Abstract:

This study aims at improving the forage production and utilization for increased milk productivity of Uganda's smallholder dairy systems. The study focuses on three candidate forage species, namely; Calliandra calothyrsus, Vernonia amygdalina and Morus alba. The choice of these species was based on findings of a baseline survey conducted among smallholder dairy farmers in Masaka and Mbale districts. The study will (i) assess the effect of varying cutting heights on the amount of biomass produced; (ii) evaluate the effect of spacing on biomass/foliage production and (iii) determine harvesting intervals for optimal foliage production. Complete Randomised Block Design will be used to establish an on-station Type 1 (Researcher designed, researcher managed) forage trial at the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) research station at Kifu, Mukono District in central Uganda. The trial will have three blocks, each representing a different species. Each block will have three plots of different spacing i.e. 50cmx50cm (control), 75cmx75cm and 100cmx100cm. The plots of spacing of 75cmx75cm and 100cmx100cm will each have sub-plots which will be subjected to varying cutting heights at two levels of 25cm and 100cm, and varying cutting frequency. The spacing, 50cmx50cm (Control), will be evaluated at only one level of cutting height of 50cm.