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Small ruminant feeding strategies in smallholder systems: A synthesis of global experiences and recommendations for Ethiopia

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Title Small ruminant feeding strategies in smallholder systems: A synthesis of global experiences and recommendations for Ethiopia
 
Creator Thorpe, W.R.
Wamatu, Jane
Duncan, Alan J.
 
Subject livestock
feeds
 
Date 2012-06
2012-09-04T16:52:05Z
2012-09-04T16:52:05Z
 
Type Report
 
Identifier Thorpe, W., Wamatu, J. and Duncan, A.J. 2012. Small ruminant feeding strategies in smallholder systems: A synthesis of global experiences and recommendations for Ethiopia. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/21725
 
Language en
 
Rights CC-BY-NC-SA-3.0
Open Access
 
Format 37 p.
A literature search and feedback from key informants confirmed the authors' own view that while there are many well-documented theoretical options for improved feeding strategies, there has been limited uptake in smallholder small ruminant (SR) systems. Experiences show that a farmer participatory, action- research based approach building upon a good understanding of the product value-chain, will be much more likely to succeed than previous efforts. Applying that approach in Ethiopia to address improvements to common property resources, crop residues, planted forages and ration formulation (smart feeding) has the potential to significantly improve SR meat production through better feeding. Promising entry points are improving reproductive rates and enhancing fattening. Determining what intervention or interventions have potential at which location will require applying to each value chain and location participatory methods and tools such as those being refined in the current ELF project: VCA (value chain assessment), FEAST (feed assessment tool) and Techfit (technology prioritization). These tools can catalyze the collaboration between research and development staff that will be required to overcome the previous lack of impact of research to improve feeding strategies.
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Publisher International Livestock Research Institute