Abstract
Dairy cattle productivity is affected by many factors such as genetics, infectious diseases, husbandry and diet. Fodder resources, fodder availability and feeding strategies were assessed by means of questionnaires and interviews in seventeen dairy farms in Addis Ababa, Sendafa and Debre Zeit. Nutrient content was analyzed from hay sample. The farms were categorized as small, medium or large. Nutrient content, as well as milk production for the given rations were estimated per farm. Results showed that most farms were landless and grass availability was seen in only 1/3 of the farms. Purchased hay was of poor quality and needed to be bulked stored for the year. Storage capacity and quality varied with farm size. Supplemental feed varied by farm size and many of them were available only seasonally and were costly. With the exception of large farms, quality of fodder was poor in 70% of the farms, hence likely impacting animal productivity and health. Overall, constraints related to feeding and animal performance were: low fodder quality containing too little protein and energy, poor fodder storage condition, seasonal and costly fodder availability, poor feeding strategy, and lack of knowledge of small and medium farm owners regarding dairy husbandry and feeding management. Key words: Ethiopia, fodder, dairy cattle, productivity, feeding management.
Highlights
The livestock subsector contributes 16.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 35.6% of the agricultural GDP to Ethiopia’s national economy and to the livelihoods of many Ethiopians as about 80% of the population depends on it (CSA, 2015; CIA, 2018)
Constraints related to feeding and animal performance were: low fodder quality containing too little protein and energy, poor fodder storage condition, seasonal and costly fodder availability, poor feeding strategy, and lack of knowledge of small and medium farm owners regarding dairy husbandry and feeding management
The objectives of this study were 1) to describe qualitatively and quantitatively, the fodder used in selected dairy farms, 2) to identify constraints related to optimal fodder supply and 3) to assess whether fodder and feeding management has a potential impact on poor milk productivity and animal health
Summary
The livestock subsector contributes 16.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 35.6% of the agricultural GDP to Ethiopia’s national economy and to the livelihoods of many Ethiopians as about 80% of the population depends on it (CSA, 2015; CIA, 2018). Ethiopia with 106 million people is the second most populous country in Africa with a growth rate of over 2.48%. With this rapidly growing human population and swift expansion of urban areas across the country, the demand for liquid milk and milk products is increasing fast. Quantitatively and qualitatively adequate feeding of dairy animals remains a key parameter to maximize milk production and maintain animals in good health. The objectives of this study were 1) to describe qualitatively and quantitatively, the fodder used in selected dairy farms, 2) to identify constraints related to optimal fodder supply and 3) to assess whether fodder and feeding management has a potential impact on poor milk productivity and animal health
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