Determination of the best forage production period for cattle farming in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the best forage production period for cattle farming in the Adamawa (Cameroon). Data were collected on-farm using diachronic observations of cattle herd and pasture for 24 months. These data, analysed with descriptive and Duncan statistics, permitted to show that the period from May to November was the best period. This period was characterized by many factors such as relatively high average monthly forage quality in the pastures with 5.89% crude protein, 9.21% minerals and 32.90% crude cellulose against 3.53%, 7.42% and 36.14%
respectively in the dry season. There was also a continuous increase in animal performances (average monthly weight gain of 12.66 kg against an average weight loss of 10.73 kg in the dry season, and an average monthly calving rate of 3.82% against 1.86% in the dry season). It was
found that the increase in animal performances, compared to the dry season, was equivalent to an economic gain of 289,562,859,416 FCFA (that is, 443,607,418 euros) per year. The best period, so delimited, could serve as a decision making tool for livestock sector improvement in the Adamawa region and even Cameroon and other countries with similar climatic conditions and livestock farming systems.

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Keywords: decision making tool, diachronic observation, high forage quality, cattle performance, economic gain