The Impact at Scale (I@S) program of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has published the ‘Scaling Readiness report and scaling plan for training and certification approach for small-scale pig producers in Uganda.’ This is the first of a series of Scaling Readiness reports and scaling plans being prepared by the institute. The publications in … Continue reading
Category Archives: Fodder
Updated CGIAR feed database provides best-cost livestock feed rations for sub-Saharan Africa
Containing the nutritive values of over 44,000 forage and fodder samples, the updated CGIAR feed database can be accessed by researchers, development agents and agricultural extension workers in Africa including farmers, who can use this information to design accurate and scientifically based best-cost livestock rations. Continue reading
A new study gives insights on Napier (elephant) grass, a fast-growing tropical grass
Using a combination of short-read sequencing, single-molecule long-read sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capture technologies scientists were able to assemble a chromosome scale genome of elephant grass and found an abundance of information. Continue reading
New project to improve agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe
A new European Union-funded ‘Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe’ (LIPS-Zim) project is working to increase agricultural productivity in the country’s agro-ecological Zones IV and V. It is promoting the adoption of climate-relevant innovations in livestock production systems and improving surveillance and control of livestock diseases. Launched on 1 January 2020, the LIPS-Zim project is implemented … Continue reading
ILRI feed technology research platform makes more fodder available to developing-world livestock keepers
Located at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) campus in Patancheru, India, the feed technology research platform of the Feed and Forage Development Program of ILRI provides laboratory infrastructure and tools for rapidly and affordably analysing fodder quality. Continue reading
A tribute to Jean Ndikumana, a ‘gentle giant’ in African livestock research for development
The board, directors and staff of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) mourn the passing of a former colleague and lifelong friend—Jean Ndikumana, a plant and forage breeder by discipline who was born and raised in the Republic of Burundi and who became an exceptional leader in pan-African agricultural research for development. Dr Ndikumana died on 5 December 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Continue reading
ILRI develops a feed constraint decision-making tool, G-FEAST
Seven years ago, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) developed a decision-making tool known as the Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) which was funded through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Fodder Adoption Project. Continue reading
ThrowbackThursday Video—Misku and Gebremichael’s stories
Don’t miss these two superb and VERY short videos describe how new ideas in animal husbandry are transforming Ethiopian incomes, animal pastures and livestock livelihoods. Continue reading
When ‘Do no harm’ is harder than ‘doing good’
Agricultural researchers working to enhance traditional pasture conservation by Tanzania’s pastoral Maasai communities are systematically addressing gendered norms and roles to ensure that they don’t end up hurting more than helping these communities. Continue reading
Kenyan President Kenyatta headlines national conference at ILRI Nairobi on innovations in Kenya’s agricultural sector
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the 400 guests at the national conference of the Feed the Future Kenya Accelerating Value Chain Development project at ILRI on 27 Apr 2018. Continue reading