Extension Services for Livestock Keepers in Low-Income Countries—A Low Priority?

Simple Summary Animal-source foods are an important dietary complement to the calories in staple food, but in low-income countries, productivity on the smallholder farms that provide most of the domestic food supply is low. The general objective of this survey-based study was to contribute to effective integration of livestock issues in agricultural extension and advisory programs within the framework of sustainable food and nutrition security in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. The findings show that despite the equal importance given by farmers to animal and plant production, livestock production appears to be disadvantaged in terms of access to extension services and new technology compared with plant production, even though many farmers are willing to pay for this service if available. Furthermore, livestock farming is facing constraints related to feeding, health, and reproduction, limiting development of the sector. Based on this study, we recommend that agricultural extension programs be planned in a holistic context, taking into account the major concerns of farmers, with technological packages in integrated crop-livestock systems. Achievement of sustainable agricultural development and national food security in Africa is dependent on several factors, including productivity in the livestock production sub-sector. This study surveyed farmers' perceptions on provision of extension services relating to livestock production in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. A structured questionnaire comprising dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions was used to survey a total of 1560 farmers in Burkina Faso, 345 in Mali, and 480 in Benin. Most farmers surveyed pursued integrated crop and livestock production, but more frequently in Burkina Faso (91%) than in Mali and Benin (66%). Around one-third (36%) of the respondents in Burkina Faso had access to livestock extension services, while the corresponding figure in Mali and Benin was 54% and 69%, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, 71% of respondents in Mali, 73% in Burkina Faso, and 84% in Benin reported significantly (p < 0.05) fewer extension activities for livestock compared with crop production. Thus, livestock production seems to be given low priority in agricultural extension interventions. We recommend that future diffusion of technological packages should be more holistic, considering the major concerns of the specific environment and the socio-cultural traditions of both livestock and crop producers

Evaluation des méthodes de piégeage des termites au nord du Burkina Faso

En Afrique de l’Ouest, les termites sont communément utilisés comme alimentation protéinique pour la volaille. Cette étude avait pour objectif de tester et d’améliorer une méthode traditionnelle de collecte des termites par piégeage avec un récipient renversé, au Nord du Burkina Faso. Des essais ont été menés avec deux genres de termites (Macrotermes et Odontotermes) afin d’évaluer l’effet des saisons, des substrats, des récipients et de l’exposition au soleil sur leur piégeage. Six substrats ont été utilisés avec trois types de récipients (en terre cuite, en fer et en plastique) pour collecter les termites. Les résultats ont montré que le canari en terre cuite est le meilleur récipient pour la collecte des termites. Les meilleurs substrats pour capturer les Macrotermes, ont été les substrats contenant des tiges de sorgho et, pour les Odontotermes, les substrats contenant la bouse de vache. L’exposition des pièges au soleil a eu un effet négatif significatif sur les Odontotermes, mais pas sur les Macrotermes. Ces résultats peuvent aider les aviculteurs à améliorer le piégeage des termites en utilisant le récipient et les substrats les plus adéquats et en protégeant leur piège du soleil.Mots clés : Termites, aliments pour volaille, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Burkina Faso. &nbsp; English Title: Evaluation of termite trapping methods in northern Burkina Faso In West Africa, termites are commonly used as a protein feed for poultry. The objective of this study was to test and improve a traditional method of trapping termites with an overturned container in northern Burkina Faso. Trials have been conducted with two termite genera (Macrotermes and Odontotermes) to assess the effect of seasons, substrates, containers and sun exposure on their trapping. Six substrates were used with three types of containers (terracotta, iron and plastic) to collect termites. The results showed that the terracotta container is the best container for collecting termites. The best substrates for Macrotermes were the substrates containing sorghum stalks and, for Odontotermes, the substrates containing cow dung. Exposure of the traps to the sun had a significant negative effect on Odontotermes, but not on Macrotermes. These results can help poultry farmers improve termite trapping by using the most suitable container and substrates and protecting their trap from the sun.Keywords: Termites, poultry feed, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Burkina Faso

Supplementation strategies for semi-scavenging chickens in Burkina Faso

The objectives of the present study were to estimate the nutritional status of scavenging chickens by crop content analysis and to evaluate some locally available feed ingredients under different management regimes for their potential for confined and semi-scavenging growing pullets and laying hens. The first study showed that the physical composition of the crop contents varied between the two locations and two breeds studied, and the proportions also varied according to seasonal agricultural activities. The chemical composition showed a higher metabolizable energy content in the rainy season and the crude protein content (CP 90 %), indicating that these by-products are potentially useful protein supplements. However, more studies should be done, particularly with shea-nut cake, on the improvement of palatability, the optimum level of inclusion in the diets, and the nutritional availability for chickens, of these processed feedstuffs

Poultry Production System in Mauritania before the Activities of the “Program to Alleviate Rural Poverty through Support to Subsectors” (ProLPRAF)

The objective of the present study was to display the state of poultry production in fourth (4) regions (Nouakchott, Hodh El Gharbi, Assaba and Guidimaka) covered by ProLPRAF program at the beginning of the program activities in 2011. Data were collected during surveys with different questionnaires addressed to different actors of the poultry sector. Results from farmers showed that 65.0% were female with average age of 45.3 ± 8.40 years. Production constraints remained the same as those encountered in poultry farming in developing countries. There were no poultry markets in the regions, poultry sellers in Nouakchott were male (100%) with average age of 34.8 ± 5.2 years. Traditional local chicken marketed in the regions came either from Nouakchott region (40%) and others (40%), or imported from neighboring countries (20%). In modern poultry farming, day-old chick was imported from Morocco (85%) or Senegal (15%) as well as production inputs. The price of local chicken ranged from 1385 ± 126 to 2325 ± 275 MU, while broiler chicken was between 1255 ± 60 and 1470 ± 47 MU. Local chicken was for ritual, traditions and practices (75%). Layer’s Eggs were imported from Morocco (55%) or Senegal (45%), and average unit price of one egg was around 43.0 ± 5.0 MU. Poultry meat cooked in the restaurants consisted exclusively of broilers meat (100%). Poultry farming was facing socio-political constraints that limited its development, but the ProLPRAF program has been able to tackle these constraints and the impact of the program is plausible today

Pratiques avicoles et gestion de la fertilité des sols dans les exploitations agricoles de l’Ouest du Burkina Faso

Objectif : l’article montre la place de la volaille dans la production de fumure organique (FO) et la fertilisation des champs des exploitations agricoles (EA).Méthodologie et résultats : Une enquête d’exploitation agricole a été réalisée avec une approche globale des caractéristiques structurelles et des activités d’élevage de l’exploitation, et la collecte de données déclarées par le chef d’exploitation. L’enquête a été réalisée en 2016 sur un échantillon de 300 EA dans les régions des Cascades et des Hauts-Bassins du Burkina Faso. Les résultats mettent en évidence 5 types d’EA : 2 types d’agriculteurs (type 1 : 8,92 ha, 129 volailles, 4 bovins et 6 petits ruminants ; type 2 : 5,48 ha, 31 volailles, 3 bovins et 7 petits ruminants) et 3 types d’agro-éleveurs (type 3 : 10,57 ha, 42 volailles, 11 bovins et 16 petits ruminants ; type 4 : 6,58 ha, 68 bovins et 26 petits ruminants ; type 5 : 36,40 ha, 117 volailles, 44 bovins, 47 petits ruminants). L’élevage extensif de volaille qui est le système dominant (plus de 70 % des EA enquêtées) apporte près de 26 % du revenu des EA du type 1. Ce système extensif permet de produire dans l’année 4,67 kg de fiente par volaille contre 19,21 et 5,08 kg/volaille/an respectivement pour la claustration et le système semi-intensif. La fiente de volaille représente entre 26,46 et 35,72 % de la production de fumure organique et contribue à fertiliser près de 4,50 % des superficies totales cultivées des EA.Conclusions et application des résultats : Cette contribution de la volaille dans la production de la FO et la fertilisation des champs peut être améliorée en réduisant les pertes durant le processus de production et de collecte des déjections. Le système d’élevage semi-intensif et la claustration se présentent comme des perspectives intéressantes à explorer.Mots clés : typologie, système d’élevage, volaille, substrat organique, Hauts-Bassins, Cascades

Extension Services for Livestock Keepers in Low-Income Countries&mdash;A Low Priority?

Achievement of sustainable agricultural development and national food security in Africa is dependent on several factors, including productivity in the livestock production sub-sector. This study surveyed farmers&rsquo; perceptions on provision of extension services relating to livestock production in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. A structured questionnaire comprising dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions was used to survey a total of 1560 farmers in Burkina Faso, 345 in Mali, and 480 in Benin. Most farmers surveyed pursued integrated crop and livestock production, but more frequently in Burkina Faso (91%) than in Mali and Benin (66%). Around one-third (36%) of the respondents in Burkina Faso had access to livestock extension services, while the corresponding figure in Mali and Benin was 54% and 69%, respectively (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, 71% of respondents in Mali, 73% in Burkina Faso, and 84% in Benin reported significantly (p &lt; 0.05) fewer extension activities for livestock compared with crop production. Thus, livestock production seems to be given low priority in agricultural extension interventions. We recommend that future diffusion of technological packages should be more holistic, considering the major concerns of the specific environment and the socio-cultural traditions of both livestock and crop producers

Sustainable Use of <i>Macrotermes</i> spp. to Improve Traditional Poultry Farming through an Efficient Trapping System in Burkina Faso

This study aimed to promote the use of termites as feed in traditional poultry farming by developing sustainable and inexpensive termite trapping techniques. Various tests were carried out in Burkina Faso to improve the traditional technique of trapping termites of the genus Macrotermes using a reversed container filled with organic matters. We studied the effect of containers’ types, substrates, habitats, harvesting times, duration of trap deposition, and season on the quantity of termites trapped. Calabashes and terra cotta pots trapped more termites than iron boxes, but calabashes were quickly destroyed by termites. The quantity of termites harvested increased proportionally with the volume of the pot and was higher in a cultivated habitat than in a forest, despite the higher number of termite mounds in the forest. The quantity of termites harvested was lowest in the cold-dry season and highest during the rainy season, however, sizeable amounts of termites were collected throughout the year. Among six substrates and mixtures of substrates tested, maize cobs trapped the highest number of termites and cow dung the lowest. The best time of harvest varied among seasons and, if substrates are abundant, it is more efficient to empty the containers on a daily basis

Optimization of Production Methods for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (<i>Hermetia illucens</i> L.) in Burkina Faso

Larvae of Hermetia illucens are a valuable source of protein for animal feed that can be produced by exposing animal and agro-industrial wastes to naturally occurring flies. The objective of this study was to improve techniques for obtaining H. illucens larvae to feed livestock in Burkina Faso. An experiment was conducted to determine the most favourable substrates and seasons for larval production. The substrates used were poultry manure, local beer waste, local beer waste mixed with poultry manure, cottonseed cake, and industrial brewery waste mixed with poultry manure. The production of larvae was carried out in four different seasons. The effect of the container’s oviposition area (0.07 m2, 0.09 m2, and 0.11 m2) and the type of container (terracotta, plastic, and iron) on larval production was also assessed. The produced larval biomass was high during, or just after, the rainy season but very low during the cool dry and hot dry seasons. Yields were higher with local beer waste mixed with poultry manure followed by local beer waste and cottonseed cake. The average mass of H. illucens larvae increased slightly with the oviposition area for the same amount of substrate. Iron and terracotta containers provided better results than plastic containers. The suitability of this production method for H. illucens larvae production is discussed

Production de masse de larves de Musca domestica L. (Diptera : Muscidae) pour l’aviculture au Burkina Faso : Analyse des facteurs déterminants en oviposition naturelle

Objectifs: Une étude a été réalisée à l’ouest du Burkina Faso afin de déterminer les facteurs qui influencent l’oviposition naturelle de la mouche domestique (Musca domestica L.). L’objectif est d’améliorer la production de masse des larves de mouches pour l’élevage de la volaille au Burkina Faso.Méthodologie et Résultats: L’influence de l’humidité, de la quantité du substrat (fiente de poules pondeuses) et de trois récipients de surfaces variables sur la production des asticots a été déterminée. L’effet des saisons a été également évalué durant quatre périodes de l’année (juillet, octobre, janvier et avril). Les résultats indiquent une variation très significative de la biomasse fraîche larvaire variant de 604,9 g (4 kg + 7 l) à 5,5 g (4 kg + 10 l). Il ressort également que plus la surface d’oviposition est grande, plus la biomasse larvaire produite est importante (127,5 g pour 0,07 m2 contre 257,2 g pour 0,11 m2). La production des larves a été maximale en juillet (239 g) et faible en avril (86,06 g).Conclusion et application des résultats: L’étude montre que, lors de la production des asticots, une humidité insuffisante et un excès d’eau peuvent constituer des facteurs limitants à la production de masse. De plus, l’augmentation de la quantité du substrat par récipient n’implique pas nécessairement une augmentation de rendement, mais qu’une quantité optimale de substrat doit être trouvée en fonction des dimensions de l’ouverture du récipient utilisé. La saison des pluies est plus favorable pour une bonne production larvaire que les saisons sèches et de grande chaleur. Ces résultats permettent le développement d’une méthode durable de production de masse des asticots facilement applicable par des aviculteurs s’ils prennent en compte l’effet limitant des facteurs étudiés. En saison sèche, il est possible d’appliquer une double fermeture du substrat pour réduire les pertes d’eau par évaporation. En période froide, cet ajustement de la fermeture peut créer une condition adéquate de température permettant une éclosion des oeufs et un développement plus rapide des larves.Mots-clés: Asticots, Burkina Faso, Musca domestica (L.), production de masse, volailleEnglish Title:  Production of Musca domestica L. larvae (Diptera: Muscidae) for poultry nutrition in Burkina Faso: Analysis of determining factors in natural ovipositionEnglish AbstractObjective: A study was conducted in western Burkina Faso in order to assess the factors that influence the natural oviposition of the house fly (Musca domestica). The objective was to improve the mass production of fly larvae for poultry farming in Burkina Faso.Methodology and Results: The influence of moisture, the amount of substrate (poultry manure) and three containers with varying surfaces on larvae production were determined. The effect of season were also evaluated during four periods of the year (July, October, January and April). The results indicate a significant difference among treatments, with a fresh larval biomass varying from 604.9 g (4 kg + 7 l) to 5.5g (4 kg + 10 l). It also appeared that larval biomass production increases with the oviposition surface (127.5g for 0.07 m2 against 257.2 g for 0.11 m2). Larval production was highest in July (239 g) and low in April (86.06 g).Conclusion and application of results: The study shows that, during the production of maggots, insufficient moisture and excess water can be limiting factors to mass production. In addition, increasing the amount of the substrate per container does not necessarily imply an increase in yield, but a certain quantity of substrate has to be found according to the dimensions of the opening of the container. The rainy season is more favourable for fly larvae production than the dry and hot seasons. These results allow the development of a sustainable method of mass production of maggots that is easily applicable by poultry farmers if they take into account the limiting effect of the studied factors. In the dry season, it is possible to apply a double closure of the substrate to reduce the loss of water by evaporation. In cold weather, this closure adjustment can create an adequate temperature condition for egg hatching and faster larval development.Keywords: Burkina Faso, maggot, mass production, poultry, Musca domestica (L.