Avornyo, Franklin K.

Ayantunde, Augustine A.

Salifu, S.

CGSpace (CGIAR)

Skills development in supplementary feeding for small ruminantsSalifu, S1, Ayantunde, A2, Avornyo F. K.11CSIR-Animal Research Institute2International Livestock Research Institute  (ILRI) Corresponding author email: ssalifuari@gmail.comKey research activities• A feed and health intervention program is being implemented on-farm to test the effect of supplemental feeding and veterinary  health services on small ruminant productivity.• The capacities of 39 small ruminant farmers were built on supplementary feed formulation using agro-industrial by products, as part of the intervention. This activity is an anticipated sustainability measure which will lead  to continued formulation of supplementary feed for small ruminants by the farmers when the project period has elapsed.Implications of the research for generating development outcomesResults and main findings• Data from on-farm feeding trials show that supplementary feeding improves growth (Figures 1) and reproductive performance of small ruminants.• The project farmers acknowledge the effect supplemental feeding has on the performance of small ruminants and have learnt the skills necessary to formulate nutritious feed based on agro-industrial by-products for their animals. They have since produced more than 32 tons of feed on their own for their small ruminants.• The recommended supplementary feed has been demonstrated toimprove reproductive performance. Farmers could therefore usetargeted feeding of productive animals (pregnant and lactatinganimals) to improve birth rates among small ruminants. This wouldensure a supply of replacement animals and excess for sale.• Supplementary feeding has also been well-received by livestocktraders who fatten rams for the niche Islamic festivities market.Farmers could therefore target this market by strategically feedingyoung rams to attract premium prices during Islamic festivities.• A corollary to the uptake of this technology is the strengthening ofthe market for agro-industrial by-products as farmers demand forthem as feed ingredients increases.• A broader audience of farmers should be targeted underphase 2 to develop their skills on feed formulation.• A manual for feed formulation should be produced to serveas a guide for farmers.• Further screening of other, locally-available ingredients thatwill further reduce the cost of the supplementary feedshould be the focus of future investigations.• The use of the concentrate supplemental feed in associationwith crop residue has not been the subject of aninvestigation yet. Such an investigation will be welcome asfar as integrating livestock crops is concerned.How this work would continue in Africa RISING phase 2The Africa Research In Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) program comprises three research-for-development projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development as part of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. Through action research and development partnerships, Africa RISING will create opportunities for smallholder farm households to move out of hunger and poverty through sustainably intensified farming systems that improve food, nutrition, and income security, particularly for women and children, and conserve or enhance the natural resource base.The three projects are led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (in West Africa and East and Southern Africa) and the International Livestock Research Institute (in the Ethiopian Highlands). The International Food Policy Research Institute leads an associated project on monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment.www.africa-rising.net • CSIR-Animal Research Institute is currently implementingthe feed and health intervention activities under contractfrom International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). TheVeterinary Services Department, Ghana, will be engaged toprovide vaccination services to farmers in future.Current partnerships and future engagements for out scaling45.242.136384042444648Feed and medication ControlAverage daily gain

Skills development in supplementary feeding for small ruminants

https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/10568/73274/1/AR_WA_sadat_mar2016.pdf

Skills development in supplementary feeding for small ruminants

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