Review of strategies for forage conservation and utilization to improve animal productivity in Tanzania
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Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)
Abstract
Ruminants are the major animals in Tanzania contributing
significantly to both gross and agricultural domestic
products of the country. However, it has been shown that
the contribution of livestock sector has not reached the
expected potential due to various factors. Nutrition is
among the major challenges causing low production from
ruminants in Tanzania. This is because over 90% of
animals depend on communal pastures which are
characterized with low nutrients. The common practices of
the livestock keepers in the main production systems
include feeding the animals in situ and watering them in
common water points thus defecation, urination and
trampling of fodder further degrade the quality and
reduced quantity of forage. In addition, the pastures are
not well managed. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by effects of climate variability which cause a
reduction in forage quantity and quality significantly. This
review paper was based on systematic search of literature
(SSL) from various sources to understand the common feed
utilisation and conservation methods used by livestock
keepers in Tanzania. The review established that, grazing
is the only form of forage utilization employed by over 90%
of all livestock keepers. Other forms of ruminants feeding
including the cut and carry of home grown and seasonal
natural pastures in the smallholder dairy farming systems
(SDFS) mainly found in the highland areas of Tanzania.
Hay is the commonest method for feed (forage)
conservation in Tanzania. However, it has been discovered
that the combined methods of feed conservation and
utilization have not improved ruminants nutrition over the
years. It is therefore necessary to encourage the farmers
(livestock keepers) to opt for integrated methods which can
increase the quantity and quality of feeds thereby
enhancing animal productivity.
Description
Healthy Rangelands for Sustainable Grazing Land Productivity