Extent of rumen contents use in livestock diets among farmers in Uganda

This study was conducted with the aim of finding how rumen contents are used in livestock diets, problems encountered and areas that needs improvement to enhance livestock production. One hundred livestock farmers from Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that majority of the work force involved in livestock farming were middle aged adults between 30 and 45 years contributing 37% of total work force; this was followed by young adults between 20 and 30 years contributing 26% of the work force. The highest household (HH) size was (1-5) people contributing 68% of the total HH structure. Poultry farming, indigenous birds in particular were the most practiced enterprise among the respondents. High feed input prices (67%) were reported as the biggest problem faced by livestock farmers, followed by feed adulteration (44%). The use of peels and industrial by-products was reported as the most commonly used alternative feeding strategies to increasing feed prices. The use of rumen contents was still low and limited to pigs and layers. Inadequate knowledge in relation to rumen content inclusion rates in livestock diets was reported as the major hindrance to utilization of rumen contents in livestock. In general, farmers need sensitization from extension staff and research scientists with regard to efficient use of rumen contents in livestock diets.