Understanding the link between high yield and feed in livestock production

Kenya is sitting on a time bomb as the country procrastinates in boosting livestock production and poor nutrition hurts productivity.

Across counties, most livestock kept by smallholder farmers do not get adequate feeds both in quantity and quality, yet nutrition has the most impact on animal health, production and reproduction.

Livestock produce milk and meat commensurate with their genetic potential when fed a nutritionally balanced adequate ration, in addition to proper husbandry.

According to the National Livestock Policy, animal feed accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of production costs. This is the single most important input in livestock production and a key determinant of the economic viability of the business.

Livestock feed mainly consists roughage (fodder/pasture), concentrates, minerals and vitamins. Roughage constitutes the bulk of the diet and it includes grass and browse and farm by-produce.

A balanced ration should provide energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and of course water. It is common to hear farmers complain that ‘‘something is wrong with my cow’’.

The truth is that more often than not the animal is not well fed. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), imbalanced feeding leads to poor growth, low milk production, long calving intervals and a short productive life.

It is worth noting that quantity of feed is not the same as balance of nutrients. It is common for farmers to increase feed expecting a change only to be shocked by lack of improvement in an animal’s output.

In such an instance the animal is usually receiving an imbalanced diet and the common culprits are inadequate protein, minerals, vitamins and in some instances water.

It is therefore important for farmers to learn more about balanced feed rations be it pasture, farm by-products or commercial preparations.

So what is the cause of inadequate or imbalanced feeding? This is a problem that goes beyond mere lack of information and touches on resources available to smallholder farmers.

Unpredictable weather patterns as well as lack of extension services have had a negative impact on smallholder farmers’ ability to manage feeding their livestock considering agriculture in Kenya is heavily reliant on rain. With unpredictable weather patterns, farmers are unable to cultivate fodder that can keep their livestock nourished throughout the year.

Knowledge on the nutritional value of feed with proper mix of nutrients to optimise productivity needs is important.

The cost of feed is high and it is common to feed animals sparingly to save on costs. Frugal feeding leads to the farmer consistently getting low returns from the animals.

In pastoralist areas drought and overgrazing degrade pastures and reduce production as fodder competes with food crops for land in highland areas.

Land subdivision has also impacted negatively on the cultivation of animal feeds since very little land is set aside for fodder hence scarcity and high cost.

During wet seasons when pasture is lush, poor storage and lack of sustainable preservation methods and facilities has led to losses occasioned by fodder going to waste during the dry season. On the other hand, lack of sufficient clean fresh water has significantly reduced animal feed intake, milk production and overall performance. Concentrates and commercially prepared minerals are expensive.

Unfortunately, not all formulations in the market provide the nutrients required. Some manufacturers skimp on expensive inputs while others are small cottage industries with manual systems that result in inconsistent produce batches.

There are many other challenges contributing to the feed problem in the country and to help turn this tide stakeholders must work together to address them. To begin with, there needs to be significant investment in agricultural extension services to empower small-holder farmers on livestock nutrition and the basics of boosting productivity using proper feeding methods.

Adopted technology

County livestock production officers hold a wealth of knowledge, however their extension services are limited and few counties have adopted technology to reach farmers with information and services.

Baringo has made strides in this area with most farmers placed in a database. Important information can be passed to them through text messages. More counties need to embrace technology .

KCB Foundation is working with livestock keepers in Mulot, Narok , to establish commercial fodder production and earn them better returns.

On the other hand, we need to make good use of research material that is constantly churned from our academic institutions. Detailed information on improved husbandry and variety of fodder crops would be useful to farmers.

Further, the State Department of Livestock under the Ministry of Agriculture should find a way of funnelling information and new technologies being discovered to farmers in a timely manner.

Also, the government should regularly assess commercially prepared concentrates, vitamins and minerals to ensure that farmers get what they pay for both in quality and quantity and to take prompt legal action against manufacturers who defraud farmers.

In addition, alternatives to maize as the key gradient to concentrates needs to be reviewed.

Gathoni is the manager KCB Foundation and is currently implementing the Mifugo Ni Mali Project.