PROGRESS REPORT OF ASAL/APRP PROJECTS IN KALRO MARIAKANI

AS ON 10^TH NOVEMBER 2015

The Centre has two projects under ASAL/APRP Programme;

Ø   Beef value chain grazing trial using pasture/legume mixers

Ø  National Performance Trial for pasture grasses and forage sorghums(NPT)

Beef value chain grazing trial:

The process of hay baling started in the month of September, 2015. All the 18 plots of pasture/legume mixtures were mowed and hay baled. A total of 600 bales were made from these plots. The hay was preserved in the newly constructed hay barn. This was done in expectation of the short rains so that the fresh regrowth can be used in the grazing trial. Digging of fencing holes was also completed and fencing started. Once fencing is completed, gate entrances will be made so as to contain the experimental steers in their respective paddocks. Fencing is nearing completion. It is now raining and the pasture/legume mixture regrowth is good. Before experimental animals are put in their respective paddocks, watering facilities will be installed.

Harvesting X-Tozi seed in the pasture               threshing harvested X-Tozi Rhodes seed

Legume mixers plots

                Debucking fencing posts                                    treating fencing posts for fencing grazing trial