Summary
In order to develop improved
ruminant feeding systems based
on poor quality roughages a rapid
means of assessment is important.
STIR (short-term intake rate)
predicts longer-term intake and
provides a cheap alternative to the
traditional laboratory-based methods
and long-term feeding trials.
In developing countries, one of the
main constraints to the improved use
of ruminant feeds, which are often
based on poor quality roughages, is
their limited intake. In order to develop
new feeding strategies to improve
animal production and efficiency, it is
important to be able to characterise
the feeds adequately. This will enable
prediction of the likely effects of
feeding single forages and combinations,
and an understanding of the
factors controlling feed intake.
Analysis of conventional feeds in
laboratories often cannot predict how
much an animal will consume. It is
therefore difficult to assess the
probable level of animal production.
Conventional feeding trials tend to be
a time-consuming and expensive
alternative. There is need for an
animal-based method, suitable for use in developing countries, that can
rapidly and reliably evaluate feeds.
Supplementing low quality roughages
with small quantities of higher quality
feeds can improve intake and utilisation
of the roughage, leading to better
animal performance. Although many
smallholders cannot afford to buy concentrate
feeds they may have access
to higher quality forages to supplement
poor quality roughages.
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