Dry Matter Requirement Research Articles

PRODUKTIFITAS SAPI PERANAKAN ONGOLE PADA PEMELIHARAAN INTENSIF

Beef cattle productivity can be evaluated based on the Average Daily Gain (ADG), feed consumption, and Feed Conversion ratio (FCR). This research aims to assess the productivity of Ongole crossbreed cattle (PO) that are reared intensively. A total of fifteen cattle were used in this study, aged 2-2.5 years. Cattle were reared intensively in individual pens for 61 days, equipped with feed and water. The feed was given a mixture of concentrate and forage in a ratio of 75: 25, water was given ad libitum. The total dry matter requirement was calculated based on 3% of body weight. The parameters observed were Average Daily Gain (ADG), feed consumption, and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. The study indicated that ADG was 0.625 ± 0.136 kg, the average of feed consumption was 7.35 ± 1.67 kg and the average of FCR was 12.582 ± 5.149.

Adequacy of micromineral content (Fe, Zn, Cu) of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) as beef cattle feed in Merapi volcanic slopes of Magelang Regency, Indonesia

A study was conducted to assess the micromineral content of Pennisetum purpureum, commonly known as Napier grass, in the Magelang Regency of Central Java, Indonesia. Three different topographical areas, namely flat, undulated, and sloping, were considered for the study. Samples of Napier grass were collected from each area, with a total of 20 samples taken from each area. The samples were then subjected to various processing techniques, including fresh weight measurement, chopping, sun-drying, oven-drying, and milling. The mineral content of the samples was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that the mineral content of Zn and Cu in Napier grass varied significantly across the three topographical areas (p<0.05), with average values of 40.34 and 11.56 ppm, 33.44 and 10.75 ppm, and 40.38 and 13.43 ppm for flat, undulated, and sloping areas, respectively. The Fe content, on the other hand, was found to be not significantly different across the areas, with an average of 377.90 ppm. These findings suggest that the use of Napier grass as a basal feed for beef cattle, with a dry matter requirement of 7.56 kg day-1 and a proportion of Napier grass of 7.13 kg DM day-1, would provide sufficient micro minerals, including Fe, Cu, and Zn, for the cattle in the three topographical areas.
 Key words: mineral, napier grass, topography

Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India

This study investigated the effects of feeding cotton gin trash (CGT) to Mecheri ram lambs, as an alternate diet, on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A growth performance trial was conducted with thirty-two weaned Mecheri ram lambs with an average body weight of 12.64 ± 0.74 kg, which were assigned to four groups (n = eight animals in each group). The diet’s roughage part was replaced by CGT at percentages of 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), and 75% (T4). The growth trial lasted six months (180 days) from weaning lambs at 3–4 months until 9 months for marketing. All the animals were fed on a dry matter requirement basis at 4% of their body weight. The study revealed that the lambs fed with 50 (T3) and 75 (T4) % inclusion levels of CGT showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher total body weight gain than the T1 and T2 groups. The average daily gain of lambs in T3 (99.24 g) and T4 (105.51 g) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than T1 (80.77 g) and T2 (83.61 g) groups. Throughout the study period, there was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in the average Dry Matter Intake (DMI) (g) between the groups; however, the lambs in T4 demonstrated higher feed efficiency (7.4) than the T1 (9.3) group. The slaughter studies revealed that the lambs in the T4 followed by the T3 groups registered significantly (p < 0.01) higher hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and meat: bone ratio than T2 and T1 group animals. The T3 and T4 groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher weights of the liver, spleen, head, stomach, and empty intestines when compared to T1 and T2 groups; however, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the weights of edible and inedible offals. In addition, there were no significant variations (p > 0.05) in pH, WHC, shear force value, sensory characteristics, and proximate composition of meat among treatment groups. The SFA levels in the T3, T4, and T2 groups were substantially (p < 0.01) greater than in the control group (T1). In contrast, the proportion of MUFA in the T1 group was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than in the T3 and T4 treatment groups. There was no significant difference in PUFA or the PUFA/SFA ratio between the treatment groups. In accordance with current research findings, the CGT can be added up to 75% of the roughage component in sheep feed as an effective unconventional supplementation, as it improves body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics in Mecheri ram lambs.

Evaluation of a Binary Classification Approach to Detect Herbage Scarcity Based on Behavioral Responses of Grazing Dairy Cows.

In precision grazing, pasture allocation decisions are made continuously to ensure demand-based feed allowance and efficient grassland utilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate existing prediction models that determine feed scarcity based on changes in dairy cow behavior. During a practice-oriented experiment, two groups of 10 cows each grazed separate paddocks in half-days in six six-day grazing cycles. The allocated grazing areas provided 20% less feed than the total dry matter requirement of the animals for each entire grazing cycle. All cows were equipped with noseband sensors and pedometers to record their head, jaw, and leg activity. Eight behavioral variables were used to classify herbage sufficiency or scarcity using a generalized linear model and a random forest model. Both predictions were compared to two individual-animal and day-specific reference indicators for feed scarcity: reduced milk yields and rumen fill scores that undercut normal variation. The predictive performance of the models was low. The two behavioral variables “daily rumination chews” and “bite frequency” were confirmed as suitable predictors, the latter being particularly sensitive when new feed allocation is present in the grazing set-up within 24 h. Important aspects were identified to be considered if the modeling approach is to be followed up.

Assessing the suitability of meadows of Vagamon hill ranges of Kerala for grazing of dairy cattle

In India, majority of the small-holder farmers are depending on semi-extensive farming system. The cost-effective method of semi-extensive farming is being practised in the hilly regions of Kerala, especially the Vagamon hill ranges of Idukki district. Scientific dairy farming in such semi-extensive farming systems requires evaluation of the quality of grasses in meadows, animal preference to flora and the soil quality. The study was conducted at the Base Farm, Kolahalamedu under Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University where the animals are regularly left out for grazing. The most preferred grass species by the grazing animals was Congo signal in the meadows. Cultivated fodder (Setaria sp.) was also offered to the animals while at the shed. The dry matter content of grass species favoured to meet the dry matter requirement of animals to a major extent and hence the enrichment of soil quality of the meadows will increase the nutritive quality and biomass content of grasses. It is suggested that, proper management of meadows of Vagamon hill ranges with respect to type of grasses and soil quality will favour cost-effective dairy farming

Milk production from primiparous Bunaji cows fed Pennisetum purpureum with or without supplements

The feeding value of three supplements to a basal grass (Pennisetum pupureum) diet was investigated using sixteen Bunaji cows. The three supplements were Pueraria phaseoloides, Leucaena leucocephala and brewers dried grain (BDG). The rate of supplementation was 30% of the daily dry matter requirement. The experimental arrangement used was a completely randomized design and euch diet was tested using four animals per diet for an experimental duration of 60 days. Parameters measured included feed intake, milk yield and composition. There was substitution effect of supplement intake on the basal grass diet intake. The intake of supplements enhanced (P<0.005) crude protein intake. The milk yields were low and values ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 kg (4% fat corrected milk/day). Supplementation increased (P<0.05) milk, fat and protein yields of the lactating cows. However, milk yields of supplemented groups were similar (P>0.05). Milk from animals fed Leucaena and BDG supplements had the highest fat 102.2 and protein 93.12 g/d contents. Milk fat contents were normal and similar (P>0.05) among the treatments. Low milk protein contents were recorded except for BDG supplement. It was concluded that the feeding of forage legumes enhanced milk production in lactating Bunaji cows.

English

The study was conducted to assess the major livestock feed resources and estimating annual feed production and feed balance in Moyale district of Boran Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the household’s (HHs) and 96 representative households were selected. Data were collected using group discussions, structured questionnaire, secondary data and personal observations. As it was identified in the study district, natural pasture, crop residues and agro-industrial by-product were major feed resources for the livestock. An average of 129,461.0156 tons of feed dry matter (DM) per year was produced in the district from the major available feed resources, and the demand for maintenance requirement of the livestock population in the district was 190,054.416 (tons DM/year) and this showed that a deficit off 60,593.4004 (31.88%) tons of DM per year in the district. Drought, feed shortage, water scarcity, disease and parasite, market and theft and predator were assessed to be the major livestock production constraints. Generally, the results from this study confirmed that the total dry matter produced from different feed resources in to the study  area was not enough to satisfy the dry matter requirement of livestock to support the livestock production in to the study area, which suggest that the main focus needs to be refining the existing feed resources through restoration of tainted grazing areas, introduction compliant feedstuff production, improving feed utilization practices  and introduce and promote the crop residue feed improvement. Key words: Feed availability, feed balance, feed requirement, feed resources.   &nbsp

Efficacy of different concentrate to roughage ratio on growth performance of Osmanabadi kids in Marathwada region

In Osmanabadi goats kids, stall feeding is the most economic and comfortable method of feeding management. The overall growth performance in Osmanabadi goat kids was enhanced by supplementation of concentrate mixture with regular roughage feeding. Further, in Osmanabadi goats, there was positive linear correlation of chest girth, height at withers, body length, height at hip with BCS, body weight and the age. The supplementation of concentrate mixture along with roughages in the feeding management of Osmanabadi kids resulted in heavier body weight. The trend of improvement in different growth and body parameters of Osmanabadi goat kids showed positive linear correlation with the amount of concentrate feed consumed by the kid. The supplementation of concentrate mixture with regular roughages in Osmanabadi goat kids improved the level of fodder intake. Stall feeding and the supplementation of concentrate mixture or nutritional enrichment of regular diet of Osmanabadi goat kids results in the improvement in voluntary fodder intake, however the rate of intake remained in positive linear correlation up to the 50% amount of concentrate feed consumed on dry matter requirement basis in Osmanabadi goat kids. Positive linear correlation of concentrate supplementation with voluntary fodder intake ultimately resulted in reduced fodder leftover and thereby the fodder wastage.

Fodder Production and Livestock Rearing in Relation to Climate Change and Possible Adaptation Measures in Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal

A study was conducted to find out the production potential, nutrient composition, and the variability of the most commonly available fodder trees along with the varying altitude to help optimize the dry matter requirement during winter lean period. The study was carried out in Lho and Prok Village Development Committee of Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), located in Gorkha district of Nepal.The study was conducted in two parts: social and biological. Accordingly, a households (HHs) survey was conducted to collect primary data from 70 HHs, focusing to the perception of respondents on impacts of climatic variability to the feeding management. The next part consisted of understanding yield potential and nutrient composition of the four most commonly available fodder trees (M. azedirach, M. alba, F. roxburghii, F. nemoralis), within two altitudes range: (1500-2000 masl and 2000-2500 masl) by using a RCB design in 2*4 factorial combination of treatments, each replicated four times. Fresh yield and dry matter yield of the each fodder trees was significant (P<0.01) between the altitude and within species. Fodder trees yield analysis revealed that the highest dry matter (DM) yield (28 kg/tree) was obtained for F. roxburghii but that remained statistically similar (P>0.05) to the other treatment. On the other hand, most of the parameters: ether extract (EE), acid detergent lignin (ADL), acid detergent fibre (ADF), cell wall digestibility (CWD), relative digestibility (RD), digestible nutrient (TDN), and Calcium (Ca) among the treatments were highly significant (P<0.01).
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(2): 227-235

Finishing lambs using an integral feed under a restricted-feeding program in an intensive production system in Northern Mexico

The objective of this study was to compare the productive performance of finishing lambs using an integral diet under a restricted-feeding program. Ten Dorper lambs were assigned to two homogenous groups according to live weight and age under a complete randomised block design. Group 1 was fed a traditional diet commonly used by the producer and group 2 was fed an integral feed restricted to 75% of dry matter requirement of lambs. The evaluated variables were: dry matter intake, initial and final live weight, daily weight gain, feed efficiency and body growth expressed in height, body length, thoracic diameter, cane length and cane width. A partial cost analysis was carried out to evaluate the economic viability. Lambs fed with the integral feed had better feed efficiency, higher dry matter intake, daily weight gain, height, body length and thoracic diameter when compared with the lambs fed the traditional diet. The use of an integral feed under a restricted-feeding program reduced the cost of finishing lambs by 2.46 dollars per head and finishing length by 120 days. Overall, providing an integral feed under a restricted-feeding program is a viable alternative for improving finishing lambs under intensive conditions in the Northern Mexico.

English

Ethiopia owns immense but largely untapped livestock resources scattered over diverse agro-ecologies. Feed scarcity is one of the major technical constraints in livestock production and thus challenges the economic contribution of the livestock sub-sector. For optimum and sustainable livestock productivity, the available feed resource should match with the animal population in a given area. This study was aimed at assessing livestock feeds and analyzing the balance between feed supply and demand in small and fragmented land holdings of three different agro-ecologies (Dega, Woina-dega and Kolla) of Wolayta zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected through discussions with individuals, groups and key informants, observations and formal surveys and analyzed using R software. The dry matter (DM) requirements of the livestock population were calculated according to the daily DM requirements for maintenance of 1 tropical livestock units (TLU) (250k livestock consumes 2.5% of its body weight (BW) (6.25 kg DM/d). Livestock holding in TLU and total DM productions from all feed resources were not significantly different across all agro-ecologies (P > 0.05). However; land which was the most important production factor in the study site was significantly (P < 0.05) different with average ownership of (1.5 ± 0.081 ha). The largest proportion of feed (517.35 ton of DM/year, 58.9%) came from crop production followed by natural pasture (356.62 ton of DM/year, 40.6%). The remaining small amount of feed was obtained from trees and shrubs (3.36 ton of DM/year, 0.5%) as farmers lop the leaves and branches of various trees and shrubs and feed them to their animals during the dry season. Total amount of feed obtained from all sources was 877.33 ton/year in DM and the total livestock population of the sampled households was 602.24 TLU. The total feed required for this amount of TLU in terms of DM was therefore, 1373.1 ton/year (with negative balance of 495.77 ton DM). Thus, the total feed available addressed only 63.9% of the annual DM requirement which was able to support existing stocks for only 7.7 months. The feed gap was significantly (P<0.05) higher at Woina-Dega, followed by Dega and it was better comparatively at Kolla agro-ecology. Hence, feed shortage was a big problem in terms of quality and quantity in the study site which needs due attention from all responsible bodies. Key words: Feed availability, feed shortage, requirement, dry matter, feed-gap.

Lumpur Limbah Industri Alkohol sebagai Penyusun Konsentrat Pakan Domba

&lt;p&gt;The present study was aimed to evaluate the use of ‘Lumpur-bahinol’ (sludge of alcohol industry) as feed for sheep on feed intake, daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Twelve indigenous rams grouped into three consist of four were used in this study following Completely Randomized Design. Those rams were 8-10 months old, and average weight at 17,15 kg. The rams were raised in individual barn and were fed Napier grass &lt;em&gt;ad libitum &lt;/em&gt;and commercial concentrate feed at 2% of body weight. The treatments were substitution of concentrate feed with ‘lumpur-bahinol’ in the rations at various level as follow, K5L0 (concentrate 2% BW+lumpur-bahinol 0% BW), K4L1 (Concentrate 1.6% BW+Lumpur-bahinol 0.4% BW) and K3L2 (concentrate 1.2% BW+Lumpur-bahinol 0.8% BW). These rations were adjusted to fulfill dry matter requirement at 4% BW. The result showed that inclusion of lumpur-bahinol in the ration tend to decrease total DMI (P=0.1105), being 815 and 809 g/d for K4L1 and K3L2m, respectively, compared to K5L0 (890 g/d). Similar tendency was observed in crude protein intake (P=0.1105), being 104,94 dan 92 g/d for K5L0, K4L1 and K3L2, respectively, as well as in gross energy intake (P=0.0999), being 13.3; 11.4 and 10.5 Mj/d, for K5L0, K4L1 and K3L2, respectively. This phenomena was in contrast with the digestibility that tend to increase (P=0.1056) as much as 0.96% (K4L1) and 2.80% (K3L2), respectively, compared to K5L0 (62.97%). Despite of feed intake tended to decrease as increasing lumpur-bahinol in concentrate, but the daily gain tend to be higher (P=0.1171) in K4L1 (65 g/d) and K3L2 (56 g/d) compared to K5L0 (53 g/d). Similar tendency was shown in feed conversion of K4L1 (12.5) and K3L2 (14.5) that better than of K5L0 (16.8). The conclusion of this study was lumpur-bahinol could be used to compose concentrate feeding up to 0.8% of body weight.&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of concentrate feed supplementation during different physiological stages in Madras Red Sheep

This study was undertaken to assess the performance of Madras Red sheep fed concentrate feed at different physiological stages such as prior to breeding (14 days), late gestation (last 42 days) and early lactation (first 60 days) and compounded feed for growing lambs up to 120 days of age. The study was conducted at Postgraduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences, Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu. In this, sixty ewes were selected in the age group of 3 to 5 years and divided into three groups with twenty in each group. The first group was allowed for grazing for seven hours daily from 9.00 A.M to 4.00 P.M and served as control group (G1).The second and third group (G2 and G3) of animals were supplemented with concentrate feed @ 10% and 20% of their daily dry matter requirement, respectively. The result indicates that the supplementation of concentrate feed to sheep significantly (p less than 0.05) improved the production and reproduction performance of sheep in terms of body weight gain during late pregnancy and early lactation, conception rate, lambing percentage, birth weight and ADG of lambs in group (G3) when compared to concentrate feed supplementation @ 10 % of dry matter requirement (G2) or non-supplemented groups (G1). It is concluded that the net profit available per ewe was more in G3 followed by G 2 and G1 groups.

Sun tolerance and physiological parameters of goats grazing Panicum maximun cv. Tobiatã

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplementation on sun tolerance and physiological parameters of goats in grazing. Sixty goats (20 Alpine, 18 Anglo-Nubian and 22 crossbred Boer) primiparous and multiparous, with average body weight of 49.33 ± 1.41 kg were used in this experiment. The goats were kept in rotational pastures of Panicum maximum cv. Tobiata and supplemented with two levels of concentrate: 300 (NS30) and 600 g/ kg (NS60) of the daily dry matter requirements, assessed from pre-breeding season to approximately 110 days of lactation. Visual observations of tolerance of goats in the sun were made monthly, each 15 minutes during the entire period that the animals remained in the pasture. The respiratory rate and rectal temperature were evaluated monthly, being measured at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Temperature and air relative humidity were recorded every hour, on the days of data collection. Breed influenced the respiratory rate and rectal temperature at 1 p.m., and the crossbred Boer animals showed more appropriate physiological parameters, leading to greater heat tolerance. There was no influence of treatment on the physiological variables of the goats. The Anglo-Nubian goats showed higher resistance to direct sun radiation, staying longer in the sun, being the most suitable for the production system in pasture.

Assessment Study on Livestock Feed Resource, Feed Availability and Production Constraints in Maale Woreda in South Omo Zone

The study was carried out in Maale Woreda, in South Western Ethiopia aimed to assess feed resource, feed resource availability and feed production constraints. Six Kebeles per Woreda were selected and one focus group discussion which comprised 12 pastoralists per kebele were identified and interviewed. For the key informants’ interview, two livestock production experts from Woreda Livestock and Fisher Resource development Office and six livestock developmental agents from representative kebeles were interviewed. The focus group discussion and key informants interview was used to collect primary data on feed resource, feed resource availability, feed conservation practices and feed resources utilization and major livestock feed constraints. The study results shown that grass from the open grazing land, indigenous browse species and crop residues were major feed resources for the livestock in to study area. The open grazing land had poorly managed and the biomass productivity generated from open grazing land has been retreated. The major livestock feeding system was free grazing and Agro pastoral communities had no trends of conserved feed and provided concentrate supplements to the livestock. There were lack of low quality feed improvement and trends of growing the cultivated fodder species production practices. The 83,783.60 tons of dry matter was produced from different feed resources in the Maale Woreda with deficit of 623,333.40 tons of dry matter per year. The climate change, expansion of cropping land, increments in human populations, lack of inputs and training were identified as livestock feed production constraints in to study area. The migration, supplementations and purchasing available feed were important coping strategies toward feed shortage in to study area. Generally, the results from this study demonstrated that the total dry matter produced from different feed resources in to the study area was not enough to satisfy the dry matter requirement of livestock to support the profitable livestock production in to the study area, which suggest that the primary focus needs to be improving the existing feed resources through rehabilitation of degraded grazing areas, introduction adaptable fodder production, improving feed utilization practices and introduce and promote the crop residue feed improvement technologies.

Commercial Fattening of Buffalo Calves for Economic Meat Production

An experiment was conducted on buffalo calves at Livestock farm of Regional Agriculture Research Station, Khajura, Nepal aiming to strengthen practice of commercial fattening. Experiment was done for a period of 7 months during the year 2015 with the main objective to develop low cost buffalo fattening technology emphasizing feeding management. Sixteen male buffalo calves aged 10-12 months were purchased from livestock haat bazaar at Rambhapur, Banke district and from farmers' field. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 treatments each replicated four times. The treatment details were T1: Control- Farmer's practice, T2: Feed 1 + roughage adlib (straw and green at 3:1 ratio), T3: Feed 2 (Urea 2% and molasses 10 % of concentrate) + roughage ad lib (straw and green at 3:1 ratio),T4: Feed 3 (Oil seed cakes 20 %, soybean cake 10 %, urea 1%, Molasses 5 % of concentrate) + roughage ad lib (straw and green at 3:1 ratio). The dry matter requirement was fulfilled at the rate of 3 % of body weight. The concentrate was supplied at the rate of 25 % of total dry matter requirement and rest were fulfilled from roughages i.e straw and green forage at the ratio of 3:1. The buffalo calves were vaccinated against FMD and HS. Drenching was done at the beginning and during middle of the experiment. The results showed that the significantly higher average daily gain (g) was found for T2 (508.34 g) followed by T4 (503.57). Based on economic analysis the net benefit per animal was found highest on T3 i.e urea molasses supplemented group without soybean cake supplementation Rs 2853.

Dry matter requirement for growth and respiration of coconut

The present study determined the dry matter (DM) requirement for potential growth (PGR), growth respiration (Rg) and maintenance respiration (Rm) of fruits, leaves, stem and root system of adult coconut palms (25-26 years) of Tall x Tall cultivar under resource-unlimiting conditions. The total DM requirement of a palm was about 21 kg/palm/month and 63% of that total was required for growth and respiration of vegetative organs (leaves, stem and roots) whilst the rest (37%) was for fruits. Similarly, the DM required for respiration (62%) was nearly two third of the total requirement of a palm and the balance 38% was required for growth of organs. The total dry matter requirement (TDMR) of individual fruits varied with developing stage and TDMR of fruits / palm varied between months and years depending on the fruit load of different development stages. Irrespective of the year, TDMR of fruits was highest during November to February (about 10-11 kg/palm/month) and lowest in June-July (about 5-6 kg/palm/month). However, the DM requirement of vegetative organs (a total of approximately 13 kg/palm/month) did not vary between months.

English

A cross-sectional study was carried out in six sub-counties of Kiruhura district, South Western Uganda with the aim of assessing feed resource utilisation and dairy cattle productivity. Individual interviews using a semi structured questionnaire were conducted in seventy five households. The mean land holding, grazing land and cultivated land were 74, 70 and 2 ha, respectively. Majority (61%) of the farms kept Ankole × Friesian crossbred cattle and the average daily milk production per cow per day for low grade and high grade crossbred cows was 5.4±1.3 and 7.4±2.6 L, respectively. The mean in months for age at first calving (AFC) was 30.7±9.8 and 25.9±4.9, calving interval (CI) was 12.6±3.2 and 11.4±1.1, and open period 3.5±2.7 and 2.3±1.2 for low grade and high grade cross bred cattle, respectively. A few farms (7%) maintained a constant herd size from the previous two years, while (67%) registered decreases in herd size and 27% increased their herd size. Natural pastures were the major feed resource throughout the year for all households and the majority (71%) did not provide any feed supplement during dry season or conserve the excess pasture produced in the rainy season. The average stocking rate was 1.4 ± 0.98 TLU/ha which was high and this was aggravated by increasing use of land for cultivation. The use of crop residues and agro-industrial by products was low. The average annual dry matter production on farms meets only 83% of the annual dry matter requirements for an average herd. The major constraints to livestock production were the high costs incurred in disease prevention and treatment (62%), feed shortage (40%) and drought related challenges (31%). It was concluded that feed availability could be improved by equipping the farmers with feed resource management techniques such as improved management of grazing lands, conservation of pastures in the form of hay, and proper utilization of crop residues and agro-industrial by-products, through training and provision of dedicated extension services. Key words: Dairy cattle, feed resource, crossbred, cattle productivity.

Concentrate Feed Supplementation During Late Gestation and Lactation in Madras Red Sheep

A study was undertaken to assess birth weight, milk intake and growth performance of Madras Red sheep maintained on grazing alone (G-1) and supplemented graded levels of concentrate feed (10 and 20% of dry matter requirements) during late gestation (last 42 days) and lactation (up to 60 days) in G-2 and G-3 groups. Lambs were fed concentrate feed @ 10 and 20% of their DM requirements up to 120 days in G2 and G3 groups respectively. Body weight gains in ewes during late gestation were 1.39±0.24, 1.43±0.03 and 1.66±0.17 kg in G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups, respectively. Birth weight of lambs in G-2 (2.77kg) and G-3 (2.83kg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than G-1 (2.60kg) group. Milk intake of lambs in G-2 and G-3 groups were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to G-1 group. It was inferred that supplementation of concentrate feed to adult sheep @ 20% of dry matter requirements during late gestation and lactation not only improves the body weight of ewes but also increases the birth weight and the milk intake and subsequent body weight of lambs.

Assessment of Grazing Land and Livestock Feed Balance in Gummara-Rib Watershed, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has the largest animal population in Africa. Next to crop production, the livestock sector has a great potential to assist the socio-economic development and transformation of the country. Studies indicate that the livestock sector accounts for about 40% of agricultural GDP and 20% of the total GDP. Amhara Region contributes 30% of the country’s livestock population. At the regional level, livestock production is an integral part of the mixed farming system, contributing 22% and 12.5% from agricultural GDP and total GDP, respectively. Though livestock play a great role to rural livelihoods, there are a number of challenges in this sector. A mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed to generate the required information. The overall land use/ land cover change analysis of the Landsat image of the year 1986 and 2013 showed that grazing land has declined drastically by 30.52 %. However, cultivated land has rapidly increased by 11.65%. Moreover, the remaining percentage of grassland use type was changed in to degraded grassland, degraded shrubby bush land, urban Settlement, and eucalyptus woodland. On the other hand, the total dry matter (DM) requirement was estimated to be 1,126,269.54 ton/year. Moreover, feed supply from pastureland, aftermath grazing and crop residues were estimated to be 852,700.30 tons of DM. This shows that the available feed/forage addressed only 72% and 28% the annual DM still required for livestock feeding in Gummara-Rib watershed. Based on this study, it is highly recommended that increase the productivity of the local breeds appropriate management practices and policy interventions should be made, especially on forage development and breed quality improvement. The mean livestock holding should be adjusted with feed availability to minimize its impacts on grazing land degradation and for better productivity.