Optimizing fodder cropping systems for green fodder production and Lamb performance in scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh

An experiment was conducted over three consecutive years (2021 to 23) at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapuramu, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study evaluated the performance of five fodder-based cropping systems Stylo + Rhodes grass (T1), Lucerne + Anjan grass (T2), Stylo + Sewan grass (T3), Cowpea + Jowar (T4), and Cowpea + Bajra (T5) in alfisols, as well as the growth performance of lambs maintained with the fodder produced from these systems. The results demonstrated that the choice of crops in different cropping systems significantly influenced green and dry fodder yield, as well as their crude protein content. Among the systems, the highest green and dry fodder, and crude protein yield were recorded in the Cowpea + Bajra system (T5), while the lowest yields were observed in the Stylo + Sewan grass system (T3). Daily average fresh feed intake was also highest in T5 (1.48 kg/lamb), followed by T2 (1.25 kg/lamb) and T3 (1.22 kg/lamb). The average daily gain (ADG) of lambs fed fodder from the T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 systems was 82, 82.5, 75.0, 80.5, and 88.0 g/ day, respectively. Lambs in the T5 system showed highest ADG, while the lowest values was observed in T3 system. Although ADG was comparable among T1, T2, T4, and T5 systems, lambs in T5 system exhibited a significantly higher live weight gain (p