Fodder Plants for Cattle in Kaliro District, Uganda

Abstract

The need for cultivating cattle feed in Uganda’s Kaliro District has become urgent because the natural grazing areas are rapidly declining. The aim of this study was to generate information that would lead to the development and cultivation of livestock feed in the farming system. The specific objectives were (1) to describe cattle husbandry practices and (2) to document the indigenous cattle fodder and browse species. Our results show that 95% of the Kaliro households rear cattle, but are keeping fewer heads because of low fodder availability. They are also tethering animals as a direct response to the declining area of natural pastures. The cattle of Kaliro commonly feed on 42 plant species, dominated by grass and herb species. These species according to the respondents are becoming scarce because pasturelands have been converted to crop agriculture and to settlement. Fodder is also reportedly scarce in the dry season. Results of this study suggest that a diversity of plant species is available in Kaliro District from which to select some to cultivate in the variety of niches around the farm. Thirty of the fodder species reported here have other uses besides their use as fodder for cattle for the community. This may make them especially easy to select for cultivation by farmers around the farm.