Extent of rumen contents use in livestock diets among farmers in Uganda

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of finding how rumen contents are used in livestock diets, problems encountered and areas that needs improvement to enhance livestock production. One hundred livestock farmers from Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that majority of the work force involved in livestock farming were middle aged adults between 30 and 45 years contributing 37% of total work force; this was followed by young adults between 20 and 30 years contributing 26% of the work force. The highest household (HH) size was (1-5) people contributing 68% of the total HH structure. Poultry farming, indigenous birds in particular were the most practiced enterprise among the respondents. High feed input prices (67%) were reported as the biggest problem faced by livestock farmers, followed by feed adulteration (44%). The use of peels and industrial by-products was reported as the most commonly used alternative feeding strategies to increasing feed prices. The use of rumen contents was still low and limited to pigs and layers. Inadequate knowledge in relation to rumen content inclusion rates in livestock diets was reported as the major hindrance to utilization of rumen contents in livestock. In general, farmers need sensitization from extension staff and research scientists with regard to efficient use of rumen contents in livestock diets.

Abattoir waste use in livestock diets: Uganda’s current situation

“…This was in line with the findings of UBOS (2018) which revealed an average of 4.5 persons per household. Of the total abattoir respondents, the majority had attained at least secondary education, which concurred with the findings of Mwesigwa et al, (2020b). The majority of abattoir workers were married.…”

Characterization of bovine ruminal content focusing on energetic potential use and valorization opportunities

“…Inadequate RC handling and disposal could cause a negative impact on the environment because of ammonia nitrogen oxide emissions. The abovementioned compounds are formed as a secondary product of the denitrification process and also methane is formed during the decomposition of ruminal content in anaerobic conditions [ 6 ]. There are basically three strategies for the use of ruminal content: biological, (including anaerobic digestion and chemical recovery), production of biofuel, and thermal recovery processes [ 7 ].…”

Modification of microbiological quality and valorization of different ruminants species ruminal content in farm animals feeding

“…In Thailand, Seankamsorn and Cherdthong (2019) suggested that the use of RC in pellet form could be an alternative strategic supplement for Thai-native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle to enhance nitrogen balances and microorganisms. According to Mwesigwa et al (2020), the use of RC in animal feeding is still low and limited to pigs and layers in Uganda. In Ethiopia, Gebrehawariat et al (2016) showed that RC is a potential feedstuff for layers; it is economical and simple to practice and it is a promising feedstuff particularly during the periods of scarcity and high cost of conventional feeds.…”