Files
Abstract
The Sugarcane Feeds Centre in Trinidad has shown that, particularly where animal effluent is recycled, whole sugarcane can be used in intensive ruminant production. It is fed, either freshly chopped, or ensiled, at varying levels to animals of different ages and physiological states. It can overcome the seasonal fodder shortage experienced throughout the region. Leucaena is a good protein source to use with sugarcane. Five years ago, the supplements used to nutritionally balance sugarcane diets were imported. These have been almost entirely replaced by local crop residues and by-products, reducing feed costs and increasing local economic linkages without affecting animal performance. New processing plants provide wastes from passion fruit, sorrel, cassava and breadfruit, for use as animal feeds. This benefit from crop diversification is often over-looked. As local production and processing for human consumption increases, so also will the availability of by-products for animal production. (Editor's summary).