2023, Vol. 8, Special Issue 4

Feeding is one of the most crucial components of the animals, which accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the entire cost of dairy farming. Dairy farms' capacity to succeed is heavily reliant on the availability of feed and fodder. It is regrettable that dairy producers in our nation still do not understand the value of using fodder crops to improve animal nutrition. A study related to the socio-economic profile of dairy farmers about green fodder production and feeding practices was conducted in three districts of Haryana, namely Jind, Charkhi Dadri and Yamunanagar on 120 dairy farmers who were selected randomly. The data were collected personally through a structured interview schedule during 2019-20. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were middle-aged females, belonged to nuclear family type, had small land holding, medium irrigated area, medium experience in dairy farming, medium level of extension contact, and a medium level of mass media exposure and having a low level of economic motivation. Therefore initiative from Government departments, NGOs and awareness generation are necessary and KVK scientists, veterinarians and dairy development officers must periodically undertake training and awareness programmes for fodder production and feeding practices.