Livestock require forage crops for their growth and development. For centuries, cereal crops have been used as livestock feed due to the production of high dry matter. However, they are not a good protein source, making them low-quality forage sources. Alternatively, forage legumes provide good-quality feed and fodder for livestock. Cereal crops, along with legume crops, offer good yield and increased protein content, making them better quality forage sources. Currently, a commercially grown forage source in many countries is alfalfa. However, soybeans and cowpeas hold excellent prospects of providing protein-rich quality fodder and forage for animal use. Forage legumes are an essential food source for livestock, which can offer a sustainable remedy for protein and food security. Due to climate change and weather variability, food security faces significant threats, particularly in regions where agriculture depends heavily on rainfall. Recent climate changes have raised worldwide concerns regarding the availability of sufficient food for humans and animals. Livestock accounts for approximately 40% of the global production value for agricultural output and is a primary source of human nutrition and food security. However, the cultivation of forage crops is at risk due to varying climatic settings, highlighting the necessity for breeding cultivars that can withstand or adapt to extreme climatic conditions. Advancements in genomic and genetic tools have made it easier to identify the genes and alleles which can help develop forage cultivars through breeding assisted with genomic techniques. Moreover, transgenic and genome editing technologies can modify the genetic structure of plants to enhance the digestibility of forage and improve animal performance.