A seasonal shortfall in forage availability is best overcome by providing green forage for grazing, using the techniques described in Chapter 8. The secondary approach, which managers need only consider if these techniques are not feasible, is fodder conservation and the feeding of supplements. Pasture conservation is rarely practised in the tropics, although conservation of forage crops is employed in intensive dairy systems and conserved crop residues play a significant role in rice-based agricultural systems. Agricultural advisers who advocate fodder conservation may feel aggrieved by the rejection of their counsel by farmers in the tropics but usually this rejection is soundly based. Fodder conservation adds to the efficiency of the farm system if the following conditions are met:

1. The negative effects on animal production of the seasonal shortfall in forage availability is real and cannot be overcome by other less costly or more efficient approaches to pasture management. Tropical scientists educated in Europe and North America, where fodder conservation is essential to animal survival through the winter, may fall victim to a cultural imperialism which implies that fodder conservation is an intrinsic component of any sophisticated system of animal production.

2. The energetics of fodder conservation, taking into account losses during the processes of conservation, transport, storage and feeding of tropical forages, are superior to the energetics of the animal drawing upon surplus body reserves during the period of forage shortfall.

3. […]