M.R. Goe and J.D. ReedInternational Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA)
PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The major livestock feed resources on smallholder farms in the central highlands of Ethiopia are hay, crop residue straws and natural pasture grazing. At the beginning of the major growing season, freshly cut weeds from plots are available. The use of feed concentrates or salt/mineral blocks is minimal because costs are high and supplies erratic. Fodder crops, such as oats (Avena saliva) are grown to a limited extent by some farmers.
In addition to grazing, oxen in the Debre Birhan area are usually fed twice on non-working days and three times on working days, provided stored feed supplies last. Hay is fed on working days beginning at the end of April or early May, and straw on non-working days, although this regime varies between farms, depending on the amount of hay available. As the major ploughing season progresses, and hay supplies decrease, a mixture of hay and straw is fed, usually straw in the morning and evening and hay at midday. Depending on feed supplies remaining by mid-July, farmers may be forced to feed only straw on working days, with oxen having access only to grazing on non-working days. Once straw supplies are exhausted, oxen are maintained on grazing.
Laboratory analysis of feed samples showed apparent digestible dry matter (ADDM) and metabolisable energy (ME) of both hay and crop residue straws to average 55% and 8 MJ kg-1 dry matter (DM), respectively. Crude protein (CP) averaged 6 - 8% for hay and 5% for crop residue straws. Forage sampled from grazing areas at the height of the dry season had 55% ADDM, 6.3% CP and ME of 8.6 MJ kg-1 DM, with quality increasing to 62% ADDM, 12% CP and ME of 9.7 MJ kg-1 DM following the minor rains. Based on nutritional quality of feedstuffs and the estimated daily intakes of oxen, energy needs for maintenance were adequately met throughout the year. Energy requirements for work were also met, except towards the latter part of the major ploughing season.
