🌾 Super Napier: The Backbone of Sustainable Fodder for Surya LiveStocks
As Surya LiveStocks expands to accommodate 750 Nellore Brown sheep, the foundation of a successful nutrition strategy lies in consistent, high-yield fodder. Among the top contenders, Super Napier grass stands out for its exceptional biomass, digestibility, and adaptability to Telangana’s semi-arid conditions.
This article outlines a proven approach to cultivating Super Napier as your main fodder source, with Moringa (Munaga) as a strategic supplement.
🌱 Why Super Napier?
Super Napier is a hybrid of Napier grass and Bajra (pearl millet), combining:
- High biomass yield: 200–250 tonnes/acre/year
- Crude protein: 10–12% (fresh), up to 18% (dry matter)
- Fast regrowth: Ready for harvest every 45–60 days
- Silage compatibility: Ideal for dry-season storage
- Palatability: Highly accepted by sheep and goats
🧑🌾 Step-by-Step Cultivation Guide
1. Land Preparation
- Deep plowing 2–3 times to loosen soil
- Remove weeds and level the surface
- Apply 5–10 tons of organic manure per acre
2. Planting
- Use stem cuttings (8–12 inches) with 2–3 nodes
- Spacing:
- Row-to-row: 2.5–3 ft
- Plant-to-plant: 1.5–2 ft
- Plant slantwise with one node buried 3–5 inches deep
3. Irrigation
- First 2 weeks: Water every 2–3 days
- Thereafter: Weekly or as per rainfall
- Dry season: Increase frequency to maintain moisture
4. Fertilization
- At planting: NPK 14-14-14 (4 bags/acre)
- After 20 days: Urea application for leaf growth
- Foliar sprays: Micronutrient mix or power grower combo
5. Harvesting
- First cut: 80–90 days after planting
- Subsequent cuts: Every 45–60 days
- Cut height: Leave 5–6 cm stubble for faster regrowth
🐑 Feeding Strategy for 750 Sheep
| Component | Daily Intake/Sheep | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Super Napier (Fresh) | 2.5–3.5 kg | Bulk roughage, energy, fiber |
| Moringa Leaves | 0.5–1 kg | Protein, vitamins, immune boost |
| Concentrates (optional) | 200–300 g | Energy/protein balance |
| Mineral Mix + Salt | 10–15 g | Essential minerals |
- Silage Option: Chop and ensile with molasses and urea for dry-season feeding
- Leaf Powder Integration: Use Moringa during lean months or for lambs
🌾 Strategic Fit for Surya LiveStocks
- Supports cost-effective nutrition for 750 sheep
- Enables seasonal flexibility with silage and leaf powder
- Aligns with your goals of breed promotion, feed benchmarking, and operational efficiency
📌 Conclusion
Super Napier is more than just a fodder crop — it’s a strategic asset for Surya LiveStocks. When paired with Moringa and smart feed planning, it creates a resilient, scalable nutrition model that empowers both livestock and regional farming practices.