Browsing by Author "Kubasu, D.O."
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Item Effects of Clipping Frequency and Intensity on Structural Characteristics of Range Grass Ecotypes in a Kenyan Dryland: Implications for Rangeland Management(2023-03-20) Kisambo, B.K.; Kirwa, E.C.; Ogillo, B.P.; Kubasu, D.O.; Musyimi, D.; Rop, D.; Kuria, S.G.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationLivestock production is an important economic activity in rangeland environments. Its highly dependent on natural indigenous grasses which are also currently being cultivated and used for restoration of degraded environments. With the challenging biophysical situations in the ASALs, these grasses currently face various challenges including defoliation disturbance and precipitation variability resulting in changes in plant and vegetation structure. A field simulation experiment was used to determine the effects of clipping frequency and intensity on grass ecotypes structural features (plant cover, plant height, spread, tillering) over two growing seasons in southeastern Kenya. 4 grass ecotypes of two common species (Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum maximum) were subjected to 3 clipping frequencies (High, moderate, low) and 3 clipping intensities (high, low, moderate). Plant responses to these treatments were monitored over two seasons. Panicum maximum TVT was the tallest grass ecotype (64.57 cm) while Cenchrus ciliaris KLF was the shortest (25.18 cm). Canopy spread did not significantly differ among the grass ecotypes (p >0.05) though C. ciliaris MGD had a larger spread (74.82 cm) compared to the other grass ecotypes. C. ciliaris MGD also had a significantly higher number of tillers (282.49) as well as ground cover (45.92%). Infrequent clipping resulted in plants that were taller, had higher canopy spread and had more tillers and enhanced ground cover while frequent and intensively clipping the grass ecotypes had detrimental effects on all the characteristics. Compared to low frequency clipping, high frequency clipping reduced plant height in general by up to 34%, canopy spread by 45%, tillers by 13% and reduced ground cover by 25%. Trends in tillering also varied depending on grass ecotype, frequency and intensity of defoliation in addition to the effects of season. High clipping frequencies and intense clipping, despite being common in rangelands should be avoided as it has demonstrated to reduce some structural features of grasses in this study which is harmful not only to the plant but to the environment in general. This information is relevant to design appropriate utilization strategies and develop varieties that are key to specific semi-arid environments and management objectives.Item Promoting Improved Forages for Increased Livestock Productivity in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya: A Case of Kajiado, Narok, and Taita Taveta Counties(International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 2023) Maweu, A.N.; Korir, B.K.; Kuria, S.G.; Ogillo, B.P.; Kisambo, B.K.; Wambulwa, L.M.; Kubasu, D.O.; Musyimi, D.M.; Manyeki, J.K.; Chege, P.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationInadequate nutrition is a major constraint that negatively impacts the growth and viability of cattle farming in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). This is hastened by the adverse effects of climate change that lead to feed scarcity and poor-quality feed. However, these impacts can only be checked with the use of improved technologies hence the need to disseminate adaptation strategies and technologies. In an attempt to resolve the situation, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) in partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organization agencies instituted a research program; Integrated & Climate Smart Innovations for Agro-Pastoralist Economies and Landscapes Kenya’s (ICSIAPL) and established demonstration plots across highlands and lowland regions in Kajiado, Narok and Taita Taveta counties. This paper focused on evaluating forage nutritive value and its impact on livestock productivity through testing changes in milk yield and animal acceptability for selected grasses and legumes that were promoted. All the grasses established in the lowland regions (Brachiaria camello, Nutrifeed, Sugar graze, Foxtail, Panicum maximum var Maasai) and legumes (cowpea, dolichos lablab and crotalaria) had crude protein above the critical level of 70kg/Dm except Sugargraze which had a Crude protein of 48 kg/Dm. The test animals showed high acceptability to Nutrifeed (83%) relative to the sugar graze (50%) and recorded 33% and 25% increase in milk when fed on nutrifeed and Sugargraze respectively. The highland grasses (Brachiaria cobra, Brachiaria cayman, Boma rhodes, Panicum maximum var Siambaza) and legumes (Desmodium, Lucerne, purple vetch, sweet potato vines and Mucuna) were also high in nutritive quality with Panicum maximum var Siambasa having high animal acceptability of 75% relative to Brachiaria cobra with 20%. Desmodium had animal acceptability rate of 80%. and recorded 23% increase in milk yield. The results inform that legume species promotes animal performance and should thus be included while feeding to boost the production for sustainable ruminant productivity under ASALs ecosystems.
