

Increased production of feed crops has changed the agricultural landscape. The production of feed crops has risen dramatically with increased demand for meat worldwide. Hull-less barley, which is easier to digest, is fed to swine and poultry. Barley, which is harder to digest, is most often fed to beef and dairy cattle because they have a tough, four-chambered stomach. Each of these crops has different properties that are better suited for some animals’ diets over others.

Principle feed crops include corn, barley, wheat, and oats. The wet, acidic silage is fed to livestock such as cattle. Silage crops are harvested, then stored under conditions that allow the forage to break down ( ferment) into acids. These are called hay crops.Īnother type of forage crop is silage. Some forages are cut, allowed to dry in the field, and stored. Alfalfa is a popular crop fed to livestock as green chop. Forages that are cut and fed to livestock while they are still fresh are called green chop. Animals feed directly on forages, such as grasses. They are grown in agricultural fields but can also be found in natural meadows and pastures.įorage crops are important for livestock farming. These crops contain nutrients that animals need to develop. Agricultural development and the growth of civilizations led to the diversity of other types of crops.įeed crops, such as oats and alfalfa, are harvested for livestock consumption. Grains, such as corn, wheat, and rice, are the world’s most popular food crops.įood crops were the first crops to be harvested through agriculture. By use, crops fall into six categories: food crops, feed crops, fiber crops, oil crops, ornamental crops, and industrial crops.įood crops, such as fruit and vegetables, are harvested for human consumption. A crop is a plant or plant product that can be grown and harvested for profit or subsistence.
