Non-conventional Feed Resources Research Articles

The Major Potential of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Poultry Nutrition in Ethiopia: A Review

This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has a vast array of non-conventional feed resources that can be utilized in poultry nutrition. These resources have the potential to significantly contribute This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources to the growth and development of the poultry industry in the country. Potentially available of non-conventional feed resources (NCFR) include plant materials, such as the leaves and seeds of Moringa, Cassava, Taro leaf, Mango seed kernels, Pigeon pea, potato peel and leaf and agro-industrial by-products like, Rice bran, Filter sugar cake and brewery grain. Most of these feedstuff materials are low in energy, protein and minerals. These feed resource contain high amounts of anti-nutritional component. Appropriate processing methods like soaking, boiling, or fermenting can help reduce these anti-nutritional factors, enhancing the digestibility and utilization of NCFR in poultry diets. There are also several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to fully exploit the potential of these feed resources. Some of the common problems are like limited knowledge and awareness, lack of processing and preservation techniques, limited availability and seasonal variations, lack of infrastructure and storage facilities and limited research and data. To addressing these challenges through research, extension services, and policy support can help unlock the full potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. This would not only contribute to improved productivity and profitability in the poultry sector but also enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the country.

Exploring the Power of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Animal Nutrition

Exploring the Power of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Animal Nutrition

SMART LIVESTOCK FOR SCIENCE…12 months later

The fourth issue of Slovak Journal of Animal Science 2023 gives to me the opportunity to overview our scientific publishing activity after the first 12 months together. Along four issues, our Journal has been faced with many different aspects of animal farm production, among them mainly circular economy strategy, non-conventional feed resources, and community-based livestock programs. All these different aspects have a common point: boost and develop the livestock farming system, in terms of competitiveness and profitability. Looking at the different articles collected and published during this year, the incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in animal feed nutrition has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote bioeconomy concepts.
 On the other hand, analysis of genomic data is an important resource for the effective management of small and endangered animal populations. The research activity of scientists has deeply been focused on developing breeding programs able to conserve animal biodiversity and monitor animal biodynamics.
 
 In the last Editorial article of 2023, I am going to introduce the contents of the articles collected and published in the fourth issue of 2023 year.
 Formelova et al. performed a study to evaluate the effect of dried hempseed cake (by-product of oil production) supplementation (5% - EG1 and 10% - EG2) to rabbit feed mixture on livestock performances, quality of meat, digestibility of nutrients and animal health status. All obtained data let Authors to recommend the inclusion of hempseed cake up to 10% in rabbit diet without any negative effect on animal welfare, livestock performance and quality of meat.
 Osaiyuwu et al. organized a study to provide useful information for the creation of sustainable breeding programmes and developing a sustainable use and conservation strategy aimed at developing highly producing Muscovy ducks in Nigeria; consequently, increasing the food security index of the nation and source of income for small-scale farmers. In general, the ducks from all seven ecogeographic locations were rather homogeneous than heterogeneous.
 Mekonnen et al., had the prime objective to survey and characterize the husbandry practices of the different indigenous sheep populations. Authors concluded the study claiming a need of feed development, shift to modern husbandry practices, access to veterinary services, indigenous sheep conservation through utilization, control of inbreeding, ram-to-ewe ratio, fattening and castration should be of future attention of farmers and stakeholders.
 Ajayi et al., to justify the use of duckweed as an alternative and novel aquatic-derived fodder in ruminants' feeding strategies, performed preliminary investigation via in vitro gas production technique. The study assessed the nutrient and mineral potential, secondary metabolites and in vitro gas production characteristics of duckweed to estimate the short-chain volatile fatty acids, metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility and apparent in vitro dry matter degradability. In conclusion, duckweed from earthen fish ponds is fairly degradable in vitro, and the nutrient contents elucidate its forage value for ruminants.
 Editorial Team looks forward to evaluating your submitted contributions and providing all necessary support to Authors in order to best serve animal science and the scientific community, with commitment to research integrity and the highest publishing ethics. Enjoy the reading!

Assessment of Nutritional Potential of Some Mixed Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Aliero Lga of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Non-conventional plant and animal origin of farm and agro industrial wastes are potential feed materials and are being exploited for livestock production in Nigeria. Thus an experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional potential of millet panicle husk mixed with molasses solution and different levels of poultry dung. Millet panicle husks were measured using a weighing balance and prepared in to four different samples (A, B, C and D) each weighing 100g. A solution of molasses (70cL) was prepared with water (30cL) and mixed with the samples except with sample A (control). Thereafter, dried poultry dung was mixed to each four sample of millet panicle husk at; 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% to make a ratio; 100:00, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 designated as treatments; A, B, C and D. Samples were replicated three times in a completely randomized design and oven dried at 650C for 48 hours and were taken to the laboratory for proximate, fiber fractions, minerals and phytochemical analysis. Treatment of millet panicle husk with molasses and varying levels of poultry dung improved (p<0.05) chemical composition of mixture. Treatment D had higher CP, ash, NCF and Na (19.25%, 11.00%, 43.65% and 20.00mg/g) respectively and lower CF (21.54%), ADF (33.20%) and ADL (9.09%) were obtained in treatment C. The phytochemical components (saponin, cyanide, tannin and phenolic) measured were also higher in treatment D (12.30%, 136.18mg/dl, 34.88mg/dl and 21.89mg/dl) respectively. Results suggested that mixture of molasses solution and poultry dung with millet panicle husk improved feeding value of millet panicle husk which may serves as ruminant feed during forage scarcity.

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

P4 Use of non-conventional feed resources for improving the sustainability of the dual-purpose system

P4 Use of non-conventional feed resources for improving the sustainability of the dual-purpose system

Performance characteristics and digestion of growing rabbits fed Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG)

Context: Grain by-products are nonconventional feed resources that can be used as supplemental diets for rabbits, especially during the dry season when native forages are scarce and limiting in essential nutrients. Hence, this present study is to determine the inclusion of residue, Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG) as a replacement for maize on the performance and digestion coefficient of growing rabbits. Methods: Forty mixed breeds of rabbits (4 - 6 weeks old) were allotted into four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Four experimental diets were then compounded by replacing maize (40% inclusion level) with CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG then fed to the growing rabbits at 3% of their body weight. Results: The crude protein contents of diets containing grain by-products (19.06% – 20.87%) were better than maize (12.96%). Evidently, the maize diet (55.56%) was higher in carbohydrate fraction than these grain by-product-containing diets (42.20 – 49.98). Rabbits fed diets containing grain by-products had significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake and final weight compared to rabbits fed maize. Rabbits-fed diets containing CGRM (87.41%) and SGRM (92.09%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in digestible crude protein than maize (76.79%) and SBDG (74.29%) diets. Also, diets containing maize and SGRM were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the digestible carbohydrate fraction than diets. Whereas, rabbits fed diets CGRM and SBDG had significantly better (p < 0.05) nitrogen balance and retention compared to rabbits fed diet SGRM and maize. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the inclusion of CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG led to better performances and digestion but with inferior carbohydrate fractions and digestion percentages compared to the maize diet.

Experiences in Promoting Ensiling of Onion Crop Residue among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu

In mixed crop-livestock system country like India, frequent occurrence of drought limit animal feed resources such as green fodder and crop residues. Forage conservation technologies and Non-Conventional Feed Resources (NCFR) could mitigate dry season feed shortage but their adoption in smallholder systems has so far been low and varying across regions. In order to address and develop solution to the issues, this action research was attempted to introduce onion crop residue-based silage among small onion (Allium cepa) cultivating farmers of Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. For the above purpose, ensiling of onion crop residue was standardised. Then attempts were made to popularise the standardised silage preparation using polypropylene bags and feeding of silage to dairy animals through farmers meetings, training, demonstration and fi eld days. The adoption rate and perception on onion crop residue silage using bags were studied one year after intervention. This study found that 16.70 per cent had adoption of promoted technology and the remaining has not adopted. Added, majority of the farmers reported that silage making using fresh onion crop residue has less relative advantage over the existing practice, involves high complex procedures and has limited potential of experimenting in small scale. Furthermore, onion cropping area, herd size and perception(s) on the attributes of the technology diff erentiated adopters and non-adopters. The limited adoption of recommended technology demands bottom up / participatory approach for adoptable feed innovation

Effect of feeding rice distillers dried grains and mixture of non-legume and legume straw on hemato-biochemical and mineral profile of growing dairy heifers

Under scarcity of livestock feeds and fodder, an investigation on alternate, conventional and non-conventional feed resources is essential. The present study was planned on crossbred heifers (HF x Kankrej) with average body weight of 116.1+4.74 kg for twelve fortnights to study the effect of feeding rice DDGS and a combination of straw (wheat + groundnut) on their hemato-biochemical and mineral profile. Blood samples for hemato-biochemical and mineral profile analysis were collected from heifers at the start of the experiment and thereafter at every fortnightly interval from the jugular vein in the sterilized blood collecting tubes (with and without anticoagulant). Auto-hematology-analyzer Mindray (BC-2800Vet) and Mindray BS-120 chemistry analyzer were used for hematology and serum biochemistry analysis, respectively. The RBC counts, Hb, PCV%, MCHC, Platelet count, MPV, WBCs and Granulocytes changed significantly (P<0.05) on feeding DDGS though their values were within normal physiological range. On feeding mixture of straw, platelets count and granulocytes changed significantly (P<0.05) but their values were also within normal physiological range. On inclusion of Rice DDGS, serum total protein, urea and phosphorus and on feeding mixture of straw serum glucose, albumin, urea and phosphorus values differ significantly (P<0.05). The serum total protein, glucose, albumin and urea values were within normal physiological interval on feeding DDGS or mixture of straw except phosphorus values (8.77–9.33 mg/dL) which was higher than normal range in all treatment groups irrespective of treatment. The results showed that rice DDGS in concentrate up to 40% and feeding a mixture of groundnut straw and cereal straw (1:1) did not adversely affect the hematology, blood biochemical parameters and mineral profile, all parameters were within normal physiological values except serum phosphorus which was higher than the normal physiological values.

Effect of salt stress on proximate composition of duckweed (Lemna minor L.)

The shortage of conventional feedstuff is one of the rising issues faced by the developing countries of the world. To bridge the gap between supply and demand of the major feedstuff it is desirable to practice the use of non-conventional feed resources. Duckweeds are the aquatic macrophytes growing in stagnant water bodies that offer a choice to be used as an alternate feed. Before the use of any alternate feed, it is vital to know the nutritional composition of the feed under diverse environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of salinity, abiotic stress, on the proximate composition of duckweed (Lemna minor L.). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 repeats. Data was collected on protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and mineral contents. In the laboratory trial plants were grown under the saline condition of different concentrations ranging from 2 g NaCl L−1 to 12 g NaCl L−1 for a growing period of 20 days. The biomasses obtained were tested for proximate composition. ANOVA of the result exhibited a significant effect of salinity on the proximate composition of the plant. Protein residues of the plant started declining above the concentration of 4 g NaCl L−1 until the lowest value was obtained at 12 g NaCl L−1. Lipid composition showed more sensitivity to the stress with a sharp decline above 2 g NaCl L−1 having a minimum value at 12 g NaCl L−1. Carbohydrate contents increased with increasing salinity up to 6 g NaCl L−1 above which a decrease was observed. The highest accumulation of the macronutrients i.e., Ca, Mg, took place in the lower range of concentration of the salt. The percentage compositions of micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, and Zn percentage were reduced at a higher range of salinity while the optimum level was recorded in plants treated with 2 g NaCl L−1, followed by control. The total accumulation of both macro and micronutrients was higher in the plant material treated with a lower level of salt concentration, concluding a significant effect of salinity on proximate composition. As for the Indus water salinity level, the plant has the capacity of tolerance and can be grown without affecting its proximate composition.

Chemical Composition and Degradation Dynamics of Non-Conventional Feed Resources

Chemical Composition and Degradation Dynamics of Non-Conventional Feed Resources

Quality evaluation of breast meat from chickens fed cassava leaf meal-based diets

Context Feed supply is an important constraint for poultry production in South Pacific island nations. The use of non-conventional feed resources, such as cassava leaves, could partly fill the gap in the feed supply and reduce feed production costs. Cassava leaves are locally available in South Pacific island nations, but the effects of including these in the diet of chickens are not known. Aim It was hypothesised that cassava leaf meal (CLM) at levels of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% in diets of broiler chickens did not affect the chemical and sensory attributes of breast meat. Methods A total of 80 Cobb 500 female broilers were fed treatment diets with CLM included at levels of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% DM from the age of 21 days to 49 days. Twenty chickens were subjected to each treatment diet. Samples of pectoralis major muscles (breast meat) from chickens fed the treatment diets were removed and analysed for chemical and sensory parameters. Key results Ash, crude fat and carbohydrate content were low in breast meat of chickens fed diets with higher inclusion levels of CLM (30%) compared with breast meat of chickens fed other treatment diets (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between ash content of breast meat and inclusion levels of CLM in the diets of chickens (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No relationships were observed between sensory attributes of breast meat and inclusion levels of CLM in the diets of chickens. Principal component analysis showed the first four principal components (PC) with an eigenvalue &amp;gt;1 account for 77.1% of the total variance for quality parameters of breast meat from chicken fed CLM-based diets. The two main components (PC1 vs PC2) together explained 52.46% of the variation. The data on panellists generated by PC1 versus PC2 plot suggests that the roasted breast meat could be separated by different treatment groups. Conclusion The results show that CLM inclusion in the diets of chickens does not affect the sensory qualities of chicken breast meat. Chemical attributes of breast meat were, however, affected when broiler chickens were fed CLM-based diets Implication Further exploration of the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of breast meat from chickens fed CLM-based diets is essential for human clinical application and the meat processing industry.

Livestock Feed Resources and Feeding Practices in Bonke and Geresse Districts, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Bonke-Geresse District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing the availability of feed resources in terms of quantity and quality and feeding practices of livestock. The district was stratified into three distinct agro-ecologies. A total of 138 farmers were randomly selected based on the probability of proportional sampling by means of a structured questionnaire. Direct field observation was also used in the collection of data. The major feed types used by farmers were identified and categorized into five classes: natural pasture grazing, green feeds, hay, concentrate (commercial mix and agro-industrial by-products) and non-conventional feed resources. The total Data were analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Chemical analysis on crop residues indicated that they have low crude protein (2.66 to 6.7) and are composed of high lignin content ranging from 8.42 to 16.83. The major constraints related to livestock feed were shortage of feed, shortage of grazing land, poor market access, lack of sample awareness on forage cultivation and poor feeding system. Overall feed balance in terms of DM yield per year to a total TLU value of 7,068.8 was found to be 12,947.51 tons of DM per annum with negative feed balance of 5,878.71tons. Based on the findings of the present study, low productive and reproductive performances of livestock at Bonke are clearly associated with meager availability of feed resources. Therefore, introduction and adaptation of alternative feed production technologies such as development of improved forages, feed processing and conservation technologies, skill improving training and efficient feed utilization strategies would be taken as important steps to overcome the prevailing feed supply problem.

Use of non-classical feed resources and their influence on some performance indicators in rabbits

Generally, it has been pronounced that the demand for animal products worldwide will drastically increase due to population boom in turn putting pressure on animal production systems. In view of meeting animal protein demand, suggestions have been put forward to the effect that mini-livestock production, which include rabbits should be part of the mainstream animal production strategies. However, it has been noted that commercial rabbit production has been adversely affected by the high cost of feeding and use of traditional feed stuff (grain and soya bean) that have direct competition with humans for food. There has been an unbearable continued increase in the cost of traditional feed resources (soya been, maize, millet, groundnut, fish meal etc.) in the past decade, which in turn has led to exorbitant rabbit feed prices and consequently expensive rabbit meat and their products. This on the backdrop that feeding is a very critical aspect of rabbit production enterprise that influence overall performance (growth, mortality, reproduction, carcass and meat quality) in rabbits. In this aspect, it has been recommended to explore non-classical (alternative or non-traditional or non-conventional) feed resources to depart from exorbitant cost of feeding and the cost related influence of feed resources due to direct competition between rabbits and humans for food, while maintaining improved rabbit productivity. A series of studies have been carried out targeted on some local non-classical feed resources on account of their nutritional values, as energy and protein sources in rabbits’ diets. The inferiority and unbalance nutritive quality of some of the non-classical feed resources is a major challenge which restrict their successful use in rabbit production. Initial assessment of some non-classical feed resources has reported low nutritive value that distinctly depress voluntary feed intake and nutrient digestibility which in turn adversely affect weight gain in rabbits. However, some non-classical feed resources tested have shown marked potential as energy and protein substitute sources in rabbits’ diets to enhance production. This point to the fact that successful use of non-classical feed resources can mitigate the current high cost and shortage of traditional feedstuffs, and also lessen the potential high competition between rabbits and humans on food. The purpose of this review is to discuss the use of non-classical feed resources and their influence on some performance indicators.

The assessment and the farmers' perceived ranking of feed resources and coping strategies with feed scarcity in smallholder dairy farming in selected district towns of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.

Inadequate quantity and quality of feed resources are major constraints limiting milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess dairy cattle feed resources, feeding practices, the farmers' perceived ranking of feed resources, causes of feed shortage, and coping strategies to feed scarcity in smallholder dairy system in selected district towns of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Data were obtained by interviewing 52 randomly selected smallholder dairy farmers using structured questionnaires and through direct observations. Results showed that 20 main feed types used by dairy farmers were identified and categorized into natural pastures, crop residues, green feeds, hay, agro-industrial by-products, concentrate mix, and non-conventional feeds. Overall, natural pasture (mean rank=0.453), non-conventional feeds (0.307), cut green feeds (0.086), conserved hay (0.076), crop residues (0.049), and concentrate feeds (0.029) were ranked as the main feed resources in decreasing order of importance. Natural pasture grazing (92.2% of the respondents), hay (35.6%), and green feeds (29.4%) were the most important conventional basal feeds used. Wheat bran (11.7% of the respondents) followed by commercial concentrate mix (9.4%), Noug seedcake (8.3%), grain (7.8%), and molasses (6.1%) were the concentrate supplements used. Overall, bulule-flour mill leftovers (67.2% of the farmers), bean and pea hulls (57.2%) and atella-local brew by-product (37.2%), enset (Ensete ventricosum, 34.4%), and sugarcane top (32.2%) were the non-conventional feeds available and used during feed scarcity. Barley and teff (Eragrostis teff) straws and maize and sorghum stovers were the main crop residues used in the dry seasons. Overall, 73.9, 12.2, 12.2, and 1.7% of the respondents practiced free grazing, zero grazing, semi-zero, and a combination of zero- and free-grazing systems, respectively. Over 84% of the respondents in the dry season and 50% in the wet season reported experiencing a shortage of feeds. Poor feed availability (73.9% of the respondents) was reported as the main causes of feed shortage followed by shortage of pastureland (7.8%). Increased use of bulule (55.6% of the respondents), crop residues (16.1%), non-conventional feed resources (14.4%), conserved hay (11.1%), purchased green feeds and concentrates (1.1%), and reducing herd size (1.1%) were the farmers' adopted coping strategies to mitigate feed shortage. It is suggested that technical intervention to improve the quality and efficient utilization of the existing feed resources is crucial to enable sustainable feed supply and boost milk production. Technologies that are easy to adopt, feasible, and low cost are also needed to be developed in participatory manner.

Identification of Feed Resources for Cattle Fattening and Chemical Composition Determination in Dessie and Kombolcha Towns, Ethiopia

This study was designed to identify common conventional and nonconventional feed resources worth of feeding oxen for cattle fattening in and around Dessie and Kombolcha towns and evaluate the sources, availability, quantity, distribution, price and limitation of different feeds. Urban and peri urban kebeles who practices cattle fattening were totally considered in both study towns. Accordingly, 3 and 6 urban, 4 and 6 peri urban kebeles were selected from Dessie and Kombolcha towns, respectively. Complete enumeration techniques were applied to select urban and peri urban kebeles. Totally, 190 and 147 cattle fatteners were selected and interviewed in the identification process of feed resources used for cattle fattening practices in Dessie and Kombolcha towns, respectively. In both study towns 42 feed resources used for cattle fattening practices were identified. The identified feed resources were characterized in to different categories according to their nature and prioritized based on availability and abundance. Further feed resources categorized in to three groups based on their importance and level of significance for cattle fattening purpose, i.e., 1 st, 2nd and 3rd choice. Fromthe totally identified feeds, nine major and highly significant feed resources,which were nominated by the respondents from both study towns, were selected and subjected for chemical analysis. The collected samples were examined to determine the DM, Ash, CP, NDF, ADF and ADL. In Dessie and Kombolcha towns, the identified cattle feed sources were poultry farms, flour factors, milling houses, micro and small food processors, local brewery houses, farmers, brewery factory, oil seed processers, pasture lands, feed traders, sugar processing factory, university and government aids. There was high seasonal variability of feed availability and distribution in both study towns. September to December relatively there was abundant feed resources. On the other hand, the feed shortage and price increased severely towards January to June. As a result, storing and saving available cattle fattening feed resources during surpluses time is crucial for proper cattle fattening practices. In addition, the government intervention is recommendable to solve poor distribution, limited access of feed resources and to decreases transportation difficulties and costs.

Assessment of feed resources, feeding practices and coping strategies to feed scarcity by smallholder urban dairy producers in Jimma town, Ethiopia.

Smallholder dairy production is increasingly becoming popular in Jimma town. However, feed shortage is a major constraint to dairy production. The objectives of this study was to assess feed resources, feeding practices and farmers’ perceived causes of feed shortage and coping strategies to feed scarcity in smallholder dairy producers in Jimma town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 54 randomly selected dairy farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and through direct observations. Twenty major feed types used by dairy farmers were identified and categorized into five classes: natural pasture grazing, green feeds, hay, concentrate (commercial mix and agro-industrial by-products) and non-conventional feed resources. Green feeds-fresh or succulent grasses and legumes (mean rank = 0.361), concentrate (0.256), hay (0.198), non-conventional feeds (0.115) and natural pasture grazing (0.070) were ranked as the main feed resources in that order of importance. Green feed (94.4 % of the respondents) was found to be the main basal diet of dairy cattle. Overall, wheat bran (85.2 % of the respondents), commercial concentrate (55.6 %), noug (Guizotia abyssinica) cake (20.4 %), cotton seed cake (7.4 %) and molasses (7.4 %) were the main concentrate supplements used (P > 0.05). Local brew waste (attela) (77.8 % of the respondents), bean and pea hulls (42.6 %) enset (Ensete ventricosum) leaf and pseudo-stem (37 %), sugarcane tops (33.3 %), banana leaf and stem/stover (16.7 %) and papaya stem (16.7 %) were the dominant non-conventional feed resources in the surveyed area (P > 0.05). About 79.6, 7.4, 1.9 and 11.1 % of the farmers used zero-, semi-zero-, and the combination of zero- and semi-zero- and free-grazing systems, respectively. Most farmers (90.7 %) offered concentrate supplements to milking cows. However, supplementation did not consider milk yield, physiological status and condition of cows. All the farmers (100 %) offered common salt to their cattle as mineral supplement. The majority (98.1 %) of the farmers experience feed shortage in the dry season. Land scarcity (55.6 % of the respondents) was reported as the most important cause of feed scarcity followed by a combination of land scarcity and poor feed availability (42.2 %). Increasing use of agro-industrial by-products and commercial concentrate mix (87 % of the respondents), increasing use of hay (74.1 %), increasing use of non-conventional feeds (50 %), purchasing green feeds (19.8 %) and reducing herd size (2.7 %) were the strategies adopted for coping with feed scarcity. From results of this study, it could be concluded that to ensure sustainable availability of dairy cattle feed in the surveyed area, technological, technical and institutional innovations would be vital.

English

The aim of this paper was to review cattle husbandry practices (feeding, breeding, watering and health care) and production systems in Ethiopia, identifying constraints limiting the production and quantifying cattle feed resources, specifically. Highland crop-livestock farming system in Ethiopia encompasses nearly 40% of the country’s land area, while lowlands areas cover about 60% of the country’s land area. The sector is characterized by pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems. The major constraints that limit cattle production in Ethiopia are genetic resources, shortage of feed and water, climatic factor, diseases, and poor housing. Major feed resources for cattle in the country are natural pasture, crop residue, and crop aftermath beyond other non-conventional feed resources. It was concluded that more emphasis should be given to perform applied research to improve cattle production through strong extension services in delivery of veterinary services, improved fodder cultivation and feed conservation, and improved availability of water in different agro-ecologies of the country. Key words: Constraints, feed resources, production systems.

Poultry production systems and its feed resources in Ethiopia: a research review

This study was done with the objective of assessing the current poultry production system, feed resources and provides valuable information for researchers, producers, instructors and policy makers in Ethiopia. The review was done deeply with original research findings of different scholars working on poultry. This study revealed that there are three poultry production systems classified based on the input, flock size, health and bio-security measures (village poultry production, small scale and commercial production systems). The main poultry feed resources in the country are household wastes, cereal grains and their by-products, industrial by products, oil seed cakes and non-conventional feed resources. There is shortage of commercial feed resources and processing meals thought it is expensive. In conclusion, the most common production system practiced in the major farming community is the village production system with irregular supplementation of cereal grains Therefore, investors and government institutions should avail the concentrate feeds with affordable price to improve the production and productivity of poultry in Ethiopia.

Climate Change and Livestock Nutrient Availability: Impact and Mitigation

Climate Change and Livestock Nutrient Availability: Impact and Mitigation Livestock is an integral part of any agricultural system all over the world. Optimized livestock production is depended upon many factors like environmental stresses, climatic factors, health status, nutrient availability, and genetic potential. In the changing climate scenario, nutritional stress act as the most important indirect stress affecting livestock leading to decreased performance, lower efficiency, increased mortality and it also affects the immune system. The animals in tropics faces the problem of low feed availability during summer and this leads to severe nutritional stress to livestock grazing in the low pasture lands. Under nutrition reduces the quality and quantity of milk production, effects growth potential and reduces body condition score (BCS), induces seasonal weight loss (SWL) and it also declines the reproductive capacity of the animals, it reduces the fertility rate, embryo quality, expression of oestrus behaviour, altering follicular development, compromising oocyte competence, and inhibiting embryonic development, reduced calf birth weight, reduced sperm output, decreased sperm motility and an increased proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa in the ejaculate. The reduced nutrient availability also alters the endocrine and hormonal activity in livestock leading to physiological changes and decline in reproductive efficiency. The animals exposed to environmental stress are found to cope up with the adverse effects of the stress when the nutritional requirements are not compromised. Thus in order to sustain the productivity, suitable nutritional interventions are to be adopted like management of forage for the dry period, utilization of the non-conventional feed resources as alternatives, antioxidant supplementations during the stress period, and also water management strategies for both surface and ground water resources, at both local and national levels, as fresh and contamination free water is crucial for animal production. These efforts will ensure economically viable returns in livestock farms in the changing climate scenario..