Effects of Season Variation on Water, Feed, Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Smallholder Farms in Eastern Africa

Mudavadi, O.P.; Emmanuel, Mpolya Abraham; Charles, Gachuiri K.; Namasake, Muyekho Francis; Bernard, L.

doi:10.9734/jaeri/2020/v21i830157

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Te use of better-quality and climate-smart forage species is in receipt of signifcant acknowledgment as an option to overcome this problem in tropical areas [7],…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

Wassie

Asmare

2023

Advances in Agriculture

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One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, the target of this article was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance, yield, and chemical composition under three different agroecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). The field experiment was carried out in selected three districts in 2017/2018 in the main cropping season. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (the randomized complete block design) arrangement with three replications. The treatments contained the combinations of three altitudes and three harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from the current study and subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P < 0.05 significance test. In most agronomical and chemical compositions, the interactions of altitudes and harvesting dates were significant for all tested grasses (Mulato II, Napier, and Rhodes grasses). The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded. There were significant values ( P < 0.05 ) for DMY and CP for all grasses at the interactions of harvesting dates and altitudes. The significant difference in DMY was observed as the harvesting date advanced, but CP was contrariwise. Of all tested species, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes. Nevertheless, in areas where, Napier and Rhodes grass are available, they can be alternative forage for Mulato II grass. Generally, for effective utilization of the tested grasses, the comparative feed value for animals must be conducted.

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“…Te use of better-quality and climate-smart forage species is in receipt of signifcant acknowledgment as an option to overcome this problem in tropical areas [7],…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

Wassie

Asmare

2023

Advances in Agriculture

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“…The use of better-quality and climate-smart forage species is in receipt of signi cant acknowledgment as an option to overcome this problem in tropical areas (Mudavadi et al 2020), including Ethiopia (Yisehak, 2008). Mulualem and Molla (2013) and FAO (2016) stated that if improved forages are combined and produced at the household level in a maintainable manner, livestock productivity will be improved.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison study of different grasses on agronomic performance and chemical composition across three altitudes and harvesting dates in Ethiopia

Adnew

2022

Preprint

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One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, this research project was accomplished to comparatively evaluate and find compatible forages among three types of grass. The target of this paper was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance and chemical composition under three different agro-ecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). Field experiments were carried out in Tach Gayint (low altitude), Fogera (mid-altitude, and Debre Tabor (high altitude) Districts in 2017/2018. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (randomized complete block design) with three replications. The treatments contain combinations of 3 altitudes and 3 harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from all treatments in all locations. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P 0.05 significance test. Altitudes and harvesting dates showed significant effects on the agronomical performance and chemical composition of those 3 types of grass The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded at all altitudes. Similarly, harvesting dates showed a significant difference (P 0.05) in DMY and CP for all grasses in all studied areas. The significant difference in DMY was increasing as the harvesting date increased, but CP was contrariwise. Although all Napier grass recorded the highest biomass yield in all studied areas and showed high potential as an alternative livestock feed in Ethiopia, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes However, the current result alone might not lead to a final valid conclusion, hence it is recommended to follow up with a further study about feed value experimental using suitable animals.

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Assessment of socio-economic determinants and impacts of climate-smart feeding practices in the Kenyan dairy sector

Mburu,

Nyikal

et al. 2024

Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change

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Effects of Season Variation on Water, Feed, Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Smallholder Farms in Eastern Africa

Cited by 4 publications

References 54 publications

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

A Comparison study of different grasses on agronomic performance and chemical composition across three altitudes and harvesting dates in Ethiopia

Assessment of socio-economic determinants and impacts of climate-smart feeding practices in the Kenyan dairy sector

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