Executive Summary & Operational Context
Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) is the undisputed "King of Winter Forages" across North and Central India, delivering 55 to 70 MT of succulent, highly digestible (70% TDN) green fodder across 5 to 6 cuttings from November to May.
Contains 18%–20% crude protein and 65% digestible organic matter, boosting winter milk yields by 15%–20% in cows and buffaloes.
Why Berseem Dominates the North Indian Winter Dairy Diet
During North Indian winters, Berseem provides continuous lush green forage when summer grasses go dormant. Its high moisture (82-85%) and succulent stems stimulate maximum intake in milch animals. Feeding 25-30 kg Berseem daily mixed with wheat straw eliminates the need for expensive commercial protein supplements and elevates milk SNF.
Key Agronomic & Technical Guidelines:
- ✓High digestibility (70% TDN) with zero anti-nutritional factors like prussic acid
- ✓Enriches soil by leaving 30-40 kg residual nitrogen per acre for the succeeding paddy or maize crop
- ✓Intercropping with mustard/oats in the first cut doubles biomass yield
Kasni (Chicory) Weed Separation & Seed Treatment
The most dangerous weed in Berseem fields is Kasni (Cichorium intybus), whose seeds resemble Berseem. Prepare a 10% common salt solution (1 kg salt in 10 liters water). Pour the Berseem seed into the brine: the lighter Kasni seeds float to the surface and can be skimmed off with a sieve, while pure heavy Berseem seeds sink to the bottom. Wash sunken seeds thoroughly with clean water, dry in shade, and inoculate with Rhizobium trifolii culture before sowing.
How to Implement on Your Dairy Farm
Perform 10% Brine Seed Separation
Float seeds in salt water to eliminate chicory (kasni) weed seeds, then rinse in fresh water.
Broadcast in Standing Water
Puddle the field lightly and broadcast inoculated seed into 2-3 cm standing water for 95% germination.
Mix with 1 kg Mustard Seed
Mix 1 kg Brassica (mustard) seed per acre with Berseem to provide extra green biomass in the first 45-day cut.
Recommended Breeds for this System
Related Dairy Guides in Fodder & Nutrition
Super Napier Pakchong 1 Grass Cultivation: Yield Per Acre, Cutting Schedule & Nutrition
Silage Making Process Step-by-Step: Pit Silage, Bunker Packing, Inoculant & Moisture Test
How to Increase Milk Fat and SNF in Cow and Buffalo: Proven ICAR Feeding Protocol
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Berseem (Egyptian Clover) Fodder Cultivation: Seed Treatment, Nitrogen Fixation & Yield
Need a Custom TMR Feed or Bank Loan Calculation?
Use our interactive ICAR-NDRI Total Mixed Ration calculator or explore Pashu KCC loan scales for all 73 Indian livestock breeds.