Opportunities to improve goat production and food security in Botswana through forage nutrition and the use of supplemental feeds

Andrew S. Cooke (), Honest Machekano, Javier Ventura-Cordero, Aranzazu Louro-Lopez, Virgil Joseph, Lovemore C. Gwiriri, Taro Takahashi, Eric R. Morgan, Michael R. F. Lee and Casper Nyamukondiwa
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Andrew S. Cooke: University of Lincoln
Honest Machekano: Botswana International University of Science and Technology
Javier Ventura-Cordero: Escuela Superior de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche
Aranzazu Louro-Lopez: Rothamsted Research, North Wyke
Virgil Joseph: Botswana International University of Science and Technology
Lovemore C. Gwiriri: Rothamsted Research, North Wyke
Taro Takahashi: Rothamsted Research, North Wyke
Eric R. Morgan: Queen’s University Belfast
Michael R. F. Lee: Rothamsted Research, North Wyke
Casper Nyamukondiwa: Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, No 4, 607-622

Abstract: Abstract Goats fulfil a central role in food and nutritional security across Africa with over half of households owning or rearing goats in rural areas. However, goat performance is poor and mortality high. This study assessed the nutritional quality of commonly used feeds and proposes feed-baskets to enhance goat nutrition and health. Feeds were collected from 11 areas within the Central District of Botswana, and macronutrient analyses were conducted, including crude protein, fibre fractions, ash, and metabolizable energy (ME). Forage nutrition was compared across seasons and soil types. Additionally, seasonal supplementation trials were conducted to evaluate consumption rates of various supplements, including crop residues, pellets, Lablab purpureus, and Dichrostachys cinerea. Each supplement was provided ad libitum for a 24-h period, and consumption rates determined. Findings revealed significant differences in nutrition among various feed sources, across seasons, and in relation to soil types (p

Keywords: Livestock; Goats; Nutrition; Agriculture; Ruminants; Smallholder; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s12571-024-01452-1

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