Seasonal composition and quality of livestock diets on small- holder mixed farms in the mid-hills zone of Nepal

Under the DFID-funded research project ' Strategies for improved fodder production in the dry season in the mid-hills of Nepal, using participatory research techniques ' a simple survey method was devised to obtain information on the seasonal collection and utilization of livestock feeds. The survey included a simple method for recording the proportions of collected fodders of each type allocated to different types of livestock (cows and calves, buffaloes, oxen and goats). These data were used to estimate the amounts, composition and quality of diets offered to livestock with a view to help determine the requirements to improve diets. Estimation of the amounts and quality of feeds offered to livestock required additional information on the weights, dry matter (DM) and useable fodder contents of local measures of fodder collection (mainly bhari back-loads). These were obtained from sample weighings and other field experience. Estimates of nutritive values of fodders were obtained from the literature including crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and metabolisable energy (ME). Livestock holdings of each type were converted to adult equivalents (to include immature animals) since feeds were generally group-allocated to livestock types. Expected seasonal differences in amounts and composition of diets were evident in the data. Estimated feed offer rates were realistic given the likely levels of refusals of offered feeds. Offer rates were highest in the rainy and early dry season and declined through the mid to late dry season. Proportions of cut grass and grazing were highest in the rainy and early dry seasons while proportions of tree fodders were highest in the dry season. Crop residues were used in cattle, oxen and buffalo diets through most of the year. Concentrate use increased in the dry season. There were marked differences in diet composition between villages and species. Diets were similar in Gajuri Chhap and Gauthale, with lower proportions of crop residue and cut grass and higher proportions of tree fodders and grazing than other villages. Diets in Ange depended heavily on crop residues, while those in Chankhubesi and Tawari included relatively high proportions of cut grass. Buffalo diets contained higher proportions of crop residues, cut grass and tree fodders than cattle diets, while goat diets were based largely on tree fodders. Oxen grazed more than other types of livestock. Grazing and production objectives were also important factors determining diet composition and quality. The diet descriptions provided a useful base for discussion of requirements to improve livestock feeding.