Use of Tropical Feeds in Non-ruminant Rations

Research Project

Project ID: R5178

Title	The use of tropical feeds in non-ruminant rations, with particular reference to poultry production
Species	Poultry, Pig
Commodity	Meat, Eggs
Livestock Keeper Group	Smallstock Keepers
Production System	High Potential
Country or Region	Global
Research Theme	Nutrition
Research Approach	Laboratory based
Funding Agency	DFID Livestock Production Programme
Overview	This project studied the use of tropical feeds in non-ruminant rations with particular reference to poultry production.

Summary

Locally available oilseed feed supplements were evaluated for inclusion in poultry diets. Incorporation of such supplements improves poultry productivity and, thereby, increases smallholder profitability – it also encourages farmers to cultivate oilseeds. Rations (diet recipes) suitable for small-scale poultry producers were formulated and tested by on-farm feeding trials.

Small-scale oilseed expelling is a natural component of agricultural systems in many African and Asian countries. Assistance given on the installation and operation of small scale oilseed expellers in a number of countries, including Zambia, The Gambia and Sudan, resulted in the maximum use of local resources. This contributed to improved livelihoods in the smaller farming communities where most farmers have desperately few resources.

Primary Relevance	Low - High
Feeding and Nutrition
Animal Health
Commodities and Markets
Other Husbandry
Policy Relevance

Documents

Tropical Oilseed Feeds for Poultry

Cost savings have been achieved from the trials with a prototype oilseed expeller linked to a poultry production unit developed in The Gambia. Smallholder farmers now take their oilseeds to the expeller operator where they can pay for the processing and take the oil or the cake. Alternatively, the operator purchases the seed from them and then sells the oil and the oilseed cake. The availability of these options adds to the sustainability of the system and encourages oilseed cultivation by small farmers. The use of oilseed cake in poultry diets improves poultry productivity and profitability, and hence the socio-economic status of low income farmer families.

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