Livestock Production Resources
In countries experiencing intense population pressure, there is seldom enough land for pasture or for crops grown specifically for livestock. In many instances they are fed the locally available agricultural by-products and scavenged mature forage, which are usually deficient in minerals, energy and protein. Animals in these situations are not primarily producers but rather serve many purposes: insurance, mobile capital, a source of fuel, traction, a fertilizer factory, and status symbols. Unsophisticated but scientifically based research has been carried out in developing countries, primarily on farms, over the past few decades seeking to optimize the production of such animals from local resources.
Please note that the links listed below may lead to additional resources which have not yet been added to this collection.
Click here to access the Livestock Forum
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2014-02-26 Pastoralism is a livelihood whereby people depend upon herding domesticated livestock. In East Africa, pastoralists depend primarily upon cattle, sheep, donkeys, goats and camels— listed in order of least resilience as one moves into drier and more arid lowland areas. Pastoralists play an...
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2015-02-23 ECHO's recent activity to integrate livestock more effectively includes revamping the farm's pastures and grazing approach. While for many years ECHO has demonstrated cut-and-carry forage feeding systems for goats, in early 2014 our interns and staff identified goals for minimizing the labor...
- ECHO's Natural Farming Pig System is comprised of a deep-litter pig pen in which hogs are raised atop a one-meter deep layer of bedding comprised mostly of sawdust, rice husks and ground charcoal. By excluding the rain and preventing excessive spillage of feed and water, the bedding remains...
- The activities of the meat sector may be divided into three stages - slaughtering, meat cutting and further processing. Each stage involves completely different technical operations which must not be viewed as separate and independent processes. There are significant interactions between the...
- Silvopasture systems combine trees, livestock (ruminants like cattle, sheep and goats) and grazing. Ranchers and pastoralists plant trees or manage the land for spontaneous tree growth. The trees provide shade, timber and food for livestock.In most silvopasture systems, the carbon captured in...
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2016-07-15 Since 2014, the ECHO Farm in North Ft. Myers, Florida has been upgrading and expanding its pastures using the managed, rotational, intensive grazing model. With paddocks sub-divided by electric fencing, cows and goats are moved regularly and systematically from intensively grazed plots to fresh,...
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This article is from ECHO Asia Note # 31. The amazing multi-stomached ruminant comes in many forms, with varied nutritional requirements. Ruminants are even-toed, cloven-hoofed, four-legged, cud-chewing mammals of the suborder Ruminantia (within order Artiodactyla). Cattle, water buffalo, goats,...
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- ไทย
- မြန်မာ
- Bahasa Indonesia
- 汉语
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2002-07-20 The purpose of this article is to show that with strategic supplementation, using locally available resources (straw, maize stover, poor quality grass, etc.), small-scale farmers in the tropics can have productive ruminants that emit less methane (believed to contribute to global warming) and...
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- Español
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2010-04-01 People will be rewarded by intentionally being browsers. By eating a wide variety of foods, we will be more likely to take in a sufficient daily amount of all that we need for good health. In contrast, cultures that, for example, eat mainly rice or tortillas or bread made from one kind of grain...
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The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) is a systematic method to assess local feed resource availability and use. It helps in the design of intervention strategies aiming to optimize feed utilization and animal production. The tool comprises two main elements: A focused PRA exercise which provides an...
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Feedipedia is an open access information system on animal feed resources that provides information on nature, occurrence, chemical composition, nutritional value and safe use of nearly 1400 worldwide livestock feeds. Feedipedia is a joint project ofINRA(Institut National de la Recherche...
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Program options Together we can create a better context for local livestock farmers to thrive and prosper. Here's how: PROGRAM FOR POULTRY AND PIG FARMERS Include FeedCalculator in your current programs and learn farmers how to make their own quality feed from local resources. We designed a...
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This article is from ECHO Asia Note #25 As densities of livestock increase, an industrious farmer finds ways and means to increase his farm’s nutrient stream for the benefit of his system. This article will describe methods and techniques necessary for a smallholder farmer to succeed with...
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1996-07-19 Information about using Chaya to feed pigs.
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This article is from ECHO Asia Note #23 In its simplest definition a forage is any plant material grazed or fed to livestock. However, a more specific definition that’s presented in this article focuses on plants (grasses and legumes) that are planted specifically to provide superior feed...
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1996-01-19 Raising pigs on moringa leaves is a system developed by missionary Paul Ronk in Jeremie, Haiti.
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2008-07-20 Bone mealhas another use. You can overcome mineral deficiencies in cattle by making your own cattle lick or mineral block, using bonemeal as the source of phosphorous.
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2016-11-01 Field days focusing on livestock production have been successfully used as a means to introduce and disseminate technologies. Training producers about improved management practices is greatly aided by supporting trainees to visit better off farmers. However, selection of farmers or producers to...
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2016-07-11 Editors: ECHO will be hosting a three-day workshop in September at our Florida campus, on the topic of small-scale livestock production in the tropics (see the “Upcoming Events” section for details). Our Global Farm incorporates many animals, including ducks, rabbits, chickens, pigs, and goats—so...
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2016-03-02 Session: Livestock is the main source of livelihoods for pastoralist in Marsabit County with 80% of the population directly depending on them. Food for the hungry supported and established 13 livestock markets in Marsabit. The markets provided great platform where herders, traders, government and...
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2017-02-09
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2016-03-03 Session: Thisl talk will be about the history of Holistic Management in Laikipia since its start in 2010. It will describe the approach used, the tools, the preliminary results and the challenges that remain. The session shares the experience from Northern Kenya Conservancies and speaks of...
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2017-02-08 In marginal environments where strong crop-livestock interactions exist, inclusive and equitable access to finance, well-functioning land rental markets, and efficient provision of extension advisory services contribute significantly towards the shift to more sustainable land use management and...
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2016-11-01 Africa Rising was a five-year project, funded by USAID, that sought to identify and promote solutions for for sustainableintenslfication of the mixed farming systems in the Ethiopian Highlands. The project worked closely with both research and development partner to develop and validate...
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2016-03-01 Session: The Livestock to Markets Program(LTM) is a social enterprise owned by NRT through its business company called -NRT Trading company. LTM aims to commercialize livestock marketing among pastoralists by providing an assured, equitable and reliable market for good quality cattle in order to...
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1996-12-01 Amazon.com Description Goats play a vital role in the rural economy of many poor countries, and numerous projects have been established to encourage their development. But the extension workers employed on such projects are often untrained in goat production, and the only available textbooks are...
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2015-05-12 How the Aloha House manages its livestock using Natural Farming techniques and effective microorganisms, Part I.
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2016-03-02 Session: The pastoral areas of Kenya are characterised by poor access to quality livestock services. Consequently the pastoralists are forced to purchase sub-standard and/or counterfeit veterinary drugs - often from unqualified people - to meet their animal health needs. They also treat their...
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2017-10-05 This workshop will look at indigenous microbial fermented feeds as an alternative to our expensive foreign/imported GMO corn-soy based feed ration for our native animals (chicken and swine). Experiments on microbial fermentation on indigenous plants was conducted in terms of palatability,...
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1995-01-01 This book speaks to the challenges of small farm pig production. The two main themes of malnutrition and parasite control are dealt with in depth, utilizing very practical ideas and methods. The author repeatedly emphasizes the need to deal with these issues if the farmer is to be successful in...
- 2004-01-20 Pigs and pig keeping in one form or another can be found almost anywhere in the world. Especially of course in country areas it is common for communities to have pigs rooting and roaming freely around the dwellings, to be brought in one day as household needs require. Pig keeping enterprises are...
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2008-04-15 Amazon.com Description Heifer International is pleased to present a new, revised edition of Raising Goats for Milk and Meat. This introductory handbook provides an experience-based training model on the basic care and management of dairy and meat goats. The new edition includes training...
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The Portal of the Community of Practice for Pro-poor Livestock Development (CoP-PPLD) is an on-line sharing network for practitioners, managers, researchers and other actors involved in pro-poor livestock development that want to exchange experiences, innovative approaches, best/next practices...
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1978-01-01 Amazon.com Description Updated and re-written, this edition aims to summarize knowledge of tropical livestock husbandry that could be useful for students, extension and development specialists, administrators and progressive farmers.
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1976-12-01 Amazon.com Description Raising Sheep the Modern Way covers everything from breeds of sheep to recipes. It is a must read for anyone new to raising sheep, and is a good reference book for the experienced shepherd as well. I have been in the sheep business for 14 years. I purchased the book when I...
- 1994-01-01 This book looks at milk processing, traditional methods and products, improving milk processing technologies, socio-economic considers and includes case studies.
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Research on the use of insects for feed is also being led byICIPE(The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. Programs by ICIPE includeINSFEED(“Insect feed for poultry and fish production in sub Saharan Africa”);GREEiNSECT(“Mass-rearing insects for greener protein supply”) andILIPA...
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It is best not to assume that such high efficiency is possible in every case. In an article titled “Crickets are not a free lunch,” authors Lundy and Parrella (2015) point out that crickets’ growth and even viability depends on the quality of their diet, especially at an industrial scale. Still,...
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Abstract -Environmental Entomology, 2015 Accumulation of organic wastes, especially in livestock facilities, can be a potential pollution issue. The black soldier fly,Hermetia illucensL. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), can consume a wide range of organic material and has the potential to be used in...
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Pastoralists live precarious lives with extreme weather, such as drought, posing a potentially fatal threat to livestock – often pastoralists’ only asset and income source. To buffer livestock keepers from these risks, insurance schemes such as the Kenya Livestock Insurance Programme (KLIP),...
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AccessAgriculture Training Video By making a base mix that can be fed to all animals, you save time and money. Two thirds of the mix is made from grains, like paddy, maize, sorghum and millet. One third of the mix should be rich in protein and fat. Mill the base mix into a coarse flour. Depending...
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- Français
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AccessAgriculture Training Video This video examines ways of reducing worm and fluke infestation in African livestock. There is advice on how to break the worm cycle and treat animals with reliable drugs.
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- Français
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AccessAgriculture Training Video Ticks are small creatures like insects that attach to the body of animals to suck their blood. Ticks cause diseases like skin lesions. The animals will become skinny and no longer produce milk. English French Hausa Peulh Fulfuldé Yoruba
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AccessAgriculture Training Video Donkeys, mules and horses are important working animals, many diseases are transmitted by insects such as flies. Flies can transmit a parasitic worm called Habronema that causes several problems in horses and donkeys. There are many precautions which you can take...
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- Français
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AccessAgriculture Training Video In traditional sheds, sheep and goats are often kept on the ground. The animals are in direct contact with their urine and droppings. Because of poor hygiene many animals get sick. You can easily make a raised platform inside your existing shed to solve these...
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- Français
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AccessAgriculture Training Video In semi-arid West Africa, farmers and herders explain why and how trees and livestock play a crucial role in obtaining a productive soil and crop. In Niger and Ghana this is one of the strategies of integrated striga and soil fertility management that has a...
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Across the Horn Africa, pastoralist areas have been one of the most persistent and difficult challenges for governments, and development and humanitarian agencies. Although often viewed as physically remote, universally poor, and subject to droughts and conflicts, in reality these areas can also...
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Across the Horn Africa, pastoralist areas have been one of the most persistent and difficult challenges for governments, and development and humanitarian agencies. Although often viewed as physically remote, universally poor, and subject to droughts and conflicts, in reality these areas can also...
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This section on livestock includes all animals that are farmed, as well as insects such as bees. Fish and other aquatic animals are covered in the fisheries section.
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Pig rearing is the main focus of two of our value chain projects – inUgandaandVietnam. Here we provide links to some useful manuals and guides to raising pigs. Add your resource by clicking the ‘comment’ feature on this post.
- 2009-01-20 Published for Nepal Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
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Sustainable Agriculture Research Elizabeth Langford, Patrick J Trail, Abram J Bicksler, Rick Burnette Abstract Smallholder farmers raising pigs in northern Thailand rely heavily on banana stalks as a fermented feed source, but struggle to reproduce banana plants fast enough to keep up with...
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Animal health Cattle Horses & Donkeys Other Livestock Pigs Poultry Rabbits Sheep & Goats
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Abstract, Researchgate, 1998 The effect of including a legume in sugarcane forage on milk yield was examined in 12 Holstein * zebu cows. Legumes were distributed in a switch-back design in the following treatments: sugarcane (A), sugarcane + urea (B) and sugarcane + Macroptilium atropurpureum cv....
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- Español
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Abstract,Animal Health Training and Consultancy Service , 2012 Livestock is directly related to the lives and livelihoods of the world's most poor and marginalized citizens. By definition. a poor livestock keeper does not hold enough livestock to meet basic subsistence needs. yet depends upon...
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Eric Toensmeier is a lecturer at Yale University and a senior researcher with the climate change-focused nonprofit Project Drawdown. He is the author of “The Carbon Farming Solution.” Silvopasture systems combine trees, livestock (ruminants like cattle, sheep and goats) and grazing. Ranchers and...
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In many countries across the world, livestock are an integral part of poor people’s livelihoods, contributing to household income, food security and nutrition. They can provide quality food (meat, milk, and eggs); capital (sale, barter and hire); fertilizer (manure); draught power for cultivation...
- 2004-01-20 Preservation is the processing of foods so that they can be stored longer. Man is dependent on products of plant and animal origin for food. Because most of these products are readily available only during certain seasons of the year and because fresh food spoils quickly, methods have been...
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Balancing the needs of livestock and the need to keep soils covered is an on-going challenge with conservation agriculture throughout the world. When crop residues, grass, and mulch materials are in short supply, animal health and soil health both suffer. Competition for these materials can lead...
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2013-02-20
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2016-04-12 Small ruminants are of the order of animals which have a stomach with four complete cavities (rumen, reticulum, omasum , abomasums) , through which the food passes in digestion. The division includes sheep and goats. Some other in this order (ruminants) that are not small ruminants are cattle,...
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2017-02-09 This presentation will look at the differences between relief, rehabilitation, and development. We will see some of the challenges involved in determining which one of those three interventions is needed in different situations and we will talk about what to consider when transitioning from...
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2017-11-14 Rural Solutions is a video series that highlights solutions to specific challenges that are common in rural areas of developing countries. As natural resources become more scarce, herders who migrate seasonally have to travel long distances to find water and grazing land. Here is a solution to...
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2015-01-20 Adaptable, tough and relatively cheap to keep, goats play an important role in food production systems in developing countries. These animals are also popular for their high-quality meat and milk, and can serve as a ‘bank account’ that can be drawn on when cash is needed. Appealingly laid out,...
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- Abstract, International Livestock Research Institute, 2006 : Livestock keeping is critical for many of the poor in the developing world, often contributing to multiple livelihood objectives and offering pathways out of poverty. Livestock keeping also affects an indispensable asset of the poor,...
- 2009-05-20 Gives smallholder dairy farmers the business management skills they will need to remain sustainable. Most countries in South-East Asia have established smallholder dairy farming industries through social welfare and rural development programs to provide a regular cash flow for poorly resourced...
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This article is from ECHO Asia Note # 31. The amazing multi-stomached ruminant comes in many forms, with varied nutritional requirements. Ruminants are even-toed, cloven-hoofed, four-legged, cud-chewing mammals of the suborder Ruminantia (within order Artiodactyla). Cattle, water buffalo, goats,...
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2018-03-06
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1991-01-01 An intriguing, well-organized discussion of a large number of smaller animals that can be raised for multiple purposes, whether for food, fur, milk, or other purposes. These animals often reproduce more quickly than conventional farm animals, are able to thrive in environments where other animals...
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Sheep covers in detail the characteristics and requirements of the livestock group, and how to raise and produce sheep ina variety of tropical zones and farming systems.
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1995-01-01 This book examines how indiviual species of domestic livestock can be integrated into the whole concept of sustainable agriculure in the tropics. A wide range of different case studies from tropical countries provide practical models for livestock husbandry.
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1996-01-01 Animal health Vol. 1 is a valuable guide for anyone involved with maintaining and establishing the health of animals in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It explains the causes of animal diseases, how they are spread and the means available for their control.
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This book covers the theory and principles of the subject, with a chapter about each of the main nutrient groups, and discusses economic production of cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminants in tropical climates.
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1991-01-01 Pigs covers is detail the characteristics and requirements of this livestock group, and how to raise and produce pigs in a variety of tropical zones and farming systems. Breeds, breeding, health,nutrition, housing,slaughtering and processing are all included.
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2007-01-01 Ethnoveterinary medicine is the name given to the way in which most livestock keepers in Cameroon and other countries treat animal health problems. Ethnovet practices are important because they are easily availalbe, inexpensive and effective, especially in rural areas where veterinary services...
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1975-01-01 This bulletin deals with the effective use of seeded forages in agricultural systems for the tropics and subtropics. Superior forage grasses and legumes are available for seeded plantings that may be included in crop rotations for the sake of maintaining soil productivity, and which also provide...
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2019-02-15 This article is from ECHO Asia Note # 37. One of the great challenges of sustainable agriculture is the sourcing of adequate and affordable organic (carbon based) resources that can be used on-farm for the production of food and feed. Utilizing composts, manures, mulches, and other organic inputs...
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The site is devoted to gather a maximum of research and development institutions working on pig production and wild hogs in tropical regions, in order to promote research results. With a strong commitment to create a “Tropical Pig Network”, PigTrop website aims to be a collective platform to...
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Abstract,Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability2014 Fodder trees are important feed sources for livestock in a wide range offarming systemsin Africa. Researchers, extension services and farmers have developed and promoted fodder tree practices in many different countries and contexts....
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Abstract, World Agroforestry, 2014 Many rural households in developing countries feed their animals on the leaves of trees. In pastoral areas of sub-Saharan Africa, three-quarters of the 10,000 tree and woody species, are used as fodder, supplying up to 50 per cent of livestock feed. This...
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2005-01-20 The best way to finish off your dream farm or garden is to balance it with a small livestock unit. Animal integration is Fundamental #10. It will create a low cost high quality fertilizer source as well as produce food to eat. Livestock properly managed will bring the tropical farmer higher...
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2017-02-07 Successful pig raising factors 1.Good breed 2.Good food 3.Good house 4.Good management 5.Good disease prevention