FODDER OATS: The feed that keeps cattle fit and healthy

In Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka, major cropping system is potato followed by maize or finger millet. Hence, green fodder availability is less but the dairy is an important occupation in this zone. Therefore, in order to increase the milk yield, green fodder is very much essential. In this zone, rainfall is continued even up to October- November and potato will be harvested during August, which provides scope for cultivation of any of the annual green fodders as an alternative to maize or finger millet. Among the various annual fodders, production of oats for green fodder purpose gains significance as it requires only about 50 days for harvesting and the climatic condition of Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka is suitable for cultivation of oats, as it requires cool climate. Thus, in order to obtain sufficient amount of green fodder during the lean fodder period, cultivation of oats as an important cereal fodder crop during rabi becomes essential. Oats has wider adaptability because of its excellent growing habit, quick regrowth and better yield potential and provides palatable, succulent and nutritious green fodder.