This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R7010: The production of silage from mixed drought resistant real and legume crops for milk production from cross-bred cows in the semi-arid region of Southern Africa.
In Zimbabwe, work has identified ways in which smallholder dairy farmers can grow enough feed on
farm to ensure that their cows produce as much milk as possible. Intercropping forage sorghum or
pennisetums with lablab or cow pea produced up to 8 tons of dry matter per hectare over a three
year period???despite at least one severe drought. Intercropping with legumes means that the fodder
produced contains good levels of protein. Plus, the feed produced can easily be chopped and stored
in plastic bags, providing silage that will help poor producers to get through the dry season.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental
Impact. Attached PDF (15 pp.) taken from the CD.