Demonstration of Efficient Feed Conservation Techniques: Silage Making in Kafa zone

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective of demonstrating silage making technique under smallholder farmers’ condition. It was conducted using two methods of silage making; pit and plastic bag methods. Thinning of maize at 50% flowering was the source of feed material for silage making. The material was hand chopped in to pieces and compacted through treading layer by layer after entering in to the pit and plastic bag. Silage with golden color and attractive aroma was obtained after long time sealing underground and in the plastic bag. Farmers’ attitude has been changed and pit method was preferred by the participant farmers. From the study, it was concluded that with proper accomplishment of activities or procedures, silage could be made successfully and stored for longer time. Silage making with fibrous feed stuffs (crop residue), natural pasture and improved forage crops should be tried. Further study on the effect of silage on livestock productivity traits is important.

Keywords: Silage making, conservation, kafa, Ethiopia