Feed Resource Availability and their Nutrient Contribution for livestock Evaluated Using Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Constraints of livestock production, major livestock feed resources and their nutrient contribution (% of respondents) and intervention options in three agro-ecologies of Burie Zuria district, north western Ethiopia, were assessed from data collected between January 2017 and February 2018. Agro-ecologies, kebeles and households (HHs) were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. A single-visit multi subject formal survey was conducted. The district was stratified in to high, mid and low altitudes and data were collected from February to April 2017 on 90, 30 and 30 HHs, respectively using focus group discussion, individual interview, key informant interview, secondary sources and personal observation. Feed assessment tool (FEAST version 2.21), SPSS version 20.0 and general linear model procedure were used to analyze data. Feed shortage, limited knowledge of farmers in livestock production, poor genetic potential of indigenous cattle breeds, disease and land shortage were the main constraints affecting livestock production in all agro-ecologies in decreasing order of importance. Dry matter (DM) contribution of purchased feeds is lower but of crop residues higher than that of other feed resources. DM contribution of purchased feed in high altitude (11.22±1.4) is higher (p<0.01) than in mid (2.46±0.85) and low altitudes (7.45±1.48) and that of crop residues was higher in low and mid altitude (p<0.01) than in high altitude. Highest (p<0.001) crude protein (CP) contribution was from crop residues in low (49.75±3.03) and mid altitudes (42.33±1.75) than in high altitude (28.47±3.03) and lowest was from purchased feeds with highest CP contribution in high (10.78±0.75, p<0.001) than in mid (2.44±0.43) and low altitudes (4.93±0.75). Highest (p<0.001) metabolisable energy (ME) contribution was from crop residues in low (52.91±1.23) and mid altitudes (51.12±0.71) than in high altitude (31.67±1.23) and lowest was found from purchased feeds with highest (P<0.001) ME in high altitude (11.55±0.88) than in mid (2.15±0.46) and low altitudes (6.78±0.88). In conclusion, the main feed resource is crop residue which is of low nutritional quality. Chemical and biological treatments of crop residues and concentrate supplementation and training farmers on feeding and grazing management would improve nutritional value total diet.

Feed Resources Potential and Nutritional Quality of Major Feed Stuffs in Raya Kobo District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

“…This might be the low human population density residing in the area. In agreement, better landholding of farmers in low altitudes might be expansion of farmland without restriction by clearing of forest and low population density [14].…”

“…This was due to oxen were directly related with crop farming activities. In agreement, oxen are highly demanded for cultivation and other farm activities in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia [14]. Male calves are grown for traction purpose in South Western Ethiopia [17].…”

“…Crop residue, stubble grazing and natural pasture are the main feed resources in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia [30]. Crop residues contribute the largest portion of feed DM followed by natural pasture and cut and carry hay in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia [14]. Natural pasture, crop residues, crop aftermath are the main feed resources in Gasera and Ginnir Districts, Bale Zone, Ethiopia [26].…”

“…As a result serious cattle body weight losswas a common phenomenon in the study area. Crop residues and stubble grazing are the major feed resources during the dry season in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia [14]. Seasonal variations in feed quality and quantity are the main limitation to animal production and cause fluctuation in productivity throughout the year in Belesa Woreda of Amhara Region [48].…”

Effects of Season Variation on Water, Feed, Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Smallholder Farms in Eastern Africa

“…Therefore, annual average milk yield per cow per 305-days lactation obtainable was less than 2000 kg from pure dairy breeds, 1000 from cross breeds and 500 kg from indigenous cows in Eastern Africa [5,[10][11][12]. Studies have also described high milk variability during the dry season among SDFs compared with their large scale counterparts [13], and suggested that in the smallholder dairy farming context, seasonally determined milk fluctuation is significantly determined by dairy cattle nutritional status [14]. High milk fluctuations in SDFs arise because most farmers, firstly, depend on rainfall for feed production and rarely make provisions for adequate green feed and fodder preservation for the dry season.…”