Analytical Framework for Feed Resources Research on Mixed Farms in Western Kenya

摘要

The purpose of this technical report is to describe an analytical framework for feed production research on mixed farms. This analytical tool has had a major impact on the feed resources research currently being implemented by the Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR-CRSP) in western Kenya. The SR-CRSP has the objectives of evaluating the potential of dual-purpose (milk and meat producing) goat production systems as a possible component of small (approximately 1 ha) farms. Feed availability is a major constraint for livestock production on these farms, but the design of appropriate technological alternatives to increase feed is complicated by the fact that most farms have multiple feed resources (cropped areas, fence rows, off-farm, etc.) each with varying relative importance during different seasons.