Beef Finishing on Range Grass and Legume Supplementation: The Unexploited Profitability Option in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajebi.v3i2.2940Keywords:
ASALs, Grass, Kenya, Legume, ProfitabilityAbstract
The availability of economical and easily accessible feeds that are high in both quantity and quality is a crucial factor in sustainable livestock production. The study aimed to determine the profitability of finishing sheep by supplementing them with protein-rich leguminous feeds. In a completely randomized experimental design, a group of 18 mass-selected dorper yearling sheep, aged 17-19 months and an average body weight of 20.5±2.9Kgs, were assigned into 6 diet experimental units of 3 animals each. Analysis of variance and economic viability analyses showed Bush rye+Desmodium and African fox tail+Lucerne diets as the leading, with net weight gains of 3.0±0.7Kgs and 2.8±0.5Kgs and profitable returns of Ksh 65,979.00 and Ksh 30,906.00 respectively for 100 units’ sheep establishment at the prevailing market live body weight price of Ksh 400/ kg. The selection of a cost-effective legume and the right breed and genetics of the animal were an essential consideration for enhanced enterprise profitability.
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Bista, D. R., Heckathorn, S. A., Jayawardena, D. M., Mishra, S., & Boldt, J. K. (2018). Effects of drought on nutrient uptake and the levels of nutrient-uptake proteins in roots of drought-sensitive and-tolerant grasses. Plants, 7(2), p. 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants7020028
Bosworth, S. C., & Cannella, M. P. (2007). Assessing on-farm pasture availability and forage quality for dairy feed planning. In The 2007 June, Joint AFGC and NEBCSA Conference. https://projects.sare.org/
Chaidanya, K., Shaji, S., Niyas, A., Sejian, V., Raghavendra, B., Bagath, M., & Girish, V. (2015). Climate change and livestock nutrient availability: Impact and mitigation. http://14.139.185.57:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10816
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). The future of livestock in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges in the face of uncertainties. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5369en
Kenana, R. S., Onjoro, P. A., & Ambula, M. K. (2020). Relative palatability and preference by red Maasai sheep offered brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay supplemented with calliandra leaves in Kenya. https://www.veterinarypaper.com/pdf/2020/vol5issue5/PartA/5-4-41-537.pdf
Kipeto Energy Limited. (2012). Geology and soil study report for the proposed 100MW wind energy project, Kajiado District, Kenya. https://www.dfc.gov/
Klahan, R., Krajabthong, K., Maksiri, W., Tamruangit, J., Whangchai, N., Pimpimol, T., & Whangchai, K. (2024). The influence of Napier grass biomass mixed feed on the biorefinery indicator for Nile tilapia production. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(1), 1251-1260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04235-4
Lutta, A. I., Wasonga, O. V., Robinson, L. W., Nyangito, M. M., & Sircely, J. (2021). Determinants of livestock market participation among pastoral communities of Tana River County, Kenya. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23, 7393-7411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00919-0
Manyeki, J. K., Kuria, S., Kidake, B., Maweu, A., & Mulei, B. (2023). Fodder farming in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya: A potential profitable venture. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 14(3), p. 18-24. https://doi.org/10.9790/5933-1403041824
Mayulu, H., & Suhardi, S. (2016). The feed intake and daily weight gain of locally sheep fed with amofer palm oil plantation and mill’s byproduct-based complete feed. International Journal of Science and Engineering, 10(2), 67-73. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ijse/article/view/12180
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. (2018). Climate risk profile for Kajiado County. Kenya County Climate Risk Profile Series. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/96288
Ministry of Devolution and the ASALS. (2019). ASALs categorization report. State Department for Development of the ASALs, p. 23. https://asalrd.go.ke/
Mulei, B., Kuria, S., Manyeki, J., & Wambulwa, L. (2024). Profitability of Dorper sheep finished on grass and legume diets in Taita Taveta and Makueni, range lands of Kenya. Journal of Economics and and Sustainable Development, 15(3), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.7176/JESD/15-3-03
Njarui, D. M. G., Mureithi, J. G., Wandera, F. P., & Muinga, R. W. (2003). Evaluation of four forage legumes as supplementary feed for Kenya dual-purpose goat in the semi-arid region of Eastern Kenya. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2(2), 65-71. https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=93912118002
Njoka, J. T., Yanda, P., Maganga, F., Liwenga, E., Kateka, A., Henku, A., & Bavo, C. (2016). Kenya: Country situation assessment. Pathways to Resilience in Semi-Arid Economies (PRISE). Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action, 56. https://library.alnap.org/help-library
Nyariki, D. M., & Amwata, D. A. (2019). The value of pastoralism in Kenya: Application of total economic value approach. Pastoralism, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-019-0144-x
Olalekan, A. J., & Bosede, B. F. (2010). Comparative study on chemical composition and functional properties of three Nigerian legumes (jack beans, pigeon pea and cowpea). Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1(1), 89-95. https://oer.unimed.edu.ng/JOURNALS/5/3/Dr-Arawande-Comparative-Study-on-Chemical-Composition-and-Functional-Properties-of-Three-Nigerian-LeOER9427968.pdf
Sitorski, L. G., Bauer, M. L., & Swanson, K. C. (2019). Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers. Translational Animal Science, 3(4), p. 1173-1181. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz124
Thang, C. M., Ledin, I., & Bertilsson, J. (2010). Effect of using cassava products to vary the level of energy and protein in the diet on growth and digestibility in cattle. Livestock Science, 128(1-3), p. 166-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.001
Bista, D. R., Heckathorn, S. A., Jayawardena, D. M., Mishra, S., & Boldt, J. K. (2018). Effects of drought on nutrient uptake and the levels of nutrient-uptake proteins in roots of drought-sensitive and-tolerant grasses. Plants, 7(2), p. 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants7020028
Bosworth, S. C., & Cannella, M. P. (2007). Assessing on-farm pasture availability and forage quality for dairy feed planning. In The 2007 June, Joint AFGC and NEBCSA Conference. https://projects.sare.org/
Chaidanya, K., Shaji, S., Niyas, A., Sejian, V., Raghavendra, B., Bagath, M., & Girish, V. (2015). Climate change and livestock nutrient availability: Impact and mitigation. http://14.139.185.57:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10816
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). The future of livestock in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges in the face of uncertainties. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5369en
Kenana, R. S., Onjoro, P. A., & Ambula, M. K. (2020). Relative palatability and preference by red Maasai sheep offered brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay supplemented with calliandra leaves in Kenya. https://www.veterinarypaper.com/pdf/2020/vol5issue5/PartA/5-4-41-537.pdf
Kipeto Energy Limited. (2012). Geology and soil study report for the proposed 100MW wind energy project, Kajiado District, Kenya. https://www.dfc.gov/
Klahan, R., Krajabthong, K., Maksiri, W., Tamruangit, J., Whangchai, N., Pimpimol, T., & Whangchai, K. (2024). The influence of Napier grass biomass mixed feed on the biorefinery indicator for Nile tilapia production. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(1), 1251-1260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04235-4
Lutta, A. I., Wasonga, O. V., Robinson, L. W., Nyangito, M. M., & Sircely, J. (2021). Determinants of livestock market participation among pastoral communities of Tana River County, Kenya. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23, 7393-7411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00919-0
Manyeki, J. K., Kuria, S., Kidake, B., Maweu, A., & Mulei, B. (2023). Fodder farming in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya: A potential profitable venture. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 14(3), p. 18-24. https://doi.org/10.9790/5933-1403041824
Mayulu, H., & Suhardi, S. (2016). The feed intake and daily weight gain of locally sheep fed with amofer palm oil plantation and mill’s byproduct-based complete feed. International Journal of Science and Engineering, 10(2), 67-73. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ijse/article/view/12180
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. (2018). Climate risk profile for Kajiado County. Kenya County Climate Risk Profile Series. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/96288
Ministry of Devolution and the ASALS. (2019). ASALs categorization report. State Department for Development of the ASALs, p. 23. https://asalrd.go.ke/
Mulei, B., Kuria, S., Manyeki, J., & Wambulwa, L. (2024). Profitability of Dorper sheep finished on grass and legume diets in Taita Taveta and Makueni, range lands of Kenya. Journal of Economics and and Sustainable Development, 15(3), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.7176/JESD/15-3-03
Njarui, D. M. G., Mureithi, J. G., Wandera, F. P., & Muinga, R. W. (2003). Evaluation of four forage legumes as supplementary feed for Kenya dual-purpose goat in the semi-arid region of Eastern Kenya. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2(2), 65-71. https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=93912118002
Njoka, J. T., Yanda, P., Maganga, F., Liwenga, E., Kateka, A., Henku, A., & Bavo, C. (2016). Kenya: Country situation assessment. Pathways to Resilience in Semi-Arid Economies (PRISE). Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action, 56. https://library.alnap.org/help-library
Nyariki, D. M., & Amwata, D. A. (2019). The value of pastoralism in Kenya: Application of total economic value approach. Pastoralism, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-019-0144-x
Olalekan, A. J., & Bosede, B. F. (2010). Comparative study on chemical composition and functional properties of three Nigerian legumes (jack beans, pigeon pea and cowpea). Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1(1), 89-95. https://oer.unimed.edu.ng/JOURNALS/5/3/Dr-Arawande-Comparative-Study-on-Chemical-Composition-and-Functional-Properties-of-Three-Nigerian-LeOER9427968.pdf
Sitorski, L. G., Bauer, M. L., & Swanson, K. C. (2019). Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers. Translational Animal Science, 3(4), p. 1173-1181. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz124
Thang, C. M., Ledin, I., & Bertilsson, J. (2010). Effect of using cassava products to vary the level of energy and protein in the diet on growth and digestibility in cattle. Livestock Science, 128(1-3), p. 166-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.001
Bista, D. R., Heckathorn, S. A., Jayawardena, D. M., Mishra, S., & Boldt, J. K. (2018). Effects of drought on nutrient uptake and the levels of nutrient-uptake proteins in roots of drought-sensitive and-tolerant grasses. Plants, 7(2), p. 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants7020028
Bosworth, S. C., & Cannella, M. P. (2007). Assessing on-farm pasture availability and forage quality for dairy feed planning. In The 2007 June, Joint AFGC and NEBCSA Conference. https://projects.sare.org/
Chaidanya, K., Shaji, S., Niyas, A., Sejian, V., Raghavendra, B., Bagath, M., & Girish, V. (2015). Climate change and livestock nutrient availability: Impact and mitigation. http://14.139.185.57:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10816
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). The future of livestock in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges in the face of uncertainties. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5369en
Kenana, R. S., Onjoro, P. A., & Ambula, M. K. (2020). Relative palatability and preference by red Maasai sheep offered brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay supplemented with calliandra leaves in Kenya. https://www.veterinarypaper.com/pdf/2020/vol5issue5/PartA/5-4-41-537.pdf
Kipeto Energy Limited. (2012). Geology and soil study report for the proposed 100MW wind energy project, Kajiado District, Kenya. https://www.dfc.gov/
Klahan, R., Krajabthong, K., Maksiri, W., Tamruangit, J., Whangchai, N., Pimpimol, T., & Whangchai, K. (2024). The influence of Napier grass biomass mixed feed on the biorefinery indicator for Nile tilapia production. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(1), 1251-1260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04235-4
Lutta, A. I., Wasonga, O. V., Robinson, L. W., Nyangito, M. M., & Sircely, J. (2021). Determinants of livestock market participation among pastoral communities of Tana River County, Kenya. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23, 7393-7411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00919-0
Manyeki, J. K., Kuria, S., Kidake, B., Maweu, A., & Mulei, B. (2023). Fodder farming in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya: A potential profitable venture. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 14(3), p. 18-24. https://doi.org/10.9790/5933-1403041824
Mayulu, H., & Suhardi, S. (2016). The feed intake and daily weight gain of locally sheep fed with amofer palm oil plantation and mill’s byproduct-based complete feed. International Journal of Science and Engineering, 10(2), 67-73. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ijse/article/view/12180
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. (2018). Climate risk profile for Kajiado County. Kenya County Climate Risk Profile Series. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/96288
Ministry of Devolution and the ASALS. (2019). ASALs categorization report. State Department for Development of the ASALs, p. 23. https://asalrd.go.ke/
Mulei, B., Kuria, S., Manyeki, J., & Wambulwa, L. (2024). Profitability of Dorper sheep finished on grass and legume diets in Taita Taveta and Makueni, range lands of Kenya. Journal of Economics and and Sustainable Development, 15(3), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.7176/JESD/15-3-03
Njarui, D. M. G., Mureithi, J. G., Wandera, F. P., & Muinga, R. W. (2003). Evaluation of four forage legumes as supplementary feed for Kenya dual-purpose goat in the semi-arid region of Eastern Kenya. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2(2), 65-71. https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=93912118002
Njoka, J. T., Yanda, P., Maganga, F., Liwenga, E., Kateka, A., Henku, A., & Bavo, C. (2016). Kenya: Country situation assessment. Pathways to Resilience in Semi-Arid Economies (PRISE). Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action, 56. https://library.alnap.org/help-library
Nyariki, D. M., & Amwata, D. A. (2019). The value of pastoralism in Kenya: Application of total economic value approach. Pastoralism, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-019-0144-x
Olalekan, A. J., & Bosede, B. F. (2010). Comparative study on chemical composition and functional properties of three Nigerian legumes (jack beans, pigeon pea and cowpea). Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1(1), 89-95. https://oer.unimed.edu.ng/JOURNALS/5/3/Dr-Arawande-Comparative-Study-on-Chemical-Composition-and-Functional-Properties-of-Three-Nigerian-LeOER9427968.pdf
Sitorski, L. G., Bauer, M. L., & Swanson, K. C. (2019). Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers. Translational Animal Science, 3(4), p. 1173-1181. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz124
Thang, C. M., Ledin, I., & Bertilsson, J. (2010). Effect of using cassava products to vary the level of energy and protein in the diet on growth and digestibility in cattle. Livestock Science, 128(1-3), p. 166-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.001
Bista, D. R., Heckathorn, S. A., Jayawardena, D. M., Mishra, S., & Boldt, J. K. (2018). Effects of drought on nutrient uptake and the levels of nutrient-uptake proteins in roots of drought-sensitive and-tolerant grasses. Plants, 7(2), p. 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants7020028
Bosworth, S. C., & Cannella, M. P. (2007). Assessing on-farm pasture availability and forage quality for dairy feed planning. In The 2007 June, Joint AFGC and NEBCSA Conference. https://projects.sare.org/
Chaidanya, K., Shaji, S., Niyas, A., Sejian, V., Raghavendra, B., Bagath, M., & Girish, V. (2015). Climate change and livestock nutrient availability: Impact and mitigation. http://14.139.185.57:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10816
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). The future of livestock in Kenya: Opportunities and challenges in the face of uncertainties. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5369en
Kenana, R. S., Onjoro, P. A., & Ambula, M. K. (2020). Relative palatability and preference by red Maasai sheep offered brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay supplemented with calliandra leaves in Kenya. https://www.veterinarypaper.com/pdf/2020/vol5issue5/PartA/5-4-41-537.pdf
Kipeto Energy Limited. (2012). Geology and soil study report for the proposed 100MW wind energy project, Kajiado District, Kenya. https://www.dfc.gov/
Klahan, R., Krajabthong, K., Maksiri, W., Tamruangit, J., Whangchai, N., Pimpimol, T., & Whangchai, K. (2024). The influence of Napier grass biomass mixed feed on the biorefinery indicator for Nile tilapia production. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(1), 1251-1260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04235-4
Lutta, A. I., Wasonga, O. V., Robinson, L. W., Nyangito, M. M., & Sircely, J. (2021). Determinants of livestock market participation among pastoral communities of Tana River County, Kenya. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23, 7393-7411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00919-0
Manyeki, J. K., Kuria, S., Kidake, B., Maweu, A., & Mulei, B. (2023). Fodder farming in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya: A potential profitable venture. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 14(3), p. 18-24. https://doi.org/10.9790/5933-1403041824
Mayulu, H., & Suhardi, S. (2016). The feed intake and daily weight gain of locally sheep fed with amofer palm oil plantation and mill’s byproduct-based complete feed. International Journal of Science and Engineering, 10(2), 67-73. https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ijse/article/view/12180
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. (2018). Climate risk profile for Kajiado County. Kenya County Climate Risk Profile Series. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/96288
Ministry of Devolution and the ASALS. (2019). ASALs categorization report. State Department for Development of the ASALs, p. 23. https://asalrd.go.ke/
Mulei, B., Kuria, S., Manyeki, J., & Wambulwa, L. (2024). Profitability of Dorper sheep finished on grass and legume diets in Taita Taveta and Makueni, range lands of Kenya. Journal of Economics and and Sustainable Development, 15(3), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.7176/JESD/15-3-03
Njarui, D. M. G., Mureithi, J. G., Wandera, F. P., & Muinga, R. W. (2003). Evaluation of four forage legumes as supplementary feed for Kenya dual-purpose goat in the semi-arid region of Eastern Kenya. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2(2), 65-71. https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=93912118002
Njoka, J. T., Yanda, P., Maganga, F., Liwenga, E., Kateka, A., Henku, A., & Bavo, C. (2016). Kenya: Country situation assessment. Pathways to Resilience in Semi-Arid Economies (PRISE). Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action, 56. https://library.alnap.org/help-library
Nyariki, D. M., & Amwata, D. A. (2019). The value of pastoralism in Kenya: Application of total economic value approach. Pastoralism, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-019-0144-x
Olalekan, A. J., & Bosede, B. F. (2010). Comparative study on chemical composition and functional properties of three Nigerian legumes (jack beans, pigeon pea and cowpea). Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1(1), 89-95. https://oer.unimed.edu.ng/JOURNALS/5/3/Dr-Arawande-Comparative-Study-on-Chemical-Composition-and-Functional-Properties-of-Three-Nigerian-LeOER9427968.pdf
Sitorski, L. G., Bauer, M. L., & Swanson, K. C. (2019). Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers. Translational Animal Science, 3(4), p. 1173-1181. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz124
Thang, C. M., Ledin, I., & Bertilsson, J. (2010). Effect of using cassava products to vary the level of energy and protein in the diet on growth and digestibility in cattle. Livestock Science, 128(1-3), p. 166-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.001
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