Potential of Preserving Different Fodder Crops by Blocking Technology

Rhodah Mwombe

Kibabii University (Kenya)

Abstract

Inadequate feed during dry season is a major cause of low dairy productivity. Forage production is rain fed thus feeds are abundant during the rainy season. Napier grass, sunflower and bean husks are important feed resources in small holder livestock production systems. Production of feed blocks involves mixing of supplementary ingredients formulated to provide the nutritional deficiency of grazing hill formed pastures in winter month. It was done to develop strategies for enhancing utilization of crop residues and agro industrial by products to improve dairy production. Conservation of the surplus fodder has the potential for milk production. The findings meant to avoid wastage of farm residues which can be used to make a good animal feed. This paper seeks to document relevant techniques of making blocks and to determine whether ground cassava can be a good binder. The results showed that ground cassava can be a good binding material and its fermentative property makes animals to consume more. The study recommends that more effort needs to be directed to ensure wider adoption of this technology by farmers.

Key word: Potential, Fodder crop preservation, Feed block technology

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