Female dairy farmers laid the foundation for a village-based ryegrass seed enterprise in Danyore valley, Pakistan

Rye grasses are widely grown cool season grasses that are better suited and have greater agronomic potential in the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan. Since 2015, the AIP-ILRI project has been working to improve dairy production through higher biomass production of improved fodder varieties, especially in mountainous areas like Gilgit. Continue reading →

Early introduction of calf starter to enhance growth rate of cattle in Pakistan

The various livestock feed companies in Pakistan are suggesting that livestock farmers must introduce calf starter to their calves at the age of three months, at a recommended dose of 10% of their body weight. The AIP-ILRI project has been working to improve livestock production and create awareness among livestock farmers that they must fatten their calves to get higher economic returns. Continue reading →

Potential of cactus as drought feed for small ruminants in Pakistan

Under the AIP-Livestock project (ILRI-ICARDA), cactus was introduced to farmers in the dry areas of Chakwal and its adaptation was tested and its value as animal feed was evaluated. Continue reading →

Improving livestock production and productivity: the potential of Napier grass

For better livestock production and productivity, it is essential to assess the genetic diversity of the food which is fed to livestock. One of the main food sources for livestock in East Africa is Napier grass. Continue reading →

Least-cost rations for sheep fattening: A manual for livestock farmers and extension workers in the Sahel

This manual provides simple and tested practical guidelines for livestock farmers and extension workers on least cost ration based on locally available feed resources for sheep fattening. It contains details on feeding and management options that can be applied by small-scale producers. Other key issues addressed in the manual include housing, purchase of feed, general hygiene and the handling of animals. Continue reading →

Feeding pigs roots, tubers and bananas in Uganda

A recent study of ‘Perceptions and practices of farmers on the utilization of sweetpotato, and other root tubers, and banana for pig feeding in smallholder crop-livestock systems in Uganda’ calls for further exploration of strategies to conserve such crop residues during the harvest period to reduce waste and improve incomes for smallholder pig farmers in Uganda. Continue reading →

ILRI showcases cassava peel processing innovation at global technologies conference in Durban

With 60% of the world’s arable land, Africa has the potential to not only feed itself, but to become a major food exporter. This enormous potential was demonstrated in an innovation by CGIAR scientists—processing cassava peels into animal feed—that was one of the many innovative technologies recognized at the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA), Africa edition, held in Durban, South Africa on 1-2 December 2015. Continue reading →

Enhancing livestock productivity through feed and feeding interventions in India and Tanzania

This report shares results and lessons on productivity-enhancing feed interventions developed through MilkIT, a project to promote milk production in India and Tanzania. Continue reading →

Modeling forage intercropping and best bets for farmers in Tanzania

Read an update of the project that uses models to help provide Tanzanian farmers with best-bet forage crop management techniques. Continue reading →

Nutritional value of feed ingredients for pigs in Uganda

This brief highlights findings from observational and experimental studies on pig diets in East Africa. It will help researchers design trials to develop diets for local pigs. It provides information for extension workers on local feeds that are high in energy, fat and protein. Continue reading →