Cut-and-Carry Fodder Systems

Low-cost fodder system for small livestock

"Cut-and-Carry Fodder Systems" technology is a method of feeding confined livestock where fresh feed, typically grass, is harvested and directly provided to animals, a practice often termed as zero-grazing. This system entails the collection and direct delivery of feed to the animals rather than allowing them to graze freely on rangelands. It requires appropriate animal housing equipped with feed and water troughs, and a continuous supply of fresh vegetation, usually sourced from various grasses or crop residues. The technology involves labor-intensive daily harvesting of fresh vegetation, which is then distributed to the contained livestock. It's applicable for various livestock, including dairy cattle, goats, and sheep raised for milk and meat production. This approach requires specific infrastructure, such as feed and water troughs designed to be durable, stable, and resistant to trampling. The Cut-and-Carry method requires the use of manual or power equipment for cutting and transporting vegetation. Essentially, the Cut-and-Carry Fodder System revolves around the daily collection and direct provision of fresh vegetation to confined livestock, playing a vital role in livestock feeding strategies, particularly in regions where feed resources are limited or where efficient feed management is essential.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 7/9

50—100 USD

Feed and water troughs for 20 to 50 animals

20 USD

Suitable shed per m2

IP

Open source / open access

Problem

Feed Management Challenges: Under free-grazing systems, large proportions of feed are lost due to trampling, contamination with urine and feces, and inefficient utilization by animals, leading to feed wastage.
Inefficient Livestock Fattening: Traditional grazing systems often result in longer timeframes required to fatten small ruminants, leading to delayed returns on investment, especially after weaning.
Limited Use of Crop Residues: Valuable resources like crop residues and seasonal vegetation are underutilized under traditional grazing methods.

Solution

Maximizing Crop Residues: It allows for optimal utilization of crop residues and seasonal vegetation, utilizing resources that might otherwise go to waste.
Improved Farm Asset Management: The system facilitates the collection and utilization of manure as a valuable farm asset, contributing to improved soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
Adaptability in Grazing Methods: Animals can be entirely confined (zero-grazing) or partially confined, allowing intermittent grazing around the homestead, offering flexibility in implementing the system.

Key points to design your business plan

The utilization of Cut-and-Carry Fodder Systems technology optimizes feeding practices for confined livestock, resulting in reduced feed wastage and improved management. Additionally, it addresses concerns related to overgrazing and soil degradation.

To adopt this technology, consider the following steps:

Ensure adequate vegetation availability for implementing Cut-and-Carry fodder systems.
Budget for moderate expenses associated with system implementation.
Prepare for labor-intensive daily tasks to provide fresh feed.
Secure access to improved breeds for increased efficiency.
Obtain proficiency in animal diets, healthcare, and market intelligence to maximize returns on investment.

Cost Structure for Implementing Fodder System Technology:

Construction of a suitable shed using primarily local materials: USD 20 per m2
Fabrication of feed and water troughs for 20 to 50 animals: USD 50 to USD 100
Raising a young animal for four months at an approximate cost of USD 70, with potential for significant profit upon sale: USD 80 (per young animal)

Profitability Considerations:

A Cut-and-Carry shed can yield three batches annually, ensuring steady income.
A lamb valued at US $80 consumes fresh chop totaling US $30, along with supplements and medicines costing US $40.
The lamb yields meat valued at US $224 and manure valued at US $6.
This translates to returns of approximately 150% over a six-month period.

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

The poor: Positive medium

Under 18: Positive low

Women: Positive medium

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Biodiversity: No impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: A bit less carbon released

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	Tested	Adopted
Mali	Tested	Adopted
Niger	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	Tested	Adopted
Senegal	Tested	Adopted
South Sudan	Tested	Adopted
Tanzania	Tested	Adopted
Uganda	Tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–	–	–	–
Semiarid	–		–
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 13: climate action

Goal 15: life on land

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 5: gender equality

Establish Suitable Infrastructure: Ensure the availability of a suitable livestock shed for confining animals and protecting them from adverse weather conditions.
Access to Land and Vegetation: Secure access to appropriate land where vegetation suitable for feeding can be grown or sourced.
Allocate Required Labor: Ensure sufficient labor is available to facilitate daily cutting and transporting of fresh fodder to feed the confined animals.
Access to Additional Feed and Veterinary Supplies: Acquire necessary additional feed, such as high-quality supplementary feeds and veterinary supplies, to ensure well-balanced diets and proper animal health.
Determine Animal Dietary Preferences: Recognize that goats prefer leaves of herbaceous plants, while sheep favor grass, and plan feed accordingly to suit their preferences.
Estimate Feed Consumption: Understand the varying feed requirements for animals at different stages of development, with consumption ranging up to six kilograms of fresh fodder per day.