Factors affecting the chemical composition of fodder

1. Soil type: Soil having all available plant nutrients results high nutrient in plant as well and vice-versa.
2. Irrigation: Amount of irrigation also determines the availability of soluble nutrients. But heavy irrigation washes away nutrients.
3. Fertilizer: The type and amount of fertilizer determines the nutrient content of the fodder. Eg: Nitrogenous fertilizer increases crude protein (CP) content.
4. Stage of maturity: In general, as plant grows crude fiber (CF) and dry matter (DM), percentage increases, while the CP content decreases. Calcium content, however is somehow constant over the period of growing from the beginning of plant growth.
5. Frequency of harvesting: Cutting intervals also determined the chemical composition, yield and toxicity of plants.