Review of strategies for forage conservation and utilization to improve animal productivity in Tanzania

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dc.contributor.authorMsalya, George
dc.date.accessioned2026-05-13T09:37:26Z
dc.date.available2026-05-13T09:37:26Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.descriptionHealthy Rangelands for Sustainable Grazing Land Productivity
dc.description.abstractRuminants 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.
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7543
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherRangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)
dc.relation.ispartofseriesRST Conference Series Volume 3 (2018)
dc.titleReview of strategies for forage conservation and utilization to improve animal productivity in Tanzania
dc.typeArticle

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Proceedings of the 3rd Scientific Conference of Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)