Assessment of Dairy Cattle Feeding Practices and Their Impact on Milk Production in Amani Division, Muheza District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed dairy cattle feeding practices and their impact on milk production in Amani Division, Muheza District, Tanzania, using a cross-sectional design with 40 dairy farmers. Key findings revealed that feed shortages, water scarcity, and climatic conditions significantly hinder sustainable milk production. Shrinking rangeland due to population growth exacerbates feed scarcity, particularly during the dry season. Most farmers employed intensive feeding practices, relying on natural and improved pastures, with banana stems and sugarcane used as alternative feeds during shortages. Annual milk production varied (1500-5500 liters/cow), influenced by feeding practices, water availability, and access to resources. Challenges to adopting improved feeding practices included limited knowledge, education, land size, and access to extension and credit services. The study underscores the urgent need for improved feed resource management and climate-resilient strategies. Recommendations include training farmers on land use planning for optimized pasture and forage production, especially during the rainy season, to ensure year-round feed availability and consistent milk production. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming in the region. Future research should explore specific interventions to improve forage production and develop context-specific feed management strategies. This study assessed dairy cattle feeding practices and their impact on milk production in Amani Division, Muheza District, Tanzania, using a cross-sectional design with 40 dairy farmers. Key findings revealed that feed shortages, water scarcity, and climatic conditions significantly hinder sustainable milk production. Shrinking rangeland due to population growth exacerbates feed scarcity, particularly during the dry season. Most farmers employed intensive feeding practices, relying on natural and improved pastures, with banana stems and sugarcane used as alternative feeds during shortages. Annual milk production varied (1500-5500 liters/cow), influenced by feeding practices, water availability, and access to resources. Challenges to adopting improved feeding practices included limited knowledge, education, land size, and access to extension and credit services. The study underscores the urgent need for improved feed resource management and climate-resilient strategies. Recommendations include training farmers on land use planning for optimized pasture and forage production, especially during the rainy season, to ensure year-round feed availability and consistent milk production. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming in the region. Future research should explore specific interventions to improve forage production and develop context-specific feed management strategies.