Too many mouths to feed: a new tool to allocate feed efficiently. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R7376: A practical decision support tool to improve the feed management of ruminant work animals: helping extension services to deliver science to farmers.
The OXFEED decision-support tool is now available to help farmers get the most from the feed they have available. The tool takes into account the fact that draft animals have to be given a minimum amount of food to allow them to do the work required of them as efficiently as possible. But, overfeeding them wastes resources that could be used to feed other livestock or for mulching and green manuring. OXFEED can base its 'conclusions' for feed allocation on local data—which means that recommendations will be relevant to specific farmers in a specific area. And, it's simple to use. However, the tool is not widely known, and its current usage is mainly limited to Bolivia.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (9 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
LPP10, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 69.