🌾 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

ComponentDaily Intake/SheepPurpose
Super Napier (Fresh)2.5–3.5 kgBulk roughage, energy, fiber
Moringa Leaves0.5–1 kgProtein, vitamins, immune boost
Concentrates (optional)200–300 gEnergy/protein balance
Mineral Mix + Salt10–15 gEssential 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.


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