This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitude required to conduct crop residues treatment and Urea molasses block making for different types of crop residues and ingredients, Determine the type of crop residues, Determine the method of treatment, Prepare appropriate packing material for treatment, Complete treatment and store, and Prepare urea-molasses block (UMB).
In the farming systems of developing countries, animal production is integrated with crop production. However, as the expansion of crop land from time to time, the availability of grazing land decreases thus limiting the scope for increased livestock production. Under such circumstances crop residue play an important role in supplying feed to ruminant animals. These residues provide fodder at low cost since they are by- products of existing crop production systems. They are important adjuncts to natural pastures and planted forages and are often used to fill feed gaps during periods of acute shortage of other feed resources. On average, crop residues provide 10 to 15 % of the total feed intake and in some exceptional cases this could increase up to 50 %. The contribution of crop residues to the feed resource base is significant. Under the Ethiopian condition, crop residues provide 40 to 50% of the annual livestock feed requirement. In most central highlands of Ethiopia, crop residues account for 27% of the total annual feed supply during the dry periods.
- Teacher: Kelifa Husen
- Teacher: Kefale Muna