AFRICA RISING - Intensification of Livestock Forage Rations

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Dataset metadata

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Created Thursday 10th of November, 2016
Last updated Monday 16th of January, 2023
Dataset type Non-spatial
Abstract Good dairy cattle feeding management practices must be followed to achieve maximum performance from cows. A 4% increase in feed utilization can be expected when using a total mixed ration (TMR) compared to conventional ration of forage and grain fed separately, twice daily. In addition, the ability to use feeds with various rates of breakdown is enhanced, often enabling even better nutrient utilization. Farmers can also utilize a greater variety of byproduct feeds with a TMR, thereby allowing for possible ration cost savings. The incidence of digestive and metabolic problems often decreases when a TMR is fed, and milk production has been shown to be as much as 5% higher with a TMR compared to conventional rations as a result of these benefits. This paper discusses sustainability perspectives of intensification of TMR’s compared to conventional feeding among small holder farms in Babati district, Tanzania. Our analysis suggests that smallholder farmers will benefit from reduced feed wastage due to increased palatability of TMR’s as well as increased milk yield and income. Trade-offs are that despite the significant time and effort spent formulating total mixed rations, it is evident that feed utilization and milk production will be increased and consequently feed cost reduced.
Principal investigator Ben Lukuyu
Principal investigator email B.LUKUYU@CGIAR>ORG
Partners CIAT, TALIRI, Kilimanjaro west and Tanga, Ministry of Livestock, extension staff
Other researchers involved Gregory Sikumba and David Ngunga
Contact person Ben Lukuyu
Contact email B.LUKUYU@CGIAR.ORG
Custodian Ben Lukuyu
Custodian email B.LUKUYU@CGIAR.ORG
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Data collected from 31/07/2015
Availability date 02/10/2015
License Creative Commons Attribution
Release of confidential data? No
Consent obtained? No
Citation ILRI (2015). 2015 Africa RISING Babati forage choppers farmer perception dataset

Project metadata

Item Value
Project title Integrated Livestock Feed component (ILF): Fodder and feed as a key opportunity for driving sustainable intensification of crop livestock systems in Tanzania
Project abstract This proposal focuses on forages and feed as a key opportunity for driving sustainable intensification of crop livestock systems in Tanzania. In 2013-2014, the livestock component was divided into two work packages (i) Screening and integrating forages in systems and improved use of crop residues and (i) developing feeds for indigenous poultry from local feed resources. In 2014-2015, the two work packages have been merged into an integrated livestock feeds component (ILF) to enhance integration. This component is designed to have three sub components as follows: (i) The first sub component revolves around screening forages, testing them with farmers and integrating them into existing farming systems. (ii) The second sub component is enhanced integration of crop residues in smallholder farms through improved storage, processing and utilization for ruminants. (iii) The third sub component is concerned with improved management and feeding strategies with emphasis on utilization of local feed resources for indigenous poultry.
Grant code IITA023
Donor USAID
Partners CIAT, TALIRI, Kilimanjaro west and Tanga, Ministry of Livestock, extension staff
Start date 01/01/2012
End date 01/01/2016
Principal investigator Ben Lukuyu
Other staff involved Gregory Sikumba, David Ngunga, Leonard Marwa a
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