Major Feed Research Articles

Produktivnost prirodnog travjaka reda Arrhenatheretalia u zavisnosti od različitih nivoa đubrenja azotom

Natural grasslands are major animal feed resources in the moutainous region of Serbia. Proper use of mineral fertilizers in these grasslands can lead to a multiple increase in productivity. The paper analyzes the effect of NPK fertilizers with different levels of nitrogen (unfertilized - A0; N60:P40:K40 - A1; N100:P40:K40 - A2; N140:P40:K40 - A3) on forage yield and botanical composition of natural grassland of the Arrhenatheretalia order on the slopes of Mount Kopaonik. With the increase of the amount of nitrogen applied in spring from 40 to 80 kg ha-1, forage and hay yields also increased, whereas further increase innitrogen quantity to 120 kg ha-1 resulted in the absence of the increasing yield trend. In the second cut, there were lower forage and hay yields compared to the first cut. A total of 50 different plant species of 44 genera and 20 families were identified on the grassland. In both cuts, in all fertilized treatments, the grass percentage was significantly higher than the control. The percentage of legumes in the first cut was low, while it significantly decreased in the second crop with the increase in the level of fertilizer. The percentage of other plants was higher in the second cut, as compared to the first one, and it significantly decreased in both cuts with the increase in fertilizer rate.

Production Performances of Holstein Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows in Hadiya Zone, (Southern Ethiopia)

This study was conducted to assess productive performances of crossbred (Holstein-Friesian) dairy cows and factors affecting their performances in Shashogo and Anlemo distinct of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select district and kebeles. A total of 196 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed with semi-structured and structured questionnaire to obtain information on the management practices of farmers, productive performances of crossbred dairy cows. The data were analyzed using the general model of SAS version 9.2. Chi-square test was carried out to assess the statistical significance among categorical variables. Pro LSD test was used to identify a significant difference between districts and seasons mean. Mean herd size of crossbred (HF) dairy cows for Shashogo and Anlemo per households was 4.74 ± 0.114 TLU and 3.63 ± 0.115 TLU, respectively. The major feed resources were natural pasture, crop residues, and crop-after math, concentrate feeds, improved forages and non-conventional feeds, whereas zero-grazing/stall feeding, semi-grazing and free grazing system practiced in both districts. The major sources of water in the study area were river, wells, ponds and tap water. The overall means ± SE of milk yield per day/cow, lactation length and lactation milk yield was 7.61 ± 0.19 liters, 8.99 ± 0.14 months and 2057.16 litres, respectively. In the study period the main constraints were Shortage of feeds, diseases, poor management practices, Lack of services, like Seasonal fluctuation are the main factors hindering dairy productive and reproductive performances in the study areas. Generally, productive performances obtained in current study were low. Therefore, the Sustainable extension service should be established to improve feed resources and management practices in the study area.

Characterization of Village Chicken Production and Breeding Practices of Smallholders in Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Eastern Ethiopian districts of Oromia regional State such as Meta, Deder, Goro Gutu, Babile, and Jigjiga districts of Somali regional state. So far in Eastern Ethiopia, very little effort has been made in characterization of village chicken production, husbandry and identification of smallholder’s trait selections. Therefore, this study was initiated with the aim of characterization of village chicken production, husbandry, breeding practices and identification of smallholder’s trait selection in Eastern Ethiopia. Majority (42.29%) of respondents maintained large proportion of layers in the flock in the study area. The village chicken production of the study districts were characterized by poor management which used scavenging system as major feed resources (99%), no appropriate house (93.3%), no regular vaccination (100%) and uncontrolled breeding. The mean annual egg production of the village chicken of the districts was estimated at 51.66 in an average of 3.69 production cycles a year. All smallholders in the study area keep chickens principally for cash income more important than egg and meat production for home consumption. Moreover, majority of respondents get benefit (31.74%) from chicken manure through application as a fertilizer for garden vegetable production in their backwards. The respondents (89%) confirmed that “Fengil” (New castle disease), “Albasa” (Coccidiosis) and “Kinkin” (External parasites) are the serious disease outbreak results in complete devastation of the flock. Most stallholders ranked first the egg size birds laying (0.412) and second reproduction performances (0.276) among their selection criteria’s. Only few respondents (35%) reared their own cock for a breeding purpose and majority had no breeding experience in improving their chicken productivity.

A review of grouper (Family Serranidae: Subfamily Epinephelinae) aquaculture from a sustainability science perspective

AbstractAquaculture of groupers is carried out in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, but most production is from Asia, with three countries responsible for an estimated 92% of global production: China (65% of total production), Taiwan Province of China (17%) and Indonesia (11%). We calculate that there are at least 47 grouper species plus 15 grouper hybrids that have been trialled or are currently aquacultured. While grouper aquaculture has undoubtedly provided positive social and economic benefits to coastal communities in Asia, practices associated with grouper aquaculture have also led to widespread concerns regarding its environmental impacts. This paper reviews environmental, economic and social impacts of grouper aquaculture within a sustainability science framework. An update, building on early technical reviews of grouper aquaculture, was used to identify the main environmental, economic and social impacts. The main environmental impacts identified were as follows: seedstock sources, particularly the use of wild‐caught postlarval or juvenile fish as seedstock; the use of ‘trash’ fish as the major feed source; and water quality and substrate impacts of sea cage aquaculture. Significant economic and social impacts arising from grouper aquaculture include employment and income generation, but the economic impacts of disease outbreaks are significant, reducing fish survival to harvest size to around 50–70%. Current approaches to ameliorate negative impacts include the following: development and implementation of better management practices (BMPs) at national level, and the development of a global ecolabel certification scheme by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Both these approaches have significant constraints, particularly when applied to small‐scale farmers who produce the bulk of farmed grouper. We conclude that there is a need for improved higher level coordination between the major producer countries to address identified sustainability constraints to grouper aquaculture.

English

A study was carried out to assess dairy production practices in eight selected areas of the Ethiopian central highlands. Overall, 320 smallholder farmers (40 from each of 8 study sites) were randomly selected for individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dairying (43%) was reported to be a major source of income for farm household. The major feed sources for dairy cattle includes grazing on natural pasture (62%), grass hay (94%), crop residues of barley (57%) and wheat (53%). Mastitis (66%), blackleg (18%) and foot and mouth disease (10%) were the most common dairy cattle health problems. On average, 1,977 Ethiopian birr was estimated for milk disposed from infected udders and cost of medication against various animal diseases per household/year. Artificial insemination and natural mating using genetically improved bulls were the two breeding methods for dairy animals. The average charges of artificial insemination and bull services were estimated to be 29 and 81 birr, respectively. The average milk yield per cow was 10 liters/day. Milking was dominantly done by housewives twice a day. Average calving interval (14 months), age at first calving (31 months), and lactation length (9.4 months) was reported for crossbred cows. The major dairy production constraints identified in this study were shortage of feed, poor nutritional quality, high veterinary cost and shortage of veterinary clinics and veterinarians. Thus it is recommended that there is a need to conserve feed, introduce improved forage species and improve animal health services, which will enhance the productivity and profitability of the dairy sector in the study areas. Key words: Dairy production, feed, health, reproduction

Review of Quality Protein Maize as Food and Feed: In Alleviating Protein Deficiency in Developing Countries

Maize is the major food and feed source in most parts of the world. In Ethiopia, it ranks second in area coverage after Teff and first in production. But maize alike other cereals, is deficient in certain essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan. Therefore, this study is initiated to review the pros and cons of other maize variety called Quality Protein Maize as food, feed and other industrial uses and to suggest recommendations based on the findings. For the purpose, a number of national and international research findings were collected and used. The major lessons from this study indicated that, Quality Protein Maize has got a similar yield potential and disease resistance with normal maize and its biological value is about 80% whereas normal maize has got 40-75%. It has also 90% the biological value of cow's milk with a true digestibility level of 60% which is greater than normal maize. The amino acid profile specially lysine and tryptophan is 2-3 fold higher than normal maize. Feeding of Quality Protein Maize to children in a number of countries indicated that the anthropometric measures are higher for the children fed with Quality Protein Maize than normal maize fed groups and also increased the intelligent quotient. Feeding of Quality Protein Maize to pregnant women showed a significant impact upon the health of the babies and mothers. The impact of Quality Protein Maize feeding to old age people reflected in their relief from gastric and other indigestion ailments. Feeding values of Quality Protein Maize to broiler chicks enhanced growth rate and meat quality. When broiler chicks fed with the combination of Quality Protein Maize and sesame seed meal, it can safely replace synthetic amino acids with better economic advantage than feeding with synthetic amino acids. In the case of layers, feeding of Quality Protein Maize improved age at first egg laying, egg production, and egg quality parameters. The major problems associated to the scaling ups of Quality Protein Maize include limited promotion, insufficient demonstration and poor awareness creation on its quality. On top of these, literally there is no premium price for the production of Quality Protein Maize and there is no special incentives for those producers. Therefore, research results should be properly documented and shared with the respective stakeholders, continuous awareness creation, demonstration and extension activities to producers and consumers should be done so as to use the potential in a proper manner. For effective promotion, back ward linkages and contract farming is also important to ensure sustainable supply of seed. It is also equally important to involve private players for seed production and link them with industries and encourage farmers to use yellow quality protein maize variety to increase the beta carotene contents of the diets.

Modeling Managed Grassland Biomass Estimation by Using Multitemporal Remote Sensing Data—A Machine Learning Approach

More than 80% of agricultural land in Ireland is grassland, which is a major feed source for the pasture based dairy farming and livestock industry. Many studies have been undertaken globally to estimate grassland biomass by using satellite remote sensing data, but rarely in systems like Ireland's intensively managed, but small-scale pastures, where grass is grazed as well as harvested for winter fodder. Multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models were developed to estimate the grassland biomass (kg dry matter/ha/day) of two intensively managed grassland farms in Ireland. For the first test site (Moorepark) 12 years (2001–2012) and for second test site (Grange) 6 years (2001–2005, 2007) of in situ measurements (weekly measured biomass) were used for model development. Five vegetation indices plus two raw spectral bands (RED=red band, NIR=Near Infrared band) derived from an 8-day MODIS product (MOD09Q1) were used as an input for all three models. Model evaluation shows that the ANFIS ( $R_{{\rm{Moorepark}}}^2 = \;0.85,\;\;{\rm{RMS}}{{\rm{E}}_{{\rm{Moorepark}}}} = \;11.07$ ; $R_{{\rm{Grange}}}^2 = \;0.76,\;\;{\rm{RMS}}{{\rm{E}}_{{\rm{Grange}}}} = \;15.35$ ) has produced improved estimation of biomass as compared to the ANN and MLR. The proposed methodology will help to better explore the future inflow of remote sensing data from spaceborne sensors for the retrieval of different biophysical parameters, and with the launch of new members of satellite families (ALOS-2, Radarsat-2, Sentinel, TerraSAR-X, TanDEM-X/L) the development of tools to process large volumes of image data will become increasingly important.

GMOs: A Good but Battered Means for Sustainable Production Intensification

FAO promotes Sustainable Production Intensification (SPI), which consists of a technology menu for optimizing crop production per unit area, taking into consideration the range of sustainability aspects including potential and/or real social, political, economic and environmental impacts. The author suggests that Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) cropping is not only well aligned to SPI but also that this technology is a way to maximize the SPI principles. GMO crops cover about 13 percent of the world’s cropped land. More than three quarters of this area is within the three countries that also lead the production and export of the major food and feed commodities: USA, Brazil and Argentina. The remaining area is spread across about 29 countries, mostly developing countries and a few industrialised countries. Four crops account for the majority of land under GMO crops: corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. About 90 percent of the soybean and 80 percent of the corn that is traded in the world market is genetically engineered. Consequently a very large part of the world population likely eats every day food that either contains GMOs or GMO derivatives or animal products derived from GMO fed animals. It has been the fastest adopted agricultural technology, rising to its current level over only twenty years. Further increases in production will mainly occur in developing and low-income countries. In the EU, a large majority of the member states have chosen to rule against GMO cultivation. It is essentially a ‘marketing’ strategy. Nevertheless, GMOs land on European tables daily in one way or another. The developing world and its low income countries are gradually improving their policy, institutional and administrative environments towards the adoption of modern biotech rules. The technology is simple, has been thoroughly tested and through extensive scientific research and testing has been shown to be as safe as crops bred and developed by other techniques. The advantages in terms of higher crop productivity and lower production costs are substantial and widely proven. GMOs are also substantially eco-friendly but more research and development is required to improve herbicide management. Only a small fraction of the GM achievements, and opportunities, are being widely exploited. Other tested discoveries, which offer valuable strategies to address the challenges of climate change, productivity concerns and human health plagues/malnutrition that are widespread in low income countries, are yet to be adopted on a meaningful scale. There is no credible evidence that GMOs constitute a threat to human health. International rules and regulatory frameworks exist and are acknowledged. Cultural, which at times appear to be ideological, barriers more often of the developed world, are hindering rational technological advancement and food security and adequacy. In order to feed the growing world population, heading towards 9 billion or more by 2050, there is the need to increase food production by 60-70 percent, and to double it in the developing world where the highest demographic growth will occur. A safe and sustainable technology exists that can contribute substantially towards this target and humanitarian responsibility.

The water footprint of wood for lumber, pulp, paper, fuel and firewood

This paper presents the first estimate of global water use in the forestry sector related to roundwood production for lumber, pulp, paper, fuel and firewood. For the period 1961–2010, we estimate forest evaporation at a high spatial resolution level and attribute total water consumption to various forest products, including ecosystem services. Global water consumption for roundwood production increased by 25% over 50 years to 961×109 m3/y (96% green; 4% blue) in 2001–2010. The water footprint per m3 of wood is significantly smaller in (sub)tropical forests compared to temperate/boreal forests, because (sub)tropical forests host relatively more value next to wood production in the form of other ecosystem services. In terms of economic water productivity and energy yield from bio-ethanol per unit of water, roundwood is rather comparable with major food, feed and energy crops. Recycling of wood products could effectively reduce the water footprint of the forestry sector, thereby leaving more water available for the generation of other ecosystem services. Intensification of wood production can only reduce the water footprint per unit of wood if the additional wood value per ha outweighs the loss of value of other ecosystem services, which is often not the case in (sub)tropical forests. The results of this study contribute to a more complete picture of the human appropriation of water, thus feeding the debate on water for food or feed versus energy and wood.

Diversity and importance of local fodder tree and shrub resources in mixed farming systems of central Kenya

Locally available tree fodder resources are seldom considered in livestock feeding strategies despite their nutritional potential to supplement grass forages. Knowledge gaps on species availability and utilization may be the cause. This study surveyed 117 random farms locatedin humid (Githunguri and Lari) and drier parts (Kayatta) of central Kenya to identify fodder trees and shrubs diversity available to supplement existing livestock feeding options. Major forage and feed types used by farmers include napier grass (98.2%); maize and bean stover (85.7%); banana stover (60.5%), dairy meal (60.1%), hay (58.3%) and fodder trees (57.7%). A total of 60 fodder tree and shrub species were found on farm. Indigenous species comprised 65% of total richness but only 12% of the total abundance. The most common exotic and indigenous trees were Grevillea robusta and Persea americana, and Acacia tortilis and Terminalia brownii, respectively. Mean species richness per farm was 6.8 with significantly higher richness in Kayatta (10) compared to Lari and Githunguri (both 5.4, p < 0.05). Land size had a positive influence on total indigenous species richness and abundance on farms while the number of dairy cows had a negative influence. Findings confirm availability of diverse tree fodder trees to supplement current feeding options. However, where farms are small, farmers may require external feed sources as limited tree richness and abundance may not support profitable dairy farming.

AVAILABILITY OF FEED RESOURCES FOR GOATS IN PASTORAL AND AGRO-PASTORAL DISTRICTS OF SOUTH OMO ZONE, ETHIOPIA

A survey was conducted in Hamer and Bena-Tsemay pastoral and agro-pastoral districts of South Omo zone, south western Ethiopia in between January to May 2011 with the objective to describe availability of feed resource for goats. Data were collected from the two districts by informal and formal survey methods using focused group discussion and semi-structured questionnaire administered to 250 households. Natural pastures from rangelands are major feed sources for goats. Higher feed availability is reported in March to April (during the main rainy season). However, availability of feed extends up to October in Bena-Tsemay district due to the higher rainfall in the district. In both districts, the hot dry season (November to February) is the period of feed scarcity and during which high mortality of goats have been reported. Crop residues and some food left over are also available for supplementing animals especially in the agro-pastoral areas. The efficiency of goat production in the studied districts could be increased by optimizing goats breeding season with the availability of feed resources.

English

The study was conducted in Gasera and Ginnir districts of Bale mid to highland areas, Oromia regional state, southeast Ethiopia; to assess livestock feed resources, to determine major feed nutritional value and their implication on animal productivity. Stratified random sampling (poor, medium and wealth) was applied to identify the sampled unit of 156 households in the selected districts. The chemical compositions of sampled feeds were determined using wet chemistry at Holeta Agricultural nutrition laboratory. Livestock production systems in the districts were extensive type. The metabolizable energy (ME) of the major available roughage feeds was 956,094.71 and 980,392.51 MJ per annum in the Gasera and Ginnir districts, respectively. Crop residues (aftermath and barley straw, wheat straw and teff straw) contributed about 80.4 and 81.73% in Gasera and Ginnir, respectively of the total annual ME supply of roughage feeds where the remaining is from natural grasses. The DCP (digestible crude protein) amount estimated in sampled feed was not statistically different in the study districts (P&gt;0.05). Crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) for feed from natural grasses than crop residues and aftermath. To the contrary, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) for crop residues and aftermath. Mean crude protien content of crop residues and aftermath was less than the critical level of CP (7% DM) required for optimum function of rumen microbes, implying the need for supplementation. On the other hand, the amount of dry matter available from major sampled feed sources indicated that, it satisfied the maintenance requirement of cattle; however, the bulkiness of the feed cannot indicate the quality of the utilizable nutrients. This implies supplementation with concentrates and improved forage feeds are compulsory to overcome energy and protein deficiency in both study districts, especially during dry periods for reasonable livestock production. &nbsp; Key words: Livestock, feed resources, chemical composition.

Traditional goat husbandry practice under pastoral systems in South Omo zone, southern Ethiopia.

This study was carried out to describe goat production system under pastoralists' management in three districts of South Omo zone, southern Ethiopia. The districts were Benatsemay, Hamer, and Dasenech. Questionnaires were developed and used to collect data regarding pastoralists' management practices and production system of goats. A total of 180 households were interviewed to capture relevant information. Data collected through questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis to generate descriptive statistics. Ranking was explained by calculating indexes. The primary purpose of raising goats was for social prestige in Benatsemay and Hamer but for milk production in Dasenech. Body size was the primary preference in Benatsemay and Hamer while milk yield was preferred most in Dasenech. Rangeland grazing was the major feed source in the study area in both dry and wet seasons. Pond and river were the common sources of water reported by farmers in the study districts but inadequate and poor quality. Disease prevalence was the top major constraint in goat husbandry in the three districts.

Natural Variation and Genome‐Wide Association Study of Antioxidants in a Diverse Sorghum Collection

Consumption of polyphenol‐rich food is associated with decreased risk of oxidative stress‐related chronic diseases. Sorghum, a major food and feed cereal crop, has many polyphenol‐containing accessions with high antioxidant activity in the grain. However, many of these polyphenol‐containing accessions are not high‐yielding or food‐grade varieties. The natural variation in sorghum grain polyphenols can be used to develop high‐yielding, health‐promoting specialty food types through marker‐assisted breeding. To identify new antioxidant‐rich germplasm, we quantified antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, and condensed tannins in whole kernel flour in 266 accessions from the genetically and phenotypically diverse Sorghum Association Panel. Antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, and condensed tannins were in the ranges of 9.6–325.1 μmol of trolox equivalents (TE)/g, 0.8–18.8 g of gallic acid equivalents/kg, and 0–65.5 g of catechin equivalents/kg, respectively. Twenty‐three accessions were rich sources of antioxidant activity, with PI534144 (SC84; 325.1 μmol of TE/g) and PI534117 (SC991; 237.0 μmol of TE/g) possessing the highest values. To identify quantitative trait loci associated with sorghum grain antioxidant traits, we conducted a genome‐wide association study with 404,628 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Many significant associations were identified, including two homologs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transparent testa (TT) genes TT10 and TT4. This study provides information that can help breeders incorporate health‐promoting traits into elite breeding lines.

Challenges, Opportunities and Management Practice of Pig Production in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone in Amahra Regional State, Ethiopia

The present study was conducted in Debre Markos city, Amhara National Regional State, East Gojjam Administrative Zone. The town is situated in the north west of the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa at a distance of 300 Km. On the title of challenges, opportunities and management practice of pig production in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone in Amahra Regional State, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to assess the existing production system of pig in Debre Markos town, to investigate challenges and opportunities of pig production in the study area, and to examine the religious and cultural restriction of pork consumption. The data were collected through purposive sampling method based on the pig producer and non-producer perception of pig by using semistructural questionnaire on 30 household who live in Debre Markos town. The collected data were analyzed using central tendency of descriptive statics. Based on the result the majority of producer fallowed semintensive production 42.8% and fallowed by two production system (extensive 28.6% and intensive 28.6%). The majority of pigs give their first piglet were ranges between 3-5 months of age (85.6%) and minimum number of pigs give their first piglet at the age of above five months (14.4%). This shows good productivity and reproductivty of pigs in the study area. The major feed resources of pig feeds as ranked by keepers were grass (100%) followed by hotel food residues (86%) and cereal grain (43%). The major feeding system of pig in the study area were combination of grazing with stall feeding (43%) fallowed by stall feeding and frees grazing (29%) and few are feed pigs grazing on pasture land. The frequency feeding pigs in the study area were majorly three times per day (43%) in the morning at the midday and at night and the rest feeds their pigs free choice and 2 times per day (29%) for each. The major water resources of pigs water supply as ranked by keepers were river (71%) followed by tape water (43%). Majority of constraint faced by producer to pig production in the study areas reported according to their order of importance include lack of market (100%), poor attitude of society (100%), followed by feed availability and cost (57.1%), shortage of water (42.8%), lack of labor (42.8%), lack of skilled veterinarians (28.6%), high cost of medicine (14.3%) and on pig diseases and poor preventive health care (14.3%). From the results of this study it can be concluded that pig production system resulted in significantly higher returns compared with other production of farm animals but religious taboos 100% restrict to consume the meat of pork.

Corn Germ Meal (CGM) - Potential Feed Ingredient for Livestock and Poultry in India- A Review

Sustained price increase for traditional feed ingredients like cereal grains, protein meals and other feed commodities is pushing the animal nutritionist to find less expensive and safe alternatives. Corn is the major feed ingredient both for livestock and poultry but its demand for human food, biofuel and bioindustrial products is increasing its cost and also the availability of its by-products. Corn germ meal (CGM) is a by-product from corn industry obtained after extraction of corn oil and has nutritional characters (with medium energy and protein) for inclusion in livestock and poultry feeds. Nutritional value of CGM is strongly influenced by method of oil extraction apart from the effect of type of corn used. The main limiting factor to use CGM at higher quantities in animal or poultry diets is its high fibre, oil and phytate contents. Many researches have been conducted in Brazil and other parts of the world where the availability of CGM is high due to corn processing industries on its level of inclusion in the diets of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry and its effect on their production performances. In India corn industry is gaining importance resulting in production of CGM in appreciable quantities. In this regard a review has been under taken here on the recent studies and findings on nutritive value of CGM, level of inclusion in livestock and poultry diets.

Feed Resources Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region

The study was conducted in Gozamen district of East Gojam Zone of the Amhara region to assess the major feed resources, the grazing land condition, the floristic composition, and biomass yields of herbaceous species to generate baseline information which can be used for future management of grazing land resources and to identify feed constraints in the area. The survey data was collected by interviewing a total of 120 households by random selection of two ruralkebeles from three altitudes (high, mid and low). To assess grazing land condition, the district was stratified into three altitudes (high, mid and low altitudes). From each altitude, communal and enclosed grazing areas were selected randomly. From each altitude 8 composites and 12 composites from enclosed and 12 composites from communal grazing for herbaceous vegetation and 4 transects from each altitude of communal grazing were selected. Thus, a total of 72 quadrats were used for herbaceous and 12 transects for woody species. For the natural pasture condition assessment, analyses of variance (ANOVA) were carried out by the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS. Mean separation was tested using the least significant difference. The main feed resources to the livestock in all altitudes were natural pasture, crop residues and stubble grazing. During dry season, crop residues was the first livestock feed source followed by natural pasture in all altitudes. However, during wet season, natural pasture was the first livestock feed source followed by crop resides in all altitudes. In terms of dry matter (DM) crop residues contributed the highest proportion (66.7%) of the total feed sources. The DM obtained from crop residues significantly varied (P<0.05) among the altitudes. The total annual estimated available feed supply to maintain the livestock in the area satisfied only 79.4%. The conservation of feed resources in the form of hay in high, mid and low altitudes was 38.5, 80, and 22.5%, respectively. But, none of the respondents used silage in the study area due to lack of knowledge how to make it. In the district, a total of 21 herbaceous species were identified, from these 57, 24 and 19% were grasses, legumes and other species, respectively. Based on dry matter of biomass, Medicago polymorpha in high and mid altitudes and Eleusine floccifolia in low altitude were the dominant species. Altitude and grazing have effects on grazing land conditions and biomass production. The average dry matter yield of grasses, legumes and total biomass had a significant difference among altitudes in enclosed and communal grazing areas. The average dry matter yield of grasses, legumes, and total biomass were higher in enclosed area than communal grazing areas in all altitudes. There were a significant (P<0.01) interaction of altitude and grazing on biomass and species composition. There was positive correlation of species composition, grass species composition and basal cover with biomass. Crop residues and natural pastures are the major feed resources in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The total annual dry matter does not meet the total livestock requirement per annum in district. Further research and development work is recommended to alleviate feed shortage through different options such as development of improved forages and alternative means of crop residue utilization and conservation of feed in the form hay and crop residues.

English

The study was conducted in east Hararghe zone of Oromia regional state, eastern Ethiopia to assess the major available livestock feed resources. A total of 150 households with experience in livestock keeping practice for at least two years were selected. All respondents indicated that shortage of feed resources, dominance of unpalatable forages and low nutritive values of usable forages were the major feed problems. Overall, 73% of the respondents used cut and carry system as a grazing system and 93% indicated that feeding hay, crop residues and concentrates were the methods used to combat feed shortages. The major feed resources were crop residues, natural pastures and fodder trees/shrubs. Sorghum and maize were the main sources of crop residues, whereas leaves of Cordia Africana, Veranonia amygdalina, Erythrina burana, Combretum molle, Casimiroa edulis and Olea Africana were the major indigenous fodder trees used to supplement livestock species in the dry season.&nbsp; Adequate conservation, improvement and utilization of hay and crop residues as well as the introduction of potential forage production (e.g. planting multipurpose fodders and producing improved forages), and use of animal source as supplement need to be practiced to overcome feed shortage and optimize production. Regulation policies of land use need to be employed in the area to ensure land units for livestock feed production, which will allow the livestock sector contribute to poverty eradication and encourage smallholder farmer to be a food secured household. &nbsp; Key words: Feed resource, crop residues, fodder tree, forage production.

Tools for Defusing a Major Global Food and Feed Safety Risk: Nonbiological Postharvest Procedures To Decontaminate Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds.

Mycotoxin contamination of foods and animal feeds is a worldwide problem for human and animal health. Controlling mycotoxin contamination has drawn the attention of scientists and other food and feed stakeholders all over the world. Despite best efforts targeting field and storage preventive measures, environmental conditions can still lead to mycotoxin contamination. This raises a need for developing decontamination methods to inactivate or remove the toxins from contaminated products. At present, decontamination methods applied include an array of both biological and nonbiological methods. The targeted use of nonbiological methods spans from the latter half of last century, when ammoniation and ozonation were first used to inactivate mycotoxins in animal feeds, to the novel techniques being developed today such as photosensitization. Effectiveness and drawbacks of different nonbiological methods have been reported in the literature, and this review examines the utility of these methods in addressing food safety. Particular consideration is given to the application of such methods in the developing world, where mycotoxin contamination is a serious food safety issue in staple crops such as maize and rice.

Yearling Cattle Performance on Continuously Stocked ‘Tifton 85’ and ‘Florakirk’ Bermudagrass Pastures

Cynodon grasses are a major feed source for livestock in the US Gulf Coast region. Although continuous stocking is widely used for regional perennial grass pastures, there has been limited evaluation of animal performance on continuously stocked bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. This 3‐yr experiment compared forage and animal performance on continuously stocked ‘Tifton 85’ (Cynodon spp.) and ‘Florakirk’ bermudagrass pastures using a variable stocking rate during summer (average of 159 d yr−1). Tifton 85 had greater herbage accumulation than Florakirk (average of 13.6 vs. 7.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively), in part because Florakirk percentage cover declined from 89% at initiation of the experiment to 35% after 3 yr. Change in cover of Tifton 85 over the same period was 93 to 90%. The Tifton 85 forage concentrations of in vitro digestible organic matter was greater than for Florakirk (563 vs. 523 g kg−1, respectively), but yearling cattle average daily gain did not differ between grasses (0.61 kg d−1). Greater herbage accumulation for Tifton 85 resulted in a greater average stocking rate than for Florakirk (6.4 vs. 3.8 head ha−1, respectively) at a similar herbage allowance of approximately 1.0 kg forage dry matter kg−1 animal body weight. Gain ha−1 was greater for cattle grazing on Tifton 85 than on Florakirk (638 vs. 358 kg ha−1, respectively). Tifton 85 was superior to Florakirk bermudagrass under continuous stocking in northern Florida because of its greater herbage accumulation, herbage in vitro digestible organic matter, average stocking rate, animal gain ha−1, and persistence.