increases. This leads to higher homozygosity which can amplify the expression of harmful recessive genes.
  • Parent-offspring mating: This occurs when an offspring is bred with one of its parents either sire or dam. The offspring shares 50% of its genetic material with the parent, leading to a higher likelihood of both inheriting and expressing similar genetic traits. Parent-offspring mating increases homozygosity, leading to a higher chance of harmful recessive traits being expressed. Mating of such animals leads to genetic disorders, reduced fertility, and poor health in the offspring.
  • Half-sibling mating: It involves mating two animals that share one parent common. E.g. if a sire is used to breed with multiple dams, the offspring from different dams are half-siblings. Half-siblings share approximately 25% of their genetic material, which is lower than full siblings but still substantial enough to amplify risks associated with inbreeding. Similar to other forms of inbreeding, half-sibling mating increases the likelihood of homozygosity.
  • First-cousin mating: First-cousin mating refers to the practice of breeding animals that share a pair of grandparents but have different parents. This form of inbreeding is less intense than parent-offspring or sibling mating but still falls under the category of close-relative mating. It has genetic and practical implications that must be carefully managed. In first-cousin mating, the animals being bred share about 12.5% of their genetic material since their parents are siblings.

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Inbred and Outbred Populations:

Inbred and outbred populations represent opposite ends of the genetic diversity spectrum. The distinction is critical in animal breeding, conservation and genetics to understand the impact on traits such as health, productivity and adaptability.

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• Inbred Population:
• Advantages:
• • Predictable traits can be attained in future generation.
  • Useful for research (laboratory animals).
  • Necessary for developing purebred lines.
• Disadvantages:
  • Reduced fitness and adaptability to changing environments.
  • Increased risk of hereditary diseases in future generations.

Outbred Population:

• Advantages:
  • Improved vigour and health in future generation due to heterosis.
  • Greater resilience to environmental changes possible due to improved vigour in future generations.
• Disadvantages:
  • Traits may vary unpredictably due to heterozygous.
  • Less control over specific genetic outcomes.

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Mitigation Strategies for Inbreeding:

1. Maintaining a large Breeding Population: Larger populations reduce the likelihood of mating of closely related individuals which therefore helps in maintaining genetic diversity.
2. Crossbreeding Programme: Crossbreeding programme helps to introduce new genetic material into a population, improving performance and resilience through heterosis or hybrid vigour.
3. Use of Modern Technologies: Modern genetic technologies, such as DNA testing and pedigree analysis, allow breeders to assess genetic relationships and plan matings to minimise or to avoid inbreeding risks in future generations.
4. Monitoring and Recording Systems: Accurate record keeping helps track lineage, preventing unintended inbreeding and allowing better management of breeding programmes.

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Conclusion:

While inbreeding can be useful for stabilising traits in controlled breeding programmes, its negative impact on reproduction and production performance outweigh the benefits in most cases especially in dairy animals. By maintaining genetic diversity and minimising inbreeding, livestock breeders can ensure sustainable and profitable production systems in future generations.

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Advisor

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune

Linkedin Profile

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Food System: An important Agenda for local and global action:

Food is the most commonly discussed topic in today’s world. And why not? People across the globe are currently worried about the kind of food system we have. There is growing demand that existing food system should be transformed to make it more inclusive, nutritive, sustainable, nature positive and resilient and healthy! Similarly, such transformation should result in making food resources more accessible, available, adequate, affordable, safe, diverse and produced in a nature positive manner.

Food and nutrition security is a growing concern due to several newer and emerging challenges in the form of land fragmentation, labour scarcity, growing disconnect between agriculture and nutrition, climate change and associated challenges. Although agriculture is supporting food and nutrition security, it is also known to be contributing to GHG emissions. The challenge of feeding the ever growing number of people, still remains. COVID, Climate Change, War-like Crisis, unsustainable practices expressing nature’s boundaries, degrading base of natural resources, increasing incidences of human illnesses, health crisis and unaddressed issue of malnutrition and hidden hunger have necessitated us to urgently start reimagining our food system! It is a challenge even to reimagine a food system with scarce resources like water, healthy soils, finances, infrastructure, inputs and other support services.

World over, Food System has gained attention as an important agenda to discuss and plan actions for sustainable and healthy future of planet and people.  The countries, UN food Systems, Development and Research organizations at International, national and sub-regional levels, people’s movement and governments   are looking for best practices around food system transformations that need to be revived and upscaled.

What is Food Systems Approach?

It is aptly called ‘’System’’ as it consists of all the activities, actors and their interactions. All the actions from Farm to Fork like production, distribution, consumption, supply chain and value chain interventions from infrastructure, mechanization, governance aspects, marketing and value chain, etc. It also encompasses actors and enablers like farmers, government agencies, market players, financial institutions, insurance, FPOs, Investment players and other inputs and advisory service providers and associated socio-cultural, economic, behavioral, nutritional, environment and ecological impacts.

What are the buzz words and interesting discussion points in Food SYSTEM Dialogues:

It is very interesting to be a part of the discussions which focus on interventions one can think of while reimagining food system.

Globally, there is an urgent need to focus on agrobiodiversity for dietary diversity and healthy planet. Agrobiodiversity includes a variety of crops and livestock, which can provide a more balanced diet and help combat malnutrition. Diverse crops are more resilient to pests, diseases and changing climate conditions, ensuring stable food production even under stress.  Incorporating a variety of species can improve soil health and ecosystem stability, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. Diverse genetic resources allow farmers to select varieties that are well-adapted to local conditions, increasing food security in different regions. Further, Agrobiodiversity can create new markets for underutilized crops, supporting local economies and improving livelihoods. What is important is not only to conserve these diverse resources along with their habitats but it is also important to conserve the traditional wisdom and  sustainable practices that are associated with these resources.

Food as our Medicine:

“Food as medicine” is both possible and increasingly recognized as a viable approach to health and wellness. A diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help prevent diseases. Many foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can prevent or mitigate health issues. Certain foods, like turmeric or ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

There are many research and scientific institutions who are working on fermented foods and probiotics which can promote gut health and gut micro flora.

Foraging practices for Healthy and resilient food system:

Foraging is a practice traditionally followed by many indigenous communities. This has significant implications for traditional knowledge and food security. Foraged foods are seasonal and local in nature such as wild greens, berries, mushrooms, and nuts. They can enhance dietary diversity and provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in conventional diets. These are often rooted in traditional knowledge passed down through generations, preserving cultural identities and community ties. In times of crisis e.g. natural disasters and economic downturns, foraging can serve as a vital resource for food.

Access to Healthy food via sustainable and diversified production system:

There is growing thrust on doing away with modern, high input-based, monoculture, commercialised and chemical farming and adopting utilizing methods like agroecology, mixed and multiple cropping, organic farming that can help in reducing  environmental impact, conserve resources and maintain soil health, leading to more healthy and safe food sources. An agroecological approach to farming can significantly address both hunger and environmental issues. Agroecology promotes the cultivation of diverse crops and livestock. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping and reduced tillage improve soil fertility and structure, leading to better water retention and reduced erosion. Agroecological practices optimize the use of local resources so that cost is reduced. Healthy agroecological systems support pollinators, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.

Promoting local food system, local markets that are people-led:

Involving local communities in decision-making about food production can empower them and ensure that farming practices are culturally and contextually appropriate. Strengthening local food networks reduces dependency on global supply chains, making communities more resilient and ensuring fresher produce is available.

Local food markets including village haats (local markets), play a vital role in enhancing food security, ensuring seasonal and local food availability and supporting local economies. Local markets make fresh, healthy food more accessible to communities, reducing the distance that food travels and ensuring it reaches consumers quickly. Village haats provide a direct link between farmers and consumers. Further, Village haats often reflect local traditions and culinary practices, preserving cultural heritage and fostering pride in local food systems. It creates more opportunities and spaces for farm women to participate as main decision makers in food production and in sell-related activities.

Focus on role of Women in food system transformation:

In many regions, women contribute significantly to food production, often growing a diverse range of crops that enhance dietary diversity and nutrition for their families and communities. Their insights can be invaluable in transforming food systems. Women are custodians of traditional knowledge of local food systems, nutritional aspects, food traits and local recipes. Women are key educators within families and communities. At home too, they can drive better dietary choices and improve health outcomes. Women are often at the forefront of adapting to climate change impacts, using traditional knowledge and innovative practices to enhance resilience in food systems. Women play a vital role in preventing food loss and waste across various stages of the food system.

Livestock-based food options are vital for future food systems, offering nutritional diversity, economic opportunities, and sustainable practices. There is growing interest on incorporating insect protein into diet that can offer a high-protein, low-resource option. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can enhance nutrition and offer functional health benefits such as improved gut health. Developing resilient and disease-resistant livestock breeds through research can enhance productivity and sustainability in future food systems.

However, interestingly, vegetable sources that mimic or provide similar nutritional profiles to non-vegetarian foods are gaining popularity, especially among those looking for plant-based options. A lot of research and innovations are happening in this space too.

Are there any Key Lessons for India?

All the above food system-related actions are important considerations for Food System transformation in India. Further, in India, we need to keep small holder farmers, indigenous communities and farm women at the centre of any food system transformation process. As almost 84% of the farming is led by small and marginal farmers, there is growing feminization of farming and indigenous communities and tribal areas have tremendous amount of amazing food system-related traditional knowledge which needs to be relooked and revived.  

There is an urgent need to foster Food System transformation by focusing on innovations and newer research while also learning from our culture and traditions. There is also a need for effective institutions and enabling policies and programmes to facilitate such a transformation in India.

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Programme Director

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune

Linkedin Profile

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Dairy development is the cornerstone of rural livelihood, contributing significantly to the economy of the nation and the well-being of thousands of farming families. As one of the pioneering organisations in dairy cattle development in the country, BAIF has been promoting sustainable and climate-resilient dairy development through genetic improvement of indigenous cattle population. In this blog, we explore BAIF’s comprehensive approach to enhancing the productivity and resilience of indigenous breeds and their significant contribution to the dairy sector.

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Importance of Indigenous Breeds

Indigenous cattle breeds in India have evolved over centuries, adapting to diverse climatic conditions, diseases and local available feed and fodder practices. They are known for their resilience, disease resistance and ability to thrive in harsh environments. However, due to the increasing preference for exotic breeds, the population of indigenous breeds has been declining. BAIF recognizes the need to conserve and improve these native breeds to ensure the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.

Genetic Improvement: A Core Strategy

At the heart of BAIF’s dairy development programme is the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds. Genetic improvement involves selecting animals with superior traits, producing frozen semen, and disseminating it through artificial insemination (AI) in the respective breeding tracts. This systematic approach not only enhances the productivity of individual animals but also contributes to the overall genetic pool of the breed, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Selection and Frozen Semen Production

BAIF’s efforts in genetic improvement begin with breed surveys and population studies which provide valuable insights into the population structures of various breeds. These studies are guided by quantitative genetic principles, enabling BAIF to identify superior animals for breeding programmes. BAIF has been involved in characterizing notable indigenous breeds such as Dangi, Khillar, Krishna Valley, and Kathani cattle. These efforts have been instrumental in conserving these breeds and ensuring their continued contribution to India’s dairy industry.

One of the key components of BAIF’s breeding programme is the production of frozen semen. BAIF operates state-of-the-art semen production facilities, accredited by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) of the Government of India in Jind, Haryana and the Central Research Station in Urulikanchan. These facilities produce frozen semen doses for 18 cattle breeds, including Gir, Sahiwal, Khillar, Amritmahal, Dangi, Hallikar, Tharparkar, Ongole, Krishna Valley, Gangatiri, Red Kandhari, Nimari, Red Sindhi, Rathi, Gaolao, Nagori, Deoni and Hariyana.

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Artificial Insemination for superior progeny

BAIF has made effective use of Artificial insemination (AI) as a tool for disseminating superior genetics across a geographical area. By providing farmers with access to high quality semen doses, BAIF ensures that the benefits of genetic improvement are realized at the grassroots level. In the past five years, BAIF has produced over 151.87 lakh frozen semen doses from indigenous cattle breeds catering to the AI needs of field animals across the country.

Conservation of Indigenous Breeds

In addition to genetic improvement, BAIF is also committed to the conservation of indigenous breeds. Conservation efforts are essential to preserving the unique genetic traits of these breeds, in the face of changing environmental conditions and emerging diseases.

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In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation

BAIF makes effective use of in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods to safeguard indigenous breeds. In-situ conservation involves preserving the breed in its natural habitat, while ex-situ conservation includes measures such as collection and storage of genetic material. BAIF has collaborated with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) to produce and store frozen semen doses for Krishna Valley cattle. These efforts ensure that the genetic diversity of this breed is preserved for future generations. BAIF was also a part of the animal biodiversity project in which 40,000 semen doses from Khillar, Dangi, Rathi and Nagori breeds (10,000 doses of each breed) were deposited at the National Gene bank at NBAGR as a part of ex-situ conservation.

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Field Performance Recording and Collaboration

To support its conservation and genetic improvement initiatives, BAIF conducts field performance recording (FPR) for various breeds. FPR involves systematically collection of data on the performance of individual animals which helps in selecting the best animals for breeding. BAIF undertook the FPR of Khillar cattle between 2010 and 2012 with the support of Maharashtra Livestock Development Board (MLDB). More recently, BAIF completed another FPR project for Khillar, Deoni, and Gaolao breeds.

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Biotechnology and Genomics: The Future of Dairy Development

BAIF is adopting cutting-edge technologies to further enhance the productivity and sustainability of indigenous breeds. Biotechnology and genomics are playing an increasingly important role in BAIF’s programmes, offering new avenues for genetic improvement and conservation.

IVF and Sex-Sorted Semen

BAIF has established advanced facilities for the production of embryos through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and sex-sorted semen. Sex-sorted semen allows farmers to increase the likelihood of producing female calves. Over the past five years, BAIF has produced 3.11 lakh sex-sorted semen doses for indigenous cattle. These innovations are empowering farmers to maximize the potential of their herds while contributing to breed conservation.

Genomics and Population Studies

In collaboration with reputed international universities like the University of New England and The French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), BAIF is applying genomics to better understand indigenous population structures. Genomic tools are being used to assess genetic diversity, effective population size, breed relatedness, and genetic purity. These insights are crucial for developing breeding programmes that maintain the genetic integrity of indigenous breeds.

National Bovine Genomic Centre and Indigenous SNP Chip Development

BAIF is also a member of the National Bovine Genomic Centre (NBGC) for Gir cattle. This initiative is focused on developing genomic selection protocols that will further enhance the genetic improvement of cattle breeds. BAIF is also a consortium partner in a project to develop an indigenous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip for Indian cattle. This project, in collaboration with NBAGR, NDDB, and NIAB, Hyderabad, aims to create a powerful tool for genomic selection in Indian cattle, marking a significant milestone in the genetic improvement of indigenous breeds.

Empowering Farmers and building Resilient Livelihoods

BAIF’s efforts in genetic improvement, conservation, and the application of biotechnology are not just about enhancing the productivity of cattle but also about empowering farmers and building resilient livelihoods. By providing farmers with access to superior genetics and cutting-edge technologies, BAIF is enabling them to improve their herds, increase their income, and contribute to the overall development of rural communities.

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Pilot Projects and Field Implementation

One of the standout initiatives is BAIF’s pilot project on the use of biotechnology tools in livestock for sustainable development of families in the desert areas of Rajasthan. This project with its focus on Tharparkar breed of cattle, was implemented with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi. The project demonstrated how the application of advanced breeding techniques significantly improved the productivity and resilience of livestock in challenging environments.

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Road Ahead: Scaling Impact and Ensuring Sustainability

BAIF continues its efforts in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient dairy development by blending traditional breeding practices with cutting-edge biotechnology.  BAIF plans to expand its genetic improvement programmes to reach more farmers and cover a larger number of indigenous breeds. It is also striving to integrate genomics into its breeding programmes, enabling even more precise selection of superior animals. BAIF is also exploring new ways to leverage technology for data collection and analysis, which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its breeding and conservation efforts. Thus, BAIF is not only preserving India’s rich livestock heritage but also paving the way for a prosperous future for millions of dairy farmers across the country.

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Advisor
BAIF, CRS, Uruli Kanchan, Pune

Linkedin Profile

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Increased anthropogenic pressure and livestock population have depleted the natural resources to an alarming extent. Land degradation accompanied by acute scarcity of water and frequent droughts, has resulted in a serious shortage of fodder for livestock. The situation which is close to a famine-like situation, has led to food insecurity and poverty forcing the rural population in such regions to migrate to other areas for survival.

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Promotion of Unconventional fodder resources

There is a need to explore new fodder crops to address the issue of fodder scarcity in semi-arid regions. With 53.4 per cent of the land area in India comprising of arid and semi-arid regions, fodder cultivation is suitable for such areas.  Unconventional fodder such as cactus (Opuntia ficus indica), Hydroponic fodder and azolla have good potential to serve as alternate sources of fodder for animals.

Spineless cactus : Spineless cactus also known as Prickly pear or Cactus pear, of Mexico origin and a member of the Cactaceae family, is a domesticated plant is a reliable source of food and fodder in arid and semi-arid regions of the country. Besides fodder, cactus also has the capacity to produce good biomass throughout the year with minimum water. It is a drought tolerant multipurpose plant species, easy to establish, in rangelands and pasturelands with its ability to facilitate soil and water conservation.

Cactus, is a Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) crop, where the stomata in the leaves remains shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration but opens at night to collect Carbon dioxide (CO₂). The stored CO₂   is then used during photosynthesis during the day time. Due to this physiological character, it has high water use efficiency making it an excellent suitable crop species in water-stressed conditions. Cactus is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium and has moderate protein and fibre content. It has a high biomass yield, high digestibility, palatability and moisture content. It can be cultivated in poor, degraded land which is not suitable for other crops. Cactus leaf known as cladode, is a source of fodder for livestock especially during the dry season when green fodder is not available. Cactus contains more than 85% of water and can be fed with other fodder crops during dry spell conditions.

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Thus cactus is an excellent fodder crop compared to other conventional fodder crops such as acacia. While this particular cactus species uses 267 kg of water per kg dry matter (DM) produced, Pearl millet, a prominent drought-tolerant cereal crop uses 400 kg water per kg DM produced.

Cactus may be planted during September-October or in February-March. It is propagated through the cutting of cladodes, using at least 6-month-old cladodes. To get a good yield of cladodes, cactus may be planted at a distance of 3 x 2 or 3 x3 m distance by erect planting, keeping one-third portion of the cladode above the soil on field bunds, wastelands and degraded lands.  Perennial cactus can produce green fodder up to 20-25 years. Cactus cladodes should be harvested by cutting the mature cladodes with a sharp knife into small pieces. While feeding the animals, it should be mixed with dry fodder in 1:3 ratio.  It prevents soil erosion, protects the biodiversity, and encourages arable crop diversification for sustainable livelihood and food security.

BAIF has standardized nursery techniques and tissue culture protocol for mass multiplication and production of cactus. Cactus nurseries have been established for availability of planting material. Protocol has been developed for feeding of cactus.

BAIF has introduced and demonstrated cactus on more than 1000 farmers’ fields in arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

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Hydroponics Technology for Fodder Production

Hydroponics fodder: To ensure the availability of quality green fodder throughout the year, hydroponic fodder production technology by vertical farming is being promoted.  This low-cost technology, ensures the growth of fodder in water without any soil, in controlled conditions/environment which require almost no land, very little water and manpower. Seed, optimum water, sunlight and added nutrients are the only essential inputs required to grow as green fodder and as feed for animals after about 7-8 days. Farmers cultivating cereals such as maize, oats, barley, bajra and wheat   are making good use of hydroponics to produce superior quality nutritious green fodder for animals.

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Clean, viable, good quality and untreated, unbroken grains should be used. The seeds are soaked in normal water for 4-24 hours, depending on the type of seeds followed by draining, packing soaked seed in a gunny bag for germination, sprinkling water daily over the gunny bag to maintain optimum moisture and placing the germinated seed in the individual trays for growing inside the hydroponic unit. Water needs to be sprinkled every one hour on a tray and continued till harvest. The seed rate (quantity of seeds loaded per unit surface area) also affects the yield and varies with the type of seeds. The greenhouse needs optimum cleanliness and hygiene to be maintained to ensure successful production of hydroponics fodder.

To ensure green and quality fodder, BAIF has designed low-cost hydroponic fodder units for cultivation of maize and oats.

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Azolla :Azolla is an aquatic fern and contains most of the nutrients, crude protein (about 23%), minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, vitamins A and B12 and essential amino acids like lysine required for livestock.

Among the different species of the genus Azolla, A. pinnata is more popular for cultivation in artificial ponds. Azolla prefers shade and requires light (30-50%) for photosynthesis. It grows well in warm climate with an ideal temperature in the range of 20-35°C. Azolla can survive in a water pH range of 3.5–10, but optimum growth occurs when the water is between pH 4.5 and 7.

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The soil needs to be dug at least at a depth of 20 cm depth and levelled.   A plastic sheet 10 feet long and 4 feet wide needs to be placed on the ground with a durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, to prevent water loss. The bed should be preferably under the shade of a tree or partial shade needs to be provided with grass or a green net on the top to prevent fall of debris like dried leaves and other litter on the bed.  Azolla bed 12x4x1 feet size is also available in the market.  About 10 – 15 kg of sieved fertile soil needs to be spread uniformly on the sheet followed by slurry made with 1 kg cow dung and 100 g of superphosphate.  The bed needs to be filled with water to a level of about 10 cm and the pond left aside for 2-3 days to enable the ingredients to mix well. After 10-15 days, azolla will be observed on the bed and the farmer can harvest one kg Azolla every day. After harvesting, Azolla should be cleaned with fresh water and fed to the animals by mixing with regular feed.

To make available protein-rich nutritious fodder for cattle, goats and poultry, BAIF has set up azolla demonstration units on farmers’ fields in Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Thus, unconventional fodder resources are a boon for smallholders in arid and semi-arid regions with scope for livelihood security and reversal of migration.

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