Feed Resource Availability and their Nutrient Contribution for livestock Evaluated Using Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Constraints of livestock production, major livestock feed resources and their nutrient contribution (% of respondents) and intervention options in three agro-ecologies of Burie Zuria district, north western Ethiopia, were assessed from data collected between January 2017 and February 2018. Agro-ecologies, kebeles and households (HHs) were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. A single-visit multi subject formal survey was conducted. The district was stratified in to high, mid and low altitudes and data were collected from February to April 2017 on 90, 30 and 30 HHs, respectively using focus group discussion, individual interview, key informant interview, secondary sources and personal observation. Feed assessment tool (FEAST version 2.21), SPSS version 20.0 and general linear model procedure were used to analyze data. Feed shortage, limited knowledge of farmers in livestock production, poor genetic potential of indigenous cattle breeds, disease and land shortage were the main constraints affecting livestock production in all agro-ecologies in decreasing order of importance. Dry matter (DM) contribution of purchased feeds is lower but of crop residues higher than that of other feed resources. DM contribution of purchased feed in high altitude (11.22±1.4) is higher (p<0.01) than in mid (2.46±0.85) and low altitudes (7.45±1.48) and that of crop residues was higher in low and mid altitude (p<0.01) than in high altitude. Highest (p<0.001) crude protein (CP) contribution was from crop residues in low (49.75±3.03) and mid altitudes (42.33±1.75) than in high altitude (28.47±3.03) and lowest was from purchased feeds with highest CP contribution in high (10.78±0.75, p<0.001) than in mid (2.44±0.43) and low altitudes (4.93±0.75). Highest (p<0.001) metabolisable energy (ME) contribution was from crop residues in low (52.91±1.23) and mid altitudes (51.12±0.71) than in high altitude (31.67±1.23) and lowest was found from purchased feeds with highest (P<0.001) ME in high altitude (11.55±0.88) than in mid (2.15±0.46) and low altitudes (6.78±0.88). In conclusion, the main feed resource is crop residue which is of low nutritional quality. Chemical and biological treatments of crop residues and concentrate supplementation and training farmers on feeding and grazing management would improve nutritional value total diet.