THE FUSE

Effective feed planning is essential for small-scale farmers seeking to reduce costs while maintaining healthy, productive livestock. Proper planning ensures animals receive balanced nutrition without overspending on commercial feeds. Farmers should assess available resources, including pasture, crop residues, and locally available feed ingredients, to create cost-efficient rations. Seasonal variations in forage availability must be considered, as supplementing during dry periods prevents weight loss and production declines. Combining high-quality forages with energy and protein supplements can optimize growth, milk production, and reproductive performance.