Livestock Research
Development of Smallholder Livestock Management Practices and Breeds
NARI’s role in smallholder livestock research is focusing on the smallholder level to improve production. This includes assessing and identifying problem areas for research and to provide solutions for the enhancement of livestock productivity.
At HAHP, current livestock activities are sheep breeding and research, pastures and fodder collection for sheep and goat, poultry feeding and rabbit management. Other activities to start include goat, cattle, Australorp chicken and improved sweet potato feeds for pigs.
Sheep breeding
Breeding of sheep is aimed at increasing
the flock on station and the genetic improvement of sheep. The aim is to improve genetic
material by crossing with breeds having desired characteristics.
NARI Tambul is replacing male breeders to the flock routinely where necessary and has four rams servicing the breeding herds at the mating season. The lambing rate per lamb is between 80-95%. Sheep distribution from Tambul is an ongoing activity.
Rabbit breeding and management
Rabbits were introduced at Tambul in March 2003. Rabbits prefer green leaves like cabbage, Kikuku grass, clover, broccoli leaves, cauliflower leaves, sweet potato leaves and tubers and beans leaves – compared to commercial broiler finisher. They are adapting well to the high altitude region, and many of them have been distributed to farmers over the last few years.
Other activities
Sheep and Goat Survey
This survey has been undertaken to improve knowledge on socio-economic and animal husbandry practices in sheep and goat farming. Trials are also carried out on comparing the egg-laying performance of poultry strains in a bid to improve poultry strains for village egg production.
Development of Livestock Feeds
Objective
To develop local livestock feed formulations to reduce cost of livestock production.
Outcome
Increased income and general socio-economic welfare of farmers.
| Activities | Outcomes |
| Millrun supplement of sheep and goats | Information collected and analysed on millrun as supplementary feed |
| Rabbit pellets for broiler chickens and Muscovy ducks | Information collected and analysed on rabbit pellets as finisher for broiler chicken |
| High fibre diets for broiler chickens | Improved knowledge on high fibre diets for broiler chickens |
| Supplementary feeding of scavenging chickens | Improved knowledge on production of village chicken. |
For further information, Contact
NARI High Altitude Highlands Programme
P.O Box 120, MT HAGEN
Western Highlands Province
Papua New Guinea
Phone: (675) 542 3443
Fax: (675) 542 2779
Email: narihahp@nari.org.pg