Food arrangements

Food arrangement or fodder Source to the cows of Goshala

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Azola Grazing Field:

In a view to provide fodder to the cows of Goshala, an innovative initiative was taken by the Swamiji. On the land stretch of over 30,000 sq ft, tanks measuring 6 X 10 ft were prepared with multiple layers of soil, cow dung, cow urine and water. Azolla seeds mixed here with these layers, soon grew into an aquatic floating fern and today, it has proved to be the best fodder source for cows with high nutritional values.

In Siddhagiri Goshala, cows need green grass as food, so that they can give milk in large quantities. Also, as the cost of this food was high, Swamiji decided to produce the Azolla plant. This Azola project is the largest project in the state with an area of ​​approximately 30000 square feet. Several tanks of 6 feet * 10 feet size are constructed in this plant. First a layer of soil is spread, then dung, cow urine and water are added to the tank. Azolla seeds are then spread in the tank. These seeds produce green plants. It is fed to cattle along with fodder. These projects like cowsheds are helping to reduce the trend of giving animals to slaughter houses. Azolla is rich in protein, essential vitamins and minerals.

Cattle fodder storage and feeding area
cattle food

Fodder paddy is placed at one place in Goshala. If it is kept at open area, there are chances of fodder becoming waste due to rains or blowing winds.

cattle food

At Siddhagiri Goshala, a big shed having only roof is constructed. It measures approximately 100 ft X 50 ft. A place of feeding is built along the shed sides and it is open at one place. Cows can have their food from 3 different sides of shed. There is provision water also for the cows.

Cattle feed cutting machine (Corn, Jowar, Bajra):
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Along with fodder, grains are supplied to cows. These grains contains corn, jowar, bajra,etc. We cannot feed cattle these grains directly as it is difficult for cattle to have the same. This increases wastage of grains too.

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As per modern techniques of agriculture, these grains especially corns are cut to smaller pieces and fed to cattle. Hence wastage is prevented.

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At Siddhagiri Goshala, feed cutting machine runs daily for 2 hours. ½ KG of corns in smaller pieces, dipped into water are fed to each cattle. Goshala requires daily 100 KG of feed for cows.

Hydrophonic food centre

For the betterment of Indian cows, one hydroponics green fodder production unit has been established by Swamiji at Siddhagiri Goshala. A unit produces potential of 600 kg green fodder daily in seven days. Hydroponic is the art of growing plants without the use of soil as soil may not be available everytime.

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Green fodder is grown up by maize. Maize seed requires soaking time of only 4 hours. Soaked seed produced from 1.25 kg un-soaked maize seed is loaded in a 90X32 cm tray. Hydroponics green fodders takes a shape of mat consisting of roots, seeds and plants. About 3.5 kg hydrophonic green fodder is produced from 1 kg of yellow maize and 5.5 kg hydroponics green fodders is produced from 1 kg of white maize (GM-4). Production cost of hydroponics green fodder from white maize (Rs.4) is lower than yellow maize (Rs.5). Hydroponics green fodder contains more crude protein (13.6 vs 10.7; %) and less crude fibre (14.1 vs 25.9; %) than conventional green fodders fodders. As green fodders is indispensable for Indian cows, in situations, where fodders cannot be available, modern dairy farmers can produce green fodder for feeding their dairy animals from hydrophonics centre.

Benefits of Hydrophonic center
  • Seed grows fast and matures early because the seed does not need much of energy and time to penetrate the soil.
  • Yield increase because plants instead of investing too much on energy on root system, the extra energy is used to amplify the yield.
  • Soil-borne diseases like bacterial wilts and nematodes are eliminated.
  • Harvesting period increases.
  • 1. Usage of fertilizer, water and space is minimal.
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Silage

Silage is the fodder which is conserved by reducing pH through natural anaerobic fermentation and is used for feeding cattle during scarcity period, drought or floods and for Utilizing surplus forage. The suitable crops are sorghum, maize and oat etc. During lean period feeding of silage acts as a green fodder and maintains livestock productivity.

By the end of rain, corn crop yield was purchased at Rs. 2000/- per ton from farmers around. This crop was shredded by machine and stored in a bunker. Salt, buttermilk and jaggery water is sprinkled over the chopped fodder. It requires 3-4 months to prepare the silage. Every cattle is fed with 20 kg of silage, 5 kg of dry hay and 10-15 liter of water during scarcity period. Around 2000 tons of silage is prepared. It costs 4 Rs. Per kg when prepared at Siddhagiri Goshala. This silage has increased the milk quantum from 3 liter to 4 liter per cow.