Evaluation of cattle finishing systems and availability of animal feedstuffs in Magu and Ilemela districts, Mwanza Region

Masters DissertaionA study was carried out in Magu and Ilemela districts in Mwanza region to characterize cattle finishing systems and identify the factors limiting cattle growth performance. A total of 120 agro pastoralists and 30 cattle finishing entrepreneurs were interviewed using questionnaires. Seven focus group discussions were also performed. In addition, monitoring study on cattle growth performance was done for 56 days on a total of 105 cattle, of which body weight gain of cattle was measured fortnightly. Forages and concentrates used by farmers were collected and subjected into chemical analysis and in vitro dry matter digestibility estimated. The identified cattle finishing systems were grazing alone (GrazAlo), grazing with concentrate supplementation (GrazSup) and feedloting. Cattle under GrazAlo showed lower (P