Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-5wvtr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-19T18:19:21.687Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Fodder conservation in Northern Rhodesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

T. Davies
Affiliation:
Mount Makulu Research Station, Chilanga, Northern Rhodesia

Extract

1. The problems involved in conservation of fodder in Northern Rhodesia are discussed in relation to climate and present day practices. Special reference is made to the conservation of grassland herbage.

Climatic conditions do not appear suitable for haymaking.

2. A number of silage samples were collected from dairy farms in the territory and from Mount Makulu Research Station. Chemical analyses of these samples are given and their nutritional value is discussed with special reference to their crude protein contents. The majority of the silages were found to have low crude protein.

3. A type of miniature tower silo designed for experimental work is described.

4. Three crops commonly used for ensilage, i.e. maize, maize with legume and Napier grass, were compared with giant Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) when ensiled in these miniature silos. The type of fermentation and loss of nutrients was studied. Rhodes grass ensiled at the early flowering stage was found to compare favourably with the other three. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpurem) cut when over 6 ft. high did not ensile well and had a low crude-protein content.

5. Giant Rhodes grass was ensiled in miniature experimental silos at two different stages of growth. Cutting the grass at a height of 20 in., three times during the season, resulted in a higher yield of dry matter and crude protein per acre than cutting once at a height of 40 in. even when the resultant aftermath growth was included.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1963

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Amos, A. & Williams, G. (1922). J. Agric. Sci. 12, 323.Google Scholar
Barnett, A. J. G., Maclaeen, S. M. & Moore, W. (1951). Emp. J. Exp. Agric. 19, 139.Google Scholar
Barnett, A. J. G. & Miller, T. B. (1950). Emp. J. Expt. Agric. 18, 129.Google Scholar
Blaser, R. E., Ritchey, G. E., Kirk, W. G. & Dix-Arnold, P. T. (1955). Tech. Bull. 568. Univ. of Florida Exp. Station.Google Scholar
Brockinton, N. R. (1960/1961). J. Brit. Grassl. Soc. 15, 323; 16, 54.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Brown, W. O., Heaney, I. H. (1951). J. Brit. Grassl. Soc. 6, 91.Google Scholar
Duckworth, J. (1949). J. Trop. Agric. 26, 24.Google Scholar
Ely, R. E., Schoenlehrer, L. G., Shepherd, J. B., Wiseman, H. G., Melia, C. G., Hesterman, W. H. & Wagner, E. E. (1949). Bull. 1067. U.S. Dept. agric.Google Scholar
Halnan, E. T. & Garner, F. H. (1947). The Principles and Practice of Feeding Farm Animals, 3rd ed.London: Longmans, Green and Co.Google Scholar
Howe, M. G. (1953). Geogr. Rev. 43, 525.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lepper, W. (1937). Landw. Vors. Sta. 128, 127.Google Scholar
Morrison, F. B. (1936). Feeds and Feeding, 20th ed.Morrison Publ. Co.Google Scholar
Mundy, H. G. (1931 a). Rhod. Agric. J. 28, no. 12.Google Scholar
Murdoch, J. C., Balch, D. A., Holdsworth, M. C. & Wood, M. (1955 a). J. Brit. Grassl. Soc. 10, 181.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Murdoch, J. C., Balch, D. A., Foot, A. S. & Rowland, S. J. (1955 b). J. Brit. Grassl. Soc. 10, 139.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stent, H. B. (19321933). Dep. Agric. Annu. Rep. N. Rhodesia, 1933, p. 14.Google Scholar
Trapnell, C. G. (1933). Dep. Agric. Annu. Rep. N. Rhodesia, 1933, p. 3.Google Scholar
Watson, S. J. (1939). Science and Practice of Conservation: Grass and Forage Grass. Fertil. Feed. St. J. 1939.Google Scholar
Watson, S. J. & Smith, A. M. (1951). Silage. London: Crosby Lockwood and Son Ltd.Google Scholar
Weinmann, H. (1948). Rhodesian Agri. J. 45, no. 2.Google Scholar
Wheeler, H. E. (1950). Forage and Pasture Crops, 1st ed.New York: D. Van Nostrand Co. Inc.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Woodman, H. E. & Amos, A., (1924). J. Agric. Sci. 14, 99, 461.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Woodman, H. E. & Amos, A. (1944). Ensilage. Bull. no. 37. Min. Agric. and Fish., London.Google Scholar
Woodward, T. E. (1944). U.S. Dept. agric. Leaflet, no. 238.Google Scholar