Chemical Composition and Nutritional Values of Feed Resources for Ruminants

Abstract

Information on chemical characteristics and nutritional values of feeds is essential for diet formulation and for developing optimum and economic feeding strategies of various classes of farm animals at different physiological stages of production. It is particularly important to use such values to quantify the energy and protein values of feeds, mineral and vitamin contents. The presence of anti nutritional factors and/or toxic substances is also important in setting a limit of inclusion in the diet. The values are also useful in the classification of various feedstuffs. In Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) there is a colossal amount of data on chemical composition and digestibility values of tropical feeds which are scattered in local and international papers, research and students reports, dissertations and theses. In addition, such information is also available in laboratory ledgers of various institutions, such as universities and research institutions and centres. As such, the data are not user-friendly by key livestock stakeholders under practical situations. Thus, awareness of available feed resources and knowledge on the chemical composition and nutritional values is as essential to livestock keepers as the knowledge of the genetic potential and management of the animals for increased livestock productivity. This Feed Table, which is generated from the feed resources data base established through the implementation of the project on Establishment of feed resources data base in Eastern and Central Africa implemented in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda from January 2010 to December 2011. The feed table summarizes available information on chemical composition, digestibility and energy values of locally available feed-stuff resources in the region. Perusing through this Feed Table, it is clear that there are some gaps and these calls for further research by National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in the region to fill the gaps. However, this Feed Table acts as a guide to proper feeding of animals and is therefore very useful to livestock advisors and progressive farmers. Furthermore, the Feed Table will provide quick access to information on feedstuffs to researchers and students in agriculture, animal science, veterinary and allied sciences. Feed manufacturers and policy makers will also benefit from the information in this Feed Table. It is hoped that farmers will be given training on how to use the Feed Table to enable them understand available feed resources and their quality, planting or purchasing of quality feedstuffs and of required standards. In addition, the farmers will be able to make proper feed formulation and feeding strategies for various classes of animals at different production stages. For effective use of this Feed Table, livestock advisors, feed manufacturers and farmers must be taught on how to make use of such data for day to day decision making on feeding livestock economically for increased livestock products of good quality and hence optimise profitability of livestock enterprises. It is with gratification to acknowledge the authors tireless and determined efforts to produce this long overdue Feed Table. It is my hope that the authors will use the determined efforts to develop Feeding Standards and feeding guidelines for farmers based on the information in this Feed Table of chemical composition and nutritional values. For sustainability, it is important that the existing Eastern Africa feed data base be regularly updated so that this feed table is also updated from time to time as more information becomes available.Q