Non-Conventional Feeds (NCF) are either traditional or commercial animal feed-types that are not traditionally utilised as animal feed. These feeds are generally in one of two categories: by-products of agroecological industrial processes, or plants/plant materials from other processes. Examples of industrial by-products include groundnut cake, molasses and cotton seed meal, which are outputs from other processes and are found in proximity of manufacturing points, but often have a short shelf-life. Plant materials can be vegetable peels or locally available crop residues such as maize stalks and other remaining parts of harvested plants not consumed by humans. NCF decrease the demand of land to grow fodder, act as an alternative source for animal feed, resulting in the decrease of food competition between animals and humans ensuring food security. Furthermore, the use of bi-products optimises the use of raw materials and can increase profitability for the producer and the farmer.
To effectively implement NCF practices:
- Step 1: Determine potential sources of NCFs in the local area and consider if the potential products are suitable (provide enough energy, are digestible, palatable to livestock animals, etc) and require additional investment to access or use.
- Step 2: Collect for free/negotiate lower rates with producers of agroecological industrial process biproducts or plant materials to gain access to their ‘waste’ materials.
- Step 3: Determine how sustainable and consistent the supply will be from the providers. If possible, identify a range of suppliers to mitigate potential losses of stockpiled NCFs.
- Step 4: Before being used as feed, NCF’s from agroecological processes must be appropriately processed - (grinding (8 mm) and pelleting) and mixed into a uniform blend. Hence, labour requirements may increase. This could be mechanised.
- Step 5: Livestock should be monitored when these feeds are introduced to ensure digestibility of the product for the animals.
- Step 6: Based on advice from the suppliers of agroecological industrial process biproducts, ensure appropriate storage of materials to avoid loss of nutrition, pests and waste.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation, 1990. Animal Feed Resources in Asia and the Pacific. Rome, Italy.
- CGIAR, 2002. Evaluation of non-conventional agro-industrial by-products as supplementary feeds for ruminants: In vitro and metabolism study with sheep. Montpellier, France.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation, 1985. Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Asia and the Pacific. Rome, Italy.
Benefits
- The use of NCFs could be a cheap and good source of nutrients for livestock.
- NCF act as an alternative source for animal feed, resulting in a decrease of food competition between animals and humans.
Drawbacks
- NCF’s need to be handled properly to avoid formation of moulds that are not good for animal health.
- Farmers need to acquire skills on how best to conserve these residues for animal consumption, like drying before storing to avoid the loss of nutritional value.
