Feed Database and Ration Optimization

Overview

The project is a data-driven decision support effort that optimizes livestock production in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) using locally available feed to improve farm profitability and reduce methane emission intensity. Economic growth in low- and middle-income countries has shifted food consumption patterns to incorporate more livestock products, including meat, dairy products, and eggs. Meeting such demand at current production efficiencies will substantially increase methane production and the required area for livestock production. Since methane has >80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, improving production efficiencies is critical to reduce methane emission intensity and protect fragile smallholder production systems. The project, currently implemented across 16 countries in Asia and Africa, focuses mainly on Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. Technical support comes from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Africa.

The project has four main elements. 

1. National Feed Databases. Partners will be equipped with field-ready tools and protocols to evaluate the nutritional value of local feeds, with data captured in each country's central database. 
2. Feed Ration Optimization Tool. These decision-support tools provide feed ration formulation options to optimize livestock production based on local breeds, conditions, and feeds. 
3. An Interactive Platform. The easy-to-use and access digital platform will allow users in the field to access the information needed to simulate alternatives and optimize production based on regionally available feed. 
4. Outreach. Educational activities will strengthen impact by supporting the adoption of the nutrition decision-support tool and identifying and addressing barriers that preclude good feeding practices.
    

Expected outcomes

Through the Project’s Digital platform, the project will: 

1. Provide local stakeholders with standardized  and precise data on the nutritional value of forages; 
2. Improve the capacity of countries to test the nutritional value of feeds locally;
3. Assess production gains, and; 
4. Have a methane accounting system that estimates methane emissions based on diets recommended vs. traditional diets.