CATTLE FODDER BANK ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT: IMPLICATIONS ON THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF CATTLE FEEDS

Abstract

The paper assessed cattle fodder bank establishment and management, and its implication on the nutritional quality of cattle feeds. Though, the production of cattle is based on range grazing, the nutritive value of the range is generally low depending on vegetation type and season. Cattle require consistent source of protein, energy, minerals, vitamins and water to maintain productivity and health; thus, fodder trees and shrubs complement the diet of cattle with protein, vitamins and minerals which are largely deficient in bush and cereal straw on which the animals heavily depend during the dry season. In line with this, the objective of this paper was to determine the implication of fodder bank establishment on cattle nutrition. Using discursive method, data from secondary sources were reviewed to ascertain the principles for the establishment and management of fodder banks; the factors necessary for the durability of fodder banks; as well as the post-establishment care of fodder banks. Consequently, the paper concluded that, to a region facing livestock feed deficits, the fodder bank concept offers a self-help option for producing good-quality supplementary feed on a sustainable basis. Nevertheless, despite the considerable amount of research that has been carried out, there has been very little on adoption of fodder crops by farmers. Hence, the paper recommended that, there is need to resolve major issues like land tenure, protection of planted plots or labour, so as to enhance effective management of fodder banks.