Cattle Fattening Research Articles

Study of fattening and slaughter traits of cattle under the influence of flax seed based nutrition

The trial was designed in order to examine the impact of flax seed in the nutrition of young cattle/bulls, in the final stage of the fattening. In the trial, 30 bulls of Simmental breed of uniform initial weight were selected, divided into 2 groups (control and experimental). The control animal group did not consume flax seed as a food supplement. Cattle of the experimental group consumed flax seed in an amount of 3.75% (300 g per day) of concentrated meal in the last 90 days of fattening, i.e. 300 g per day. The study included the examination of the fattening performance, slaughter traits and the composition of the bovine carcass. After slaughtering, warm carcass sides, with and without kidneys, were measured individually. Subsequent to period of cooling, the left carcass side it was cut into the main carcass parts according to the Rulebook. The results of the study showed that the addition of flax seed in the diet did not have a statistically significant effect on the body weight of bulls at the end of the trial. It was found that the addition of flax seed in the feed during the final stage of fattening did not have an impact on the differences in the average overall gain of bulls and the feed conversion ratio. Based on the data obtained by cutting of carcass sides to main parts, it was established that feeding with flax seeds had no significant effect on the share of carcass parts.

Environmental and socio-economic resources at the landscape level – Potentials for sustainable land use in the Georgian Greater Caucasus

Mountain regions cover one quarter of the Earth's terrestrial surface, and are both valuable and vulnerable areas with complex human-environmental interrelationships. In this coupled system, land-use changes induced by political or socio-economic transformations generate consequences for ecological landscape functions like soil productivity and species richness, and integrative land-use concepts provide the potential of a sustainable land development. In the Kazbegi region in the central Greater Caucasus of Georgia, these transformations further lead to landscape-structure change and population marginalization. Hence, we developed three agricultural land-use scenarios that meet Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to ensure a sustainable rural land development and the conservation of mountain ecosystems. Our normative scenario approach integrates quantitative and qualitative findings of empirical research in landscape ecology, soil science, vegetation ecology as well as agronomics and socio-economics. According to the examined environmental and socio-economic resources, we defined various scenario logics and normative assumptions that combine optimized livestock production (in dairy cow keeping and cattle fattening) with ecological limitations to maintain the functioning of mountain ecosystems. The rule-based scenarios achieved measurably increased outputs in biomass yields, livestock production and related revenues at the regional scale. Further, GIS generated scenario maps demonstrate the related land-use patterns spatially explicit and in high resolution, and visualize the alternative future from local to the regional scale. In conclusion, scenario development helps to determine region-specific and integrated land-use options to provide a sound base for land users and decision makers. Based on research on multiple landscape functions, this approach can assist sustainable land development in a mountain region.

Characterization and typification of dehesa farms associated to cooperatives: a case study in Spain

El objetivo fue caracterizar y tipificar un grupo de explotaciones de dehesa asociadas a una cooperativa de cebo, sacrificio y comercialización de terneros, analizando los sistemas de producción de las distintas tipologías de explotaciones. Se realizaron 114 encuestas, en las que se recolectó información sobre la mano de obra, la base animal, la base territorial y el manejo del ganado vacuno en las explotaciones. Se utilizaron estadísticos descriptivos y análisis multivariantes para definir las relaciones entre las variables y establecer tipologías de explotaciones. En general, las explotaciones disponen de una superficie pequeña (224 ha), predominando la tierra en propiedad (73 %) y la mano de obra familiar (61 %). La mayoría de las explotaciones combinan varias especies ganaderas, destacando las asociaciones vacuno-porcino ibérico (53 %) y vacuno-ovino-porcino ibérico (25 %). La intensificación de la producción es habitual, como se refleja en la superficie cultivada anualmente (47 % de la tierra arable) y en la carga ganadera (0.73 unidades de ganado mayor/ha). Se observa una gran variabilidad entre explotaciones. Se establecieron cuatro tipologías en función de su tamaño, sus estrategias de diversificación de la producción y sus prácticas de manejo. La tipología más numerosa es la formada por las explotaciones más pequeñas (122 ha). La mayoría de las explotaciones grandes de la zona no participan en la cooperativa, o la han abandonado, porque tienen más facilidad que las pequeñas en seguir una estrategia de venta o cebo de los terneros a título individual.

Upaya Pendayagunaan Limbah Pertanian sebagai Pakan Unggulan Musim Kemarau di Lahan Kering

Limitation of feed and low nutrient consumption in dry season cause a longer period of cattle fattening. The problems can be overcome by applying a cheaper and easier technology namely feed conservation technology. Method applied were extension, training, and mentoring. The result showed that the farmers’ participation were very active refers to their present and questiones raised deal with the materials presented. The highly participation also found during the training and mentoring since the feed conservation technology was an innovative activity and high benefit. The activities result were two units of representative model cattle cage due to clean and hygienic aspects, one unit of feed storage, 400 kg corn straw silage, 300 kg rice straw ammoniation, and 100 kg concentrate.

Economic Analysis of Cattle Fattening among Beneficiaries and Non- Beneficiaries of Bank of Agriculture Micro Credit in Some Selected Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Economic Analysis of Cattle Fattening among Beneficiaries and Non- Beneficiaries of Bank of Agriculture Micro Credit in Some Selected Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Welfare Problems in Cattle, Pigs, and Sheep that Persist Even Though Scientific Research Clearly Shows How to Prevent Them.

Simple SummaryGreat strides have been made to improve animal welfare. Unfortunately, there are certain problems that continue to persist. The causes of these problems range from a lack of financial accountability for losses, failure to measure them, or repeating old mistakes. Some examples of persistent problems are bruises, failure to vaccinate cattle, and high percentages of lame livestock. Both good management practices and providing the right financial incentives will improve welfare.Poor production and handling practices continue to persist that are both detrimental to animal welfare and financially burdensome. These practices continue to persist for three reasons: (1) a segmented marketing chain where a producer is not held financially accountable for losses; (2) failure to measure and assess chronic painful problems such as lame livestock; and (3) repeating old mistakes, such as housing fattening cattle for long periods of time on bare concrete. Two examples of the first type of losses are bruises caused by poor handling and sick cattle at feedlots caused by failure to vaccinate and precondition weaned calves at the farm of origin. In some segmented marketing systems, there is no economic incentive to vaccinate. When the animals get sick, the responsibility gets passed to the next person. Buyers of meat products can reduce these “passed on” losses by source verification. The first step to reducing problems, such as lame livestock, is to measure the percentage of lame animals and work with the producers to reduce them. Also, transportation payments should be changed and contracts should be based on the condition of the animals at delivery.

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of Actisaf® Sc47 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407) for lambs for fattening, minor dairy ruminants, horses and pigs for fattening.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the renewal of the authorisation of Actisaf Sc47 as a zootechnical additive for lambs for fattening, minor dairy ruminants, horses and pigs for fattening. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, the FEEDAP Panel adopted opinions on the safety and efficacy of Actisaf Sc47 when used in lambs for fattening, minor dairy ruminants, horses and pigs for fattening. Actisaf Sc47 is the trade name for a feed additive based on viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I‐4407 with no carrier. It is currently authorised for use in sows, piglets, pigs for fattening, cattle for fattening, calves for rearing, dairy cows, dairy buffaloes, lambs for fattening, dairy sheep, dairy goats, horses, rabbits for fattening and non‐food producing rabbits. Actisaf Sc47 is marketed in three forms: standard, powder and HR. All of them are authorised with a declared minimal concentration of viable yeast cells in the additive of 5 × 109 CFU/g. The applicant has provided data demonstrating that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. In previous opinions, Actisaf Sc47 was presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. Additionally, it was not found to be a skin or eye irritant. No new evidence has been identified that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsider the previous conclusions on the safety of Actisaf Sc47. Therefore, the Panel considers that the additive Actisaf SC47 remains safe under the approved conditions for lambs for fattening, minor dairy ruminants, horses and pigs for fattening, the consumer, user and the environment.

Safety of natural mixture of illite, montmorillonite and kaolinite (Argile Verte du Velay) for all animal species.

The additive is a natural mixture mainly composed of illite (~ 53%), montmorillonite (~ 16%) and kaolinite (~ 17%), referred as MIMK. In 2016 and in 2017, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered two opinions on the safety and efficacy of the additive. In these opinions, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for piglets, pigs for fattening and cattle for fattening and minor growing ruminants at a maximum concentration of 50,000 mg/kg. No conclusions could be drawn on the safety for poultry or any other species/categories. Following these opinions, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. The applicant submitted a new tolerance study with chickens for fattening showing no adverse effect of the additive MIMK up to 100,000 mg/kg complete feed (twofold the highest recommended use level). The FEEDAP Panel therefore concludes that 50,000 mg MIMK/kg complete feed is safe for chickens for fattening. MIMK was already considered safe, at the same dietary concentration, for cattle for fattening with a margin of safety of two and for piglets but without a margin of safety. Therefore, extrapolation to all animal species is not possible for the concentration of 50,000 mg MIMK/kg complete feed. The Panel notes that the concentration of 20,000 mg MIMK/kg feed was tested in all the tolerance studies assessed and shown to be safe, with a margin of safety of at least 2.5. The Panel concludes that the additive MIMK is safe at 50,000 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening and minor growing poultry species, for cattle for fattening and minor growing ruminant species and growing pigs; and at 20,000 mg/kg complete feed for all other animal species and categories.

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of Levucell®SC (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077) as a feed additive for dairy ewes and dairy goats.

Levucell® SC is the trade name for a feed additive based on viable cells of a strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The product is currently authorised for use in feed for horses, lambs, dairy sheep, dairy goats, dairy cows and cattle for fattening. This opinion concerns the renewal of the authorisation of Levucell® SC as a zootechnical additive for dairy ewes and dairy goats. S. cerevisiae is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to establishing safety for the target species, consumers and the environment. The identity of the strain present in the additive was established. Accordingly, this strain is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from other components of the additive, Levucell® SC is considered safe for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. The applicant has provided data demonstrating that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. Furthermore, according to the information provided in the technical dossier, no new evidence has been identified that would make the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) reconsider the previous conclusions on the safety of the product for target species, consumers and the environment under the authorised conditions of use.

Partnership Program on Bali Cattle Fattening Based on Local Resources in the Suboptimal Land Area of Nusa Tenggara Timur

Bali cattle is one of the Indonesian germplasm that well adapted to suboptimal areas including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Difficulties in accessing capital became one of the factors that hamper effort the development of Bali cattle in larger scale. One alternative to access capital is through partnership model of Bali cattle fattening based on local resources. Partnership model of Bali cattle fattening was intiated by village cooperative centre (<em>pusat koperasi unit desa</em> =PUSKUD) since 2002 in Kupang District, South Central Timor District, North Central Timor District, and Belu District. Profit sharing in this program is 70% for farmers and 30% for PUSKUD NTT. The partnership program has been performing well and growing rapidly. On the other hand, some problems occurred such as cattle death and forced sale due to lack of feed, especially during dry season. In its development, the partnership model has resulted in empowering farmers through increasing income and employment.

Safety of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium-phyllosilicates (Fluidol) for all animal species.

The additive under assessment consists of a natural mixture, mainly composed of dolomite (~ 30%), magnesite (~ 20%) and magnesium‐phyllosilicates (talc (~ 35%) and chlorite (~ 15%)). In 2016, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium‐phyllosilicates. In this opinion, the Panel concluded that 20,000 mg additive/kg complete feed is considered safe for dairy cows and for piglets (weaned). This conclusion was extended to pigs for fattening while no conclusion could be drawn on the safety for poultry or any other species/categories. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. The new tolerance studies submitted with cattle for fattening and chickens for fattening showed tolerance of these animal categories to the additive up to approximately fivefold the highest recommended use level. The FEEDAP Panel therefore concluded that 20,000 mg additive/kg complete feed is safe for cattle for fattening and chickens for fattening. The additive at the same dietary concentration was already considered safe in an earlier opinion for piglets and dairy cows. Since the additive at 20,000 mg/kg complete feed is considered safe for four animal categories (three major animal species) with a comparable margin of safety, the conclusion on safety is extrapolated to all animal species. At the safe dietary concentration the additive did not affect the digestibility of the feed (including feed additives).

FORMING ECONOMICALLY USEFUL TRAITS OF MEAT PRODUCTIVITY, INTRAMUSCULAR FATTING OF BULL-CALVES OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES AND AT DIFFERENT AGE PERIOD

FORMING ECONOMICALLY USEFUL TRAITS OF MEAT PRODUCTIVITY, INTRAMUSCULAR FATTING OF BULL-CALVES OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES AND AT DIFFERENT AGE PERIOD

Nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and blood metabolites in fattening of male Bali cattle fed ration with different protein levels in smallholder farms

Research was aimed to determine nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, and blood metabolites of male Bali cattle fattening fed ration with different protein level in smallholder farms North Central Timor, Province of East Timor Tenggara, Indonesia. The cattle used were 18 heads aged 2 to 2.5 years with initial body weight of 229.86±12.46 kg. The cattle were randomly divided into three treatment groups. The T0 group was given feed the same as traditional fattening cattle practices by farmers,T1 group fed ration containing 12% crude protein (CP) and 72% total digestible nutrients (TDN), andT2 group fedration containing 15% CP and 72%TDN. Cattle were fed individually for 90 days and drinkingwater ad libitum. The data were analyzedby analysis of variance.Results of research indicated the nitrogen balance, and blood urea nitrogen between T1 and T2 were relatively similar, but those were higher (P<0.05) than T0 . In contrast, microbial proteins synthesis, and blood glucose at 0, 4, and 6 hours before and after feeding were relatively similar between the groups. Blood glucose of T2 at 2 hours after intake were higher (P <0.05) than T0, but was not different with T1 . It can be concluded, that the fattening maleBali cattle fed ration containing 12% CP and 72% TDNimprovedthe nitrogen balance and blood metabolites, butit was no positive effect on the microbial proteins and N synthesis.

Feeding of Total Mixed Ration on the Productivity of Friesian Holstein Cross-Grade Cattle

An experiment was conducted to evaluate feeding of total mixed ration (TMR) on the productivity of Friesian Holstein (FH) male cross-grade cattle at Semarang Municipality. TMR was a ration formulated with agricultural and agro-industrial by-product (no grass and/or green forage were used) to fulfilled the nutrient requirement of beef cattle. Total mixed ration were formulated on iso-energy of 66% of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and different level of crude protein (CP) content of 11%, 12%, 13%, and 14%. Twenty (20) heads of FH male cross-grade cattle with initial body weight of 292.40+33.06 kg were used in this experiment, and were arranged into 5 treatments T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4), and 4 replications. Data collected were analysed statistically using analyses of variance (Anova) based on the completely randomized design (CRD), then followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for different among treatments. Results of the experiment showed significantly different effect (P<0.05) on dry matter intake (DMI), CP intake, TDN intake, and average daily gain (ADG). There were no different effect (P>0.05) on feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency. Others parameter showed that there were no significantly different (P>0.05) effect on the dry matter and organic matter digestibility in vitro, rumen ammonia concentration, and volatile fatty acid’s rumen concentration. It was concluded that feeding TMR was potentially prospected for fattening of beef cattle, particularly as feeding strategy when there was no grass and/or green forage anymore.

The Function of Credit Scheme to Improve Family Income among Beef Cattle Farmers in Central Java Province

The aims of study were: (i) identify of beef cattle fattening credit scheme, (ii) calculating and analyze of beef cattle farmers’ income, (iii) analyze of factors influencing beef cattle credit scheme towards farmer’s income. The research was held in five regencies in Central Java Province. Beef cattle fattening farm was standardized as an elementary unit. Survey method was used, while Two Stage Cluster Purposive Sampling was used for determining of sample. Data were analyzed using statistical method of quantitative descriptive and inferential statistics in term of income analysis and multiple linear regression models. The result showed that farmers used their own capital to run the farm. The average amount was IDR 10,769,871. Kredit Ketahanan Pangan dan Energi was credit scheme which was dominantly access by farmers. The average credit was IDR 23,312,200/farmer with rate of credit equal to 6.46%, the time of credit returning equal to 24.60 monthand the prediction of average collateral equal to IDR 35,800,00. The average of farmers’ income was IDR 4,361,611.60/2.96 head of beef cattle/fattening period. If the labour cost did not calculate as a cost production, hence the farmer’ income was IDR 7,608,630.41 or in other word the farmer’ income increase 74.44%. Factors of credit scheme which partially significant influence to the farmers’ income were number of own capital usage and value of credit collateral. Meanwhile, name of credit scheme, financing institution as a creditor, amount of credit, rate of credit scheme and time of returning credit were not significantly influence towards farmers’ income.

Survey of carotenes and vitamin A concentrations in cattle to be slaughtered in Thessaloniki

The purpose of this survey was the study of vitamin A concentrations in cattle to be slaughtered in the area of Thessaloniki. For this purpose, research samples of blood and liver were collected from 165 cattle brought to different slaughter-houses of Thessaloniki, during the winter of the year 1998. Out of the 165 cattle to be slaughtered 76% presented lower than normal vitamin A in liver tissue (&lt; 60 Mg/g W.M.), 14% had marginal (60-200 pg/g W.M.) and 10% normal concentration values (200-800 μg/g W.M.). It must be noted that, of the total 205 examined cattle 37% presented extremely deficient concentration of vitamin A in liver (&lt; 14 μg/g W.M.), in these concentrations clinical signs of avitaminosis A are expected to appear. The statistic analysis of the research results show off that the liver and plasma concentrations of vitamin A were statistically significant lower in the fattening cattle (male and female) than in the adult reproductive cows. Statistically significant differences on liver and plasma vitamin A concentrations between male and female fattening cattle were not found. Statistically analysing this research it is confirmed for another time, that there is not closed linear relation between the vitamin A plasma concentrations and vitamin A liver concentrations. The linear regression equation that has been found between the vitamin A liver concentration (X) and the vitamin A plasma concentration (Y) is: Y=0,183+0,001 (±0,000***) X (***P&lt;0,001, r2=0,130, 1,80 μg/g D.M.£X£350,08 μg/g D.M., 0,01 μg/ml£Y£3,28 μg/ml, n = 165). Closed linear regression was not found as well, between the vitamin A plasma concentrations and carotene plasma concentrations. The linear regression equation that has been found here between the vitamin A plasma concentration (X) and the carotene plasma concentrations (Y) is: Y=2,138+3,806 (±1,445*) X (*P&lt;0,05, r2=0,057,0,01 μg/ml£Χ£3,28 μg/ml,0,00 μg/ml£Υ£23,36 μg/ml, n=165). The clinical signs that are described here for the animals with deficient levels of vitamin A (60 μg/g W.M. of liver) are limed to the following: poor performance, rough coat and ocular signs in the fattening cattle and infertility in the reproductive cows. Finally, in this research there is some evidence that the high carotene levels in reproductive cows (&gt;4,8 μg/ml of plasma) for a long term may cause ovary dysfunction.

Beef Cattle Fattening Practices and Marketing Systems in Gondar Town, Amhara, Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to describe the cattle fattening practices and the existing marketing systems. For this study, four farmer associations were selected on purpose. From each PA, 20 respondents (a total of 80 HH) were randomly selected from owners who practice fattening cattle and the data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and observation. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software.In the study area, the food resources used for their fattening cattle were 67.5%, 17.5% and 15.0% of wheat and corn bran, bean and rice bran and the mixture of bean + peacoat + hay as feed for their fattening cattle without scientific formulation, respectively. The sources of water used by respondents were 72.5% and 27.5%, respectively, for river and strip water. The finding revealed that majority of fatteners was select cattle based on phenotypic characteristics of the cattle by body frame (58.8%), glossy coat color (31.2%), wide/deep body condition (7.5%) and thick neck (2.5%). The survey result indicated 65.0% and 35.0% of respondents used trekking and vehicle (trucking) transporting practices, respectively. Even though, weight measurements had not practiced in the area, 87.5% respondents price set factor were depending on live weight of animals. The current study showed that the main constraints of beef cattle fattening practices in Gondar town were feed cost increase (30.0%), lack of credit (12.5%) and absence of market information (16.2%).In general, the fattening practices of beef cattle in the study area were constrained by various challenges and not supported by improved fattening technology. In order to increase the profitability of feeders, the provision to farmers of adequate training and extension services on improved livestock fattening technologies, key management practices and market information should be mandatory.

Assessment of commercial beef cattle fattening practices and performance in East Shoa Zone

The study was conducted in Adama, Lome and Adami-Tulu districts of East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess commercial fattening practices, and to evaluate performance of commercial fattening. Multistage sampling procedure was employed for the survey study. The questionnaire based formal survey was conducted using semi structured questioners by interviewing a total of 45 feedlot operators purposively selected from the three districts and both quantitative and qualitative data on beef cattle fattening systems were obtained. For the monitoring work nine farms among those used for interview were selected for the purpose of monitoring animals’ performance during fattening period. Eight Animals from each farm were randomly selected from the farms based on age, initial body weight and body condition. The study revealed that the major criteria for selecting animals to purchase for feedlot fattening includes breed type, physical appearance and/or frame size, age, health and initial price body condition, coat color, horn size were the top priority and major breeds used was Boran breeds with an age between 3-6 years old. The feed resources used by commercial cattle fattening include crop residues and agro-industrial by products feeds. The average total weight gain and average daily weight gain of animals recorded in 90 days of fattening was significantly higher (P<0.05) for large (97.7±1.16; 1.09±0.01) and medium (97.58±1.16; 1.09±0.01) as compared to small scale (91.04±1.169 kg; 1.01±0.01kg) commercial fattening. It is concluded that the dependence on only Borana breed may affect the efficiency of the fattening industry by creating supply shortage and also it depletes the breed population. Moreover, the Limited feed availability, high price of supplementary feed, market fluctuation of fattened cattle, disease out breaks, and water shortage are the most challenges faced by the sectors and needs to be addressed in the study area.

Assessment of Commercial Beef Cattle Fattening Practices and performance in East Shoa Zone

The study was conducted in Adama, Lome and Adami-Tulu districts of East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State to assess commercial fattening practices, and to evaluate performance of commercial fattening.

Drivers, challenges and opportunities of forage technology adoption by smallholder cattle households in Cambodia

Forage technology has been successfully introduced into smallholder cattle systems in Cambodia as an alternative feed source to the traditional rice straw and native pastures, improving animal nutrition and reducing labour requirements of feeding cattle. Previous research has highlighted the positive impacts of forage technology including improved growth rates of cattle and household time savings. However, further research is required to understand the drivers, challenges and opportunities of forage technology for smallholder cattle households in Cambodia to facilitate widespread adoption and identify areas for further improvement. A survey of forage-growing households (n=40) in July-September 2016 examined forage technology adoption experiences, including reasons for forage establishment, use of inputs and labour requirements of forage plot maintenance and use of forages (feeding, fattening, sale of grass or seedlings and silage). Time savings was reported as the main driver of forage adoption with household members spending approximately 1h per day maintaining forages and feeding it to cattle. Water availability was reported as the main challenge to this activity. A small number of households also reported lack of labour, lack of fencing, competition from natural grasses, cost of irrigation and lack of experience as challenges to forage growing. Cattle fattening and sale of cut forage grass and seedlings was not found to be a widespread activity by interviewed households, with 25 and 10% of households reporting use of forages for these activities, respectively. Currently, opportunities exist for these households to better utilise forages through expansion of forage plots and cattle activities, although assistance is required to support these households in addressing current constraints, particularly availability of water, if the sustainability of this feed technology for smallholder cattle household is to be established in Cambodia.