Assessing the feeding values of potential local feed resources with low enteric methane emission in vivo for improved livestock productivity and sustainable food security in Ethiopia

Description

Livestock production has a key role for food security in many African nations in general and in Ethiopia in particular. Moreover, livestock is an integral part of nearly all rural livelihood farming systems in the developing world. However, ruminant animals are the main source of methane (CH4) emissions, in which tropical animals are considered as the major contributors. This is because half of the global ruminant population is located in the tropical region. Moreover, tropical cattle are mainly supported by low quality high fibrous feed resources which produce high enteric CH4 due to poor digestibility and nutrient content. Thus, enteric CH4 emission could be reduced through feeding improved forages. Nevertheless, such practices may not be feasible under smallholder farm settings. Hence, searching for local feed resources with low CH4 production owing better nutrient quality will be justifiable.

Recently, Melesse et al. (unpublished data) have conducted a comprehensive study focusing on screening of 48 local plant materials (including foliages of multi-purpose trees, grasses, leaf of root crops, fruit wastes and agro-industrial byproducts) with possible low CH4 production in vitro while owing better nutrient quality. Moreover, the nutrient compositions and anti-nutritional factors as well as the feeding values (using the Hohenheim in vitro gas production technique) of these plant materials have been intensively investigated. Accordingly, leaves and pods of multipurpose trees (Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Cajanus cajan and Milletia ferruginea), forages (Panicum coloratum and Desmodium intortum) and leaves of herbaceous as well as root crops (cassava, samma and enset) were identified as potential candidates in mitigating CH4 emission while owning better feeding quality. However, these in vitro based research findings shall be further verified through in vivo study by using live ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep and/or goats.

The principal aim of the PhD project is thus to investigate the potential of already identified plant materials and their combinations with different levels of locally available conventional animal feeds (concentrates and by-products) in reducing CH4 emissions while enhancing digestibility and animal productivity in vivo.

Involved persons

• Prof. Aberra Melesse
• PhD Scholar Assefa Tadesse Bikila

Involved institutions

• School of Animal and Range Sciences
• College of Agriculture
• Food Security Center (791)

Sponsors

Supported by the DAAD program Bilateral SDG Graduate Schools, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)