Feed and nutrition
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://kalroerepository.kalro.org/handle/123456789/13985
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Forage Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review of Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities(Wiley, 2021) Balehegn, M.; Ayantunde, A.; Amole, T.; Njarui, D.; Nkosi, B.D.; Müller, F.L.; Meeske, R.; Tjelele, T.J.; Malebana, I.M.; Madibela, O.R.; Boitumelo, W.M.; Lukuyu, B.; Weseh, A.; Minani, E.; Adesogan, A.T.; University of Florida ; Mekelle Univ. Dep. of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences ; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) ; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation ; ARC-Animal Production ; University of Free State ; Directorate: Animal Sciences ; Botswana Univ. of Agriculture & Natural Resources ; International Livestock Research Institute ; University for Development StudiesForage conservation is an important potential solution to seasonal variation in feed quality and quantity and herder-farmer conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Con-siderable variations exist in the type of forages conserved and the preservation meth-ods across SSA. Hay from cultivated forages is commonly made with mechanical mowers and balers by large-scale commercial farms. In contrast, smallholder farm-ers, who dominate farming on the continent, make hay from natural pastures and straw from crop residues or stockpiled forage. Mechanized harvesting and storing of silage are also practiced by commercial farmers in various countries including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Smallholder farmers rarely make silage, despite repeated recommendations about its potential to bridge the dry season feed gap. This is due to the limited resources, knowledge, and skills. Hay and silage produced by smallhold-ers is typically poor in quality due to use of lower quality forages, improper storage methods, and lack of an economic incentive because feed prices do not reflect quality in most regions. This paper discusses the status of forage conservation across SSA and recommends strategic interventions and technologies to improve the quantity, quality, safety, pricing, and utilization of preserved forages in SSA. Key deductions include the need to raise awareness about their role in bridging the feed gap, to build capacity and invest in appropriate technology, to optimize their production and use, to develop mechanisms to relate prices to quality, and to incentivize women and youth and the private sector to engage further in making and selling preserved forages.Item Fodder Farming In The Arid And Semi-Arid Lands Of Kenya: A Potential Profitable Venture(IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR-JEF), 2023-05-24) Manyeki, J.K.; Kuria, S.; Kidake,B.; Maweu, A.; Mulei, B.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationBackground: In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), the productivity of livestock is seriously constrained by the productivity and nutritive value of the common fodder species. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization in partnership with SNV Netherlands promoted an innovative project of a mixed-sward of legume and grass production materials using a wide array of twenty genetic fodder materials. Materials and Methods: This paper employed a profit frontier efficiency alongside the financial accounting of gross margin and benefit-cost ratio to examine the profitability of the fodder materials promoted. Results: The results revealed how profitable the production of fodder legumes and grasses could be both in the lowlands and highlands zones of ASALs with an average of over 83.94% profit efficiency score and more than 2.7 benefit-cost ratios. It was also very clear that profit efficiency measurement is different from financial accounting measures of gross margin and benefit-cost ratio. Conclusion: Thus, an effective and broad-ranging legume-grass development program based on the two measures is central to addressing the productivity of fodder production in Kenya.Item Nutritional Value of German Cockroach Meal (Blattella germanica) as a SuperPRO Feed(Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2022-09-03) Ngaira, V.M.; Wambui, C.C.; Mosi, R.O.; Wayua, F.O.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationEvaluating animal feedstuff is a crucial aspect of animal nutrition and formulation. It provides basic nutritional value information on the quality of conventional feedstuffs and enriches the database with novel feedstuffs. A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of the German cockroach (B. germanica) and the parameters compared to the literature for anchovy fishmeal. Samples of adults and sub-adult B. germanica were analysed for dry matter content, crude protein, ether extracts, minerals, and crude fibre. Samples of sub-adult B. germanica were further analysed for profiles of amino acids and fatty acids and mineral composition. The chemical composition was compared to that documented for of anchovy-fishmeal by calculating parameters such as essential amino acid index, chemical score, and ideal amino acid ratios. The parameters were also compared to those recommended by NRC and GRRS. The dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, and ash were 91.40, 56.64, 7.94, 6.05, 4.11 and 89.12, 58.28, 15.03, 5.21, 3.45 for adult and sub-adult, respectively. Whereas crude protein was similar, the crude fat (15.03 %) in nymphs was significantly different from adults (p<0.05). The crude protein level in german cockroaches was lower than that of anchovy fishmeal. Polyunsaturated fatty acid in nymph B. germanica accounted for 70 % of crude fat, dominated by oleic acid (35.90 %). All the essential amino acids were present, with leucine (3.14 mg/g) and methionine (0.65 mg/g) being the highest and lowest, respectively. The essential amino acid index of anchovy fishmeal (1.83) is better than cockroach meal (1.73). The level of essential amino acids in B. germanica exceeded the ideal amino acid ratios prescribed by NRC and GRRS for broiler chicken. Although the nutritional value of B. germanica is lower than of fishmeal, but is sufficient to as alternative chicken feed.Item Effects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of Blattella germanica for Food and Feed in Kenya(Science Research Publishing, 2022) Ngaira, V.M.; Mosi, R.O.; Wambui, C.C.; Wayua, F.O.; Wachira, A.M.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ; Maseno University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationEntomophagy has gained popularity as a novel approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical countries. Cockroaches, for example, have the potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies, as well as the erratic supply of protein in feeds. They can also be reared on locally available organic substrates. This study investigated growth performance and survival of german cockroach (Blattella germanica) reared on locally available organic matter substrates as treatments; spent brewers’ grain (Treatment A), Treatment B consisting of (40%: wheat bran: 40% spent brewers’ grain: 20% Caridina nilotica), wheat bran (Treatment C), and C. nilotica (Treatment D) and in a completely randomised design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times, while in each replicate 20 - 30 nymphs were reared for forty-two days. Feed intake for all the treatments was not significantly different. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in mature weight, average daily weight gain, live weight, and survival during rearing period. Cockroach performed well on treatment B and recorded highest mature weight, overall performance index, survival was 90.25 mg, 197.35, 96%. The least perfomance was reported in Treatment C; 1.78, 83, 143.17 and 72.5 for average growth rate, survival, overall perfomance and mature weight respectively. B. Based on these findings, a single feed as used in this study was inferior to the composite (Treatment B) in all parameters of growth performance and survival. The composite diet (Treatment B) could be suitable substrate for mass production of B. germanica for feed and food.Item Status and Factors Influencing Access to Extension and Advisory Services on Forage Production in Kenya(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2021-04-26) Gatheru, M.; Njarui, D.M.G.; Gichangi, E.; Ndubi, J.M.; Murage, A.W.; Gichangi, A.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationThis study assessed the status and factors influencing access of extension and advisory services (EAS) for forage production among smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya. Using a multistage stratified random sampling, data were collected from 316 and 313 farmers in Kangundo sub-County and Kirinyaga Counties of Kenya, respectively. The intensity of dairy farming formed the basis of selection of the study areas. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results indicated that, overall the proportion of farmers who accessed EAS on forage production in Kirinyaga (26.4%) was double that of Kangundo (13.6%). Government was the main provider of EAS on forage production and accounted for between 73 to 90% of services in Kangundo and 54 to 81% in Kirinyaga. The main channels for accessing EAS in both sites were trainings (29 - 31%) and field days (22 - 30%). Overall, majority of farmers (71 - 73%) were satisfied with the information and services they received on forage production. The empirical estimates of logistic regression revealed that the probability of access to EAS increased with access to credit, membership to farmer groups and importance of livestock on household’s food security. We recommend that the governments use innovative extension approaches and strengthen formation of farmer groups/organizations in order to improve access of EAS by smallholder dairy farmers for enhanced forage production.Item Forage Diversity and Fertilizer Adoption in Napier Grass Production Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Kenya(Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 2021) Njarui, D.M.G.; Gatheru, M.; Ndubi, J.M.; Gichangi, A.W.; Murage, A.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationFeed scarcity is one of the major challenges affecting smallholder dairy production in Kenya. Forages are the foundation of livestock nutritional requirements; forage diversification and fertiliser are intensification options that can increase productivity. A sample of 316 and 313 smallholder farmers were surveyed in eastern midlands and central highlands of Kenya, respectively, to establish the types of forages cultivated and the factors that influence fertiliser adoption in Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach.) production. Independent t-tests were applied to compare the effect of continuous variables on social economic and institutional characteristics between adopters and non-adopters on fertiliser and area allocated to different forages. Chi-square tests were used to compare nominal variables for the proportion of farmers growing different forages, criteria they consider in selection of suitable forages, and social economic and institutional characteristics of adopters and non-adopters of fertiliser. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors that influence fertiliser adoption. The study revealed that forage diversification was low with Napier grass being the only forage cultivated by most farmers (~ 90%). Urochloa (Urochloa spp), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jaq.) were cultivated by less than 11% of farmers. The fertiliser adoption rate was high (77%) and was influenced by gender of household head, membership of groups, access to extension services and labour. Future research should focus on promoting of forage diversification and investigate quantity and fertiliser application regimes in order to enable development of appropriate advisory services.Item Milk Yield of Dairy Cattle Fed Common Urochloa Grass in Kenya(University of Kentucky., 2021) Muinga, R.W.; Njunie, M.N.; Gatheru, M.; Njarui, D.M.G.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationUrochloa grass mainly grown in South America, East Asia and Australia has its origin in East and Central Africa. Its success in South America for animal production triggered interest in Kenya where the main forage species Napier grass was threatened by head smut and stunt diseases. Therefore, a study was carried out at Mtwapa research station in the coastal lowlands of Kenya under controlled condition to compare the lactation performance of dairy cattle fed on Urochloa hybrid cv. Mulato II, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. brizantha cvs. Piata, MG-4 and Xaraes with Napier grass. An on-farm participatory study was conducted in eastern midlands of Kenya where farmers compared their local feeds (varied mixtures of Napier grass, maize stover and natural pastures) with either Piata, Xaraes, MG-4 or Basilisk). Results from the on-station experiment showed no significant differences (P< 0.05) in daily milk yield between dairy cows fed Piata (4.7 kg) and those fed on Napier grass (4.6 kg) while cows fed on either Mulato II or Xaraes produced less (P< 0.05) milk; 4.4 and 3.6 kg respectively. In the farmers’ trial, milk yield increased by 15-40% when they fed their cows on Urochloa grasses. The studies concluded that Urochloa grasses had potential to replace or compliment Napier grass in dairy feeding in Kenya towards increased milk production.Item Effects of Weed Control Methods on Weeds and Productivity of Range Grasses in Semi-Arid Kenya(Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2023) Kisambo, B.K.; Ogillo, B.P.; Musyimi, D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Background: Weeds are a common occurrence and challenge in different crops eventually influencing crop development and yields. Weed control and management are key in enhancing the productivity of cultivated pastures. In semi-arid Kenyan drylands, the main methods employed for weed management are manual cultural practices and recently, the application of commercial herbicides. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two weed control methods on weed characteristics and productivity of four rangeland grasses commonly used in reseeding and pasture improvement in a semi-arid environment. Methodology: In a randomized complete block design in a field experiment, we determined the effects of two weed control methods (manual and herbicide use) in four rangeland cultivated grasses. These are Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Horsetail grass (Chloris roxburghiana), Masaai love grass (Eragrostis superba) and Bush rye (Enteropogon macrostachyus). Weed characteristics (species, density, diversity and weed biomass,) were evaluated, as well as the effectiveness of the weed control methods in the grasses. Results: Broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses were prevalent in the established grasses. Generally, higher grass dry matter yields were obtained in Cenchrus ciliaris grasses (2.05 t h-1) while lowest yields were in Chloris roxburghiana (1.2 ton ha-1). Weed management interventions increased biomass production in the grasses by a mean of 19% in general. The mean yield increase varied with species and weed control method ranging from 8-39%. Weed control methods significantly reduced weed density, diversity and eventually weed biomass within the grass species. The efficacy of manual weed control and chemical application was in the range of 27-74%. Implications: Weed control is, therefore, necessary if one is to realize higher productivity and returns in cultivated pasture and fodder systems in semi-arid environments. Conclusion: Both chemical and manual control methods of weed control are important and effective approaches to manage weeds in pasture systems in semi-arid environments.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 Assessment of Early Calves’ Weaning Diet as Milk Replacer for Smallholder Dairy Production Systems in Kenya(Book Publisher International, 2022-03-17) Syomiti, M.; Mugo, B.; Gachuiri, C.; Wamae, D. K.Small-scale dairy farmers in Kenya are increasingly interested in selling milk to supplement their income, particularly during dry seasons when milk prices rise. This leads to low calf growth rates, high calf mortality rates, late maturation, and overall economic losses in smallholder dairy production systems. Innovative development of early calves weaning formulae as milk replacers would provide a long-term solution for calves' nutrition and household income. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and economic efficacy of an early calves weaning formula as a milk replacer for small-holder dairy production systems. This would in turn establish the effectiveness and economic returns to replacing milk with formulated early calf weaning diets (EWDs) on the survival and general performance of dairy calves in Kenya. Milk feeding for up to 105 days (Control) and milk (28 days) + EWD, fortified or not fortified with effective microorganisms (EM), diamond-V, or Diatomite (DT), for up to 105 days were used as treatments. The treatments had no effect on the calves' average daily weight gain (P>0.05). The EM- treatment, on the other hand, had significantly (P<0.01) higher calve dry matter (DM) intake (g kg-1) than the other treatment groups. The total milk saved for the farmer as a result of EWD feeding was 9 kg-1cow-1day-1; equal to 945 kg for the 105 period, valued at US$614. Total milk saved for conventional milk feeding (control) was 5 kg-1 cow-1 day-1, equal to 525 for the 105 period, valued at US$ 341. Diarrhea was observed in significant amounts in both the control (milk) and the Diamond-V fortified treatments. In DT-fortified EWDs, signs of hair loss and discoloration were observed. Because EM fortification reduced disease incidences, EWD fortified with this microbial feed additive can be an effective milk-replacer in smallholder dairy production systems, allowing dairy calves to be weaned at 28-35 days with good economic and performance results.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.Item Effects of Organic Manure Application, Seeding Rate, and Planting Methods on Teff Grain Yields and Biomass Production in Marsabit, Kenya(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 2022) Kiria, A.Y.; Muchiri, J.; Mushimiyimana, D.; Mutuma, E.; Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization(KALRO) ; Kenya Methodist University ; Chuka UniversityTeff (Eragrostis tef) is an annual cereal grass mainly found in warm climates. It is a staple food crop North Eastern Kenya as well as an important source of livestock feed and fodder. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of organic manure application on teff kernel yields and biomass production in Marsabit Kenya. An experiment was set up to test the effects of manure application on grain yield and biomass production of teff in a randomized complete blocks (RCBD) a split plot arrangement. Three manure levels (0, 5 and 10 ton/ha), at seeding rate of 5, 10 ,15 and 20 kg/ha and 2 sowing methods (broadcasting and row planting 20 cm row spacing by drill) were tested. A popularly known landrace variety was used as the test crop. The results showed that the optimal panicle length (60 cm), grain yield (1180 kg/ ha) and biomass yield (2500 kg/ha) were achieved through the application of organic manure at the rate of 10 tons/ha and seeding rate of 10 kg/ ha. The lowest grain yield of 500 kg/ha and 750 kg/ha of grain yield and biomass yield respectively were recorded in plots without organic manure treatments. F values from split plot analysis indicated significant biomass differences due to manure, seeding rate as well as sowing method at P<0.0001. The differences between the blocks were not significant for both biomass and grain yield at P=0.2326 and 0.4750 respectively. The interaction between manure application and seeding rate was significant at p<0.001 for both biomass and grain yield. This indicates that the difference between manure treatments on biomass and grain yield depended on seeding rate. The high values of the sum of squares indicated high variability of data from the mean among the blocks. Interactions between manure and sowing method; seeding rate and sowing method did not statistically influence biomass and grain yield. This study concludes that manure application and the seeding rate are important consideration in teff farming for both biomass and grain yield.Item A Brief Board Of Managements Visit To National Animal Husbandry Research Centre Naivasha(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2002) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThe National Animal Husbandry Research Centre (NAHRC) Naivasha is one of the 33 KARl centres with a national mandate to carry out research on animal production covering areas of feeding/nutrition, breeding, and management with reference to dairy cattle (Friesian), dual purpose cattle (Sahiwal) dual-purpose goats, (DPG), poultry and pigs.Item Pasture Fodder Research Programme Workshop Oct 23rd-24th Oct 2000(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2000) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteLivestock contributes to a tenth of the National Gross Domestic Product and provides half of the employment in the agricultural sector. According to available information, nearly 48% of the land used for food crop and livestock production is accounted for by dairy enterprise. In these districts, a majority of animals estimated, at 3 million contribute to approximately 80% of the total milk produced in Kenya, It is clear that the burden of maintenance of dairy animals lies most squarely in the medium and high potential areas that form approximately18% of the Kenyan land mass.Item KARI Napier Grass Desmodium EEAPP 2012(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2012) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteNapier grass is an important fodder for smallholder dairy cattle. However, the nutritive value is generally low and in most cases does not meet the daily nutrient requirement of dairy cattle. With only 5-12% crude protein (CP), Napier grass diets need to be supplemented with other protein-rich forages and/ or concentrates in order to sustain desired milk production levels. Commercial concentrates are expensive, thus a need to promote the use of forage legumes as alternative protein sources. The importance of forage legumes in increasing herbage production of grasses and the quality of feed produced has been recognized. Research studies have shown that planting Napier grass with herbaceous legumes such as Desmodium increases the overall nutrient availability to dairy cows.Item The Effect of Diets and Additives on Feed Partitioning and Methane Emissions by Ruminants(Ouda J.O, 2000) Ouda, J.O, (). The Effect of Diets and Additives on Feed Partitioning and Methane Emissions by RuminantsMethane formation in the rumen represents a substantial loss of energy to the animal apart from being a major greenhouse gas emitted from agriculture. Methanogenesis is the main means of disposal of hydrogen during rumen fermentation. The formation of propionate represents an alternative route of hydrogen disposal but requires the availability of precursors. Theoretically, this can be achieved by dietary addition of propionate precursors. It has also been observed that diets influence the partitioning of products of rumen metabolism. Thus both propionate precursors and diets can be theoretically manipulated to moderate methane emission by ruminants with the net result of improved nutritive efficiency and environment conservation.Item Land Use Fodder And pasture production And Conservation In Relation to dairy Cattle Management(Mwendia, C.W., 1997) Mwendia, C.W.Livestock industry in Kenya contributes a tenth of the recorded national gross domestic product and provides half of the employment in the agricultural sector (KARl, 1993).According to the latter report, nearly 48% of the land used for food crop and livestock production is accounted for by dairying especially in the wetter districts. Dairy cattle population is estimated at 3 million with an approximate contribution of 80% of the total milk produced in Kenya (Mukisira, 1996) with the rest of the milk coming from beef breeds. This milk production is estimated at 2 billion litres of which 65% comes from exotic dairy breeds and their crosses and the rest from the zebu herds. At this rate of production therefore, it is clear that the burden of maintenance of the dairy animals lies most squarely on the medium and high potential areas which form approximately 18% of the Kenya land mass (Kusewa and Guiragossian, 1991) and which, incidentally, happen to be the most densely populated with highly fragmented land units.Item Nutritive Value of Browses as Protein Supplement(s) to poor quality roughages(Robert J. Kaitho, 1997) Kaitho, J.R.Intake of poor quality pasture grasses and cereal straws by ruminants is usually low to maintain body weight because of their tough texture, poor digestibility and nutrient deficiency which contribute to the low level of consumption (EI-Naga, 1989). These roughages are deficient in readily available energy and nitrogen, which reduces the efficiency with which they are utilized by animals. Most of these deficiencies can be corrected by supplementation with high density feeds such as oilseed cakes. However, protein sources such as oil seed cakes and those of animal origin are produced in limited quantities and are often beyond the economic reach of most farmers.Item Graduate College of Texas-Msc Thesis-Fecal Nitrogen as an Indicator of Nutritional Stressing Steers(Graduate College of Texas, 1985)The study was conducted in Kenya to determine the relationship of fecal nitrogen, fecal nitrogen fractions and fecal nitrogen ratio to organic matter intake, dietary crude protein, in vivo dry matter digestibility and vitro organic matter digestibility. Two sites were chosen for the study based upon bush cover. One site had higher bush cover than the other, 70% and 30%, respectively. Ten hectares in each -bush type were divided into two five hectare paddocks. One paddock was strategically grazed to create low forage availability level (<400 kg/ha) while the other paddock was left ungrazed (>800 kg/ha). Sixteen steers divided into two groups of 8 steers were used to collect fecal samples from the paddocks. Four fistulated steers were used to sample the forage available to the experimental steers. Samples were collected during the dry season and just after the rains. Fecal and diet samples were analyzed for total nitrogen and bound nitrogen (NDFN). Nitrogen fractions and ratios were calculated. Diet samples were further analyzed for in vitro and in vivo digestibility, and fecal samples were analyzed for condensed tannins and the percentages of monocot and dicot fragments. Simple and multiple regressions were developed to test for predictive relationships between fecal and dietary parameters. Percent fecal insoluble nitrogen was the most important single variable in estimating dietary crude protein and organic matter intake. Dietary crude protein (%) was predicted with the following equation: y = 1.79'+ 8.37 (fecal insoluble nitrogen) R2 = 0.88. Organic matter intake (kg) was predicted with the following equation: y = 1l.07 + 6.24 (soluble/total nitrogen) - 0.12 (tannin) - 0.05 (cell wall) R2 = 0.81. Percent fecal soluble nitrogen was the single most important variable in estimating digestibility. Dietary in vitro organic matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility were estimated by the following equations: y = 53.94 + 13.09 (soluble nitrogen) + 0.06 (monocot fragments) and y = 53.75 + 2.79 (soluble/insoluble nitrogen) + 1.58 (monocot/dicot) with R2 of 0.33 and 0.53, respectively.Item The Influence of Alkaloids on Voluntary Intake and Performance by Ruminants Fed Diets Containing Lupin Seed in Kenya(Ephrahim Amiani Mukisira, 1994) Mukisira, E.A.Lupin seed has the potential to be used as a protein supplement in ruminant rations, but its usage is restricted by the presence of alkaloids. Experiments were conducted with the aim of determining whether the removal of specific toxic alkaloids, lupanine and 13-hydroxylupanine, from crushed lupin seed (CLS) would improve the organic matter intake (OMI) and average daily gains (ADG) in lambs, and also improve the lactation performance in dairy cows. Effects on liver function in lambs were also investigated. An additional study on the effects of the detoxification of CLS on the degradation of protein was conducted. In Experiment 1, 30 growing Corrie dale lambs were fed five diets for 105 d according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six blocks. Two diets contained intact CLS at 15% (LUI-15) or 30% (LUI-30) ofDM; two other diets contained detoxified CLS at 15% (LUD-15) or 30% (LUD-30) and the control (CON) diet was supplemented with crushed sunflower seed, which was locally prepared, on-farm. All diets · were formulated to be isonitrogenous (16% CP). The alkaloid content (lupanine and 13-0H lupanine) of the diets was .31, .70, .21 and .52% for LUI-15, LUI-30, LUD-15 and LUD-30, respectively. Thus, diets containing detoxified CLS contained approximately 30% less alkaloids than those with intact CLS.
