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Livestock Management

Alternative Feeds (Forages)

Maintaining a livestock farm entails expensive inputs due to high costs of animal feeds, animal housing, and livestock management. Many farmers still make use of forages in addition to weeds, and other agricultural products to serve as food source for livestock [2].

Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

Use of alternative feeds allows farmers to easily predict the effect of the food resource on livestock production. However, little is known on its effectiveness on different types of livestock. Research is needed to determine what components and their corresponding portions should be mixed to maximize the productivity and quality of the livestock [2].

Climate Hazards

  • Drought

Locations

  • , Region III (Central Luzon)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Children
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women
  • Youth and Students

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Low

Foraging reduces production costs by removing dependence on commercial feed concentrates. Low income farms could also sustain the production through these lowered costs [1].

Technical Feasibility
Low

The use of alternative feeds, which can be easily adopted, is a means for farms in low accessibility areas to provide for their livestock [2].

Social Acceptability
Low

This strategy has a 30-60% adoption rate in Central Luzon and in Calabarzon [1].

Environmental Impact
Mid (+)

There is no direct environmental impact for this solution.

Mitigation co-benefit

This solution reduces greenhouse gas emissions for livestock production by removing the input of feed manufacturing, and increases carbon capture.

Keywords

alternative feeds, livestock management, food availability, reduced production cost, alternative forages; livestock feeds, livestock forage

References

[1] Dikitanan, R., Grosjean, G., Nowak, A., Leyte, J. (2017). Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Philippines. CSA Country Profiles for Asia Series. International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); Department of Agriculture - Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture, Government of the Philippines. Manila, Philippines. 24. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/82572
[2] Kambashi, B., Boudry, C., Picron, P., & Bindelle, J. (2014). Forage plants as an alternative feed resource for sustainable pig production in the tropics: a review. Animal, 8(8), 1298-1311. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731114000561