Fоrаgе crоps аnd thеir аpplicаtiоn in livеstоck breeding

This review paper provides a systematized information of the species diversity, agrotechnical traits, growing methods, storage practices, and ways to use the main forage crops. It considers traditional grasses and legumes, as well as cereal crops that are used for silage and hydroponic fodder production. Special focus is made on highly advanced technologies from hydrophonic systems up to a range of fermentation technologies alongside genetic improvements that improve production while advocating environmentally friendly livestock rearing. This review also includes a local view of forage production in Bulgaria, considering the regional climate, farming conditions, and social and economic challenges. It also reveals forages' potential role for enhancing a more sustainable livestock sector by improving animal performance while decreasing carbon footprint levels alongside helping rural areas be stable as well as productive. Special focus is made on genetic variability alongside breeding potential in forages based on insights from some recent studies pointing out genotypic variation alongside heritability for effective selection.