about

'SSA Feeds' is a web-based software and database that provides information on the nutritive value of 14,571 samples of 459 livestock feeds from 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The samples were analysed at the Animal Nutrition Laboratory of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The purpose of putting both the database and the software to access it in the public domain is to enable extension, development and research agents to design scientifically-based and best-cost rations for meat, dairy and draught animals of small-scale African farmers. As their livestock assets are healthier and better nourished, these farmers become more food-secure and are able to increase their income from animal products.

With the support of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards (PSP) and Livestock and Meat Marketing Program (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station) in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research and the International Livestock Research Institute will improve the feed analytical capacity and feed information to support livestock development in Ethiopia and will enhance 'SSA Feeds'.

Caution: It has recently come to light that the Metabolizable Energy values in the SSA Feeds database appear to be higher than expected. These values were predicted from IVDMD values and the method of prediction is currently under investigation. In the meantime please exercise caution in the use of the ME data. Alan Duncan 1/7/09