Abstract:

The Bahima ethnic group of Southwestern Uganda formerly kept exclusively Ankole cattle but has recently begun crossbreeding pure Ankole cattle with Holstein Friesian. Separate herds consisting of pure Ankole and crossbred animals are common. A study was carried out to characterize pasture utilization and management in this rain fed extensive dairy production area to generate information that will assist in the designing of alternative strategies/technology options. The pastoralists were largely carrying out continuous grazing though there is an effort to establish paddocks. Hyparrhenia rufa, Brachiaria spp, Themeda triandra and Chloris gayana were identified as the most important pasture species whereas Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronardus were the most unwanted plant species. Presence of high-quality feed (80%), limited shrubs/weeds (80%) and close proximity to the homestead (30%) were the main factors considered when allocating cattle genotypes to their respective grazing landscapes. Crossbred cattle were kept on medium or high-quality pastures whereas Ankole cattle were mostly kept on medium and low-quality pastures. Crossbred pasture had 0.17t/ha DM more than the range grazed by pure Ankole cattle. The CP content in pastures grazed by pure Ankole (6.30%) was significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to Ankole-Friesian crossbred grazed range (7.25%). NDF content was relatively similar (72.82% vs. 69.77%) in both range types. The perceptions and interpretation of farmers about indicator plant species occuring in the range was important for the selection of pastures for either cattle genotype. The presence of Brachiaria spp in the range offers an opportunity for utilization as hay for feeding as supplement during dry season.