Traditional methods of raising livestock require farmers to have vast lands for grazing the animals. However, unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged drought, and population growth have left farmers struggling for space to feed their animals.
Farmers in the rural areas have now resorted to controlled grazing and those in the urban areas to zero grazing. Many farmers do not record exactly how much they use when raising their livestock. These factors combined have led to an increase in production costs putting farmers in a loss-making position.
For any business to thrive and be profitable, individuals or companies should always look for innovative ways of cutting input costs to a minimal basis. Dejectedly, many farmers spent lots of money on livestock feeds like pellets and silage in times of scarcity, taking a toll on their pockets.
What is Grass farming?
Growing your grasses for livestock is one of those innovative ways. It not only cuts input costs but also improves livestock production and the overall profitability of a farm. To some of you, growing grasses is likely new. In this article today I shall throw light on grass farming and the most profitable grass to grow for both a farmer and young entrepreneurs looking for opportunity.
The growing of highly nutritious grass for livestock feed throughout the year. Done by applying all proper agricultural practices like weeding and fertilizer application as a crop. Known as Grass farming, researchers in this field are interested in solving the shortage of feed. By providing substitute feed that is resistant to dry weather and capable of production throughout the year.
What are the conditions that favor growing grass?
There is main two types of methods for growing grass. These are hydroponics(soilless agriculture) and intensive fodder gardens. Intensive Fodder Gardening is the pivot of this article. I will be exploring it as a business and innovative approach to fodder scarcity.
Growing high-quality fodder for livestock requires the right conditions to ensure optimal growth and nutrition. Here are the best conditions for growing fodder:
1. Climate & Temperature
- Ideal Temperature: 18-30°C (64-86°F) is best for most fodder crops.
- Rainfall: 600-1200 mm per year, though some drought-resistant varieties need less.
- Humidity: Moderate humidity levels help prevent fungal diseases.
2. Soil Requirements
- Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soils are ideal. Like Napier grass.
- Soil pH: 5.5-7.5 for most fodder crops.
- Fertility: High organic matter and balanced nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium).
- Drainage: Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
3. Watering & Irrigation
- Consistent moisture is essential, especially during germination and early growth.
- Use drip or sprinkler irrigation for water efficiency.
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal infections.
4. Sunlight
- Most fodder crops require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Shade-tolerant varieties like Napier grass can still grow with sunlight.
5. Seed Selection & Growth Cycle
- Choose high-yield and fast-growing varieties such as:
- Maize, Sorghum, Napier Grass, Alfalfa, Oats, Barley, Rhodes Grass
- Consider hydroponic fodder (barley, wheat, maize) for quick turnaround (6-10 days).
6. Fertilization & Weed Control
- Use organic manure or compost for sustainable growth.
- Apply Nitrogen (N) for leafy growth and Phosphorus (P) for root development.
- Regular weeding prevents competition for nutrients and water.
7. Pests & Disease Management
- Common pests: Aphids, armyworms, and grasshoppers. Use natural pesticides or crop rotation.
- Diseases: Fungal infections (rust, mildew). Avoid overcrowding and ensure proper drainage.
The types of grasses grown for fodder
Here are five high-yield fodder grasses that are excellent for livestock feeding:
- Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) – Fast-growing, high protein content, and drought-tolerant. Best for dairy cattle.
- Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus) – Highly nutritious, regenerates quickly after cutting, and thrives in tropical climates.
- Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana) – Drought-resistant, high in fiber, and great for grazing or haymaking.
- Sudan Grass (Sorghum Sudanese) – Quick-growing, excellent for silage, and provides high energy.
- Brachiaria Grass (Brachiaria spp.) – Improves soil fertility, has high digestibility, and is ideal for both grazing and cut-and-carry feeding.
How to step up a grass farm
Hydroponics method is soilless and produces fresh fodder in only 4 days. The fodder grows in a highly controlled environment. read more on hydroponics.
In the Intensive Fodder gardening method the land is prepared normally, like for any other crop. Napier /elephant grass planting is what I talk about today, Because of the opportunity and potential it possesses.
It is propagated by stem cuttings just like cassava. In two to three months its roots are firm enough in the soil and now the leaves can be harvested for fodder.
Key nutritional components of Super Napier grass are Crude protein (16-18%), Crude fiber (Moderate level), Dry matter ( 20%) Minerals (Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium) Vitamins (Vitamin A, B complex, C, E, K)
Super Napier grass silage production is a good way of preserving the grass for use during periods of feed scarcity. Fodder trees and shrubs such as Calliandra and Mexican sunflower or leguminous forage legumes such as Lablab should be wilted and mixed with Napier grass to improve the protein content of Napier grass silage. The level of inclusion of leguminous forages should not exceed 30 percent.
Furthermore, other types of Napier grass include The Giant Juncao grass technology originates from China, and Kenya is now among the 108 countries with the grass species thanks to Liu, who introduced it in 2021. “Jun” means fungi or mushroom and “Cao” means grass. Giant Juncao grass is a hybrid of the African elephant grass and the bamboo plant (Pennisetum purpureum x P. typhoideum). The outcome of these crossings is new hybrid varieties that have a deep-rooted system that supports fast growth, drought resistance, and high nutrient content.
How the Grass Pelletizing Process
- Chopping: Chop wilted Napier grass fodder into pieces of about 5 cm in length using a motorized forage chopper.
- Drying: The moisture content of freshly harvested elephant grass is as high as 70%-75% which needs to be reduced to around 10% to get ready for the pelletizing and ensure a better quality. In this process, a solar dryer can be used to dry chopped elephant grass.
- Crushing: Crush into small pieces with a size no longer than the diameter of the die-holes of biomass pellet mills. The widely used crushing machine is a hammer mill. It is noted if the farmer’s target product is a feed pellet. In this process, you can add some other nutrients, such as leguminous forages, molasses, processed poultry litter proteins, etc. depending on your requirement. Mix them up with a mixer.
- Pelletizing: Pelletizing directly influences the quality of pellets. Given the same raw material conditions, better-quality pellets can be produced by high-quality pellet mills. The most popular and cost-effective elephant grass pellet-making machine is the Flat Die Pellet Mill or Ring Die Pellet Mill.
- Drying: The wet pellets can be dried in a simple solar dryer.
- Packing: After drying the pellets are packed according to your requirement.
Why should a farmer grow grass?
Growing fodder grass offers numerous advantages for livestock farmers, from economic savings to improved animal nutrition. Here are some key benefits:
1. Economic Advantages
- Cost-Effective Feed Production: Growing fodder on-farm reduces dependence on commercial feeds, lowering overall feed costs.
- High Biomass Yield: Fodder grasses often produce large amounts of biomass in a short period, providing a consistent supply of feed throughout the year.
- Resource Efficiency: Many fodder grasses require less water and fertilizers compared to traditional feed crops, further cutting production costs.
2. Nutritional Benefits
- Balanced Nutrition: Fodder grasses typically offer a good mix of proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, essential for maintaining healthy livestock.
- Improved Digestibility: The fibrous content aids in proper digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall animal health.
- Consistent Quality: Controlled growing conditions can ensure a steady nutritional profile, which is crucial for optimizing livestock production, whether for milk or meat.
3. Environmental Benefits
- Soil Conservation: Fodder grasses help prevent soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and improve soil fertility through their extensive root systems.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: On-site fodder production minimizes the need for transportation and packaging, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable Land Use: Integrating fodder crops into farming systems can promote crop rotation and reduce the pressure on arable land.
4. Sustainability and Management
- Rapid Growth Cycle: Many fodder grasses have fast turnaround times (some even within a week or two), allowing for multiple harvests in a growing season.
- Year-Round Availability: With proper management and irrigation, fodder grasses can provide a continuous feed supply, helping to buffer against seasonal shortages.
- Pest and Disease Management: Many fodder grasses are naturally resilient, reducing the need for chemical interventions and promoting a more organic approach to farming.
5. Animal Health and Productivity
- Enhanced Production: Providing high-quality, nutritious fodder can improve milk yield, meat production, and overall animal vitality.
- Better Weight Gain: A nutrient-rich diet supports faster and healthier weight gain in livestock, contributing to improved market value.
- Disease Resistance: Good nutrition from quality fodder strengthens the immune system of livestock, reducing the risk of diseases.
Case study
I estimate that Ugandan farmers have planted over 5,000 hectares of Super Napier grass, using it to produce high-quality fodder and generate income through the sale of cuttings and silage A farmer in Wakiso district reported that from 2018 to June 2023, he sold over 40,000 sacs of Super Napier grass cuttings at Ushs 30,000 (USD 8.2) per sac. One sac contains 280-350 cuttings. He sells the cuttings to dairy farmers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He has established about 10 ha of Super Napier grass.
In the arid and semi-arid landscapes of Kenya, dairy farmers have long grappled with the challenge of feed and fodder scarcity. The quest for sustainable solutions has led to a remarkable transformation at WILDA Farm, located in Njoro, Nakuru. Amidst extreme weather fluctuations and limited precipitation, this pioneering farm is proving that regenerative agriculture practices and innovative Napier grass varieties hold the key to dairy excellence and climate resilience. Juncao grass has revolutionized animal husbandry in Kenya’s semi-arid outposts, guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply of nutritious fodder to herders and subsistence farmers.
Inconclusion.
Inconclusion, the future of livestock feed is poised to transform through the strategic cultivation of nutrient-rich grass, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that maximizes yield while enhancing animal health. By integrating modern agronomic techniques, precision irrigation, and innovative fertilization methods, farmers can produce high-quality fodder that not only meets the nutritional demands of livestock but also promotes environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. This forward-thinking approach not only reduces reliance on conventional commercial feeds but also sets the stage for a resilient agricultural system capable of thriving amid the challenges of a changing climate and growing global demand.
For young entrepreneurs, this can be an opportunity to earn extra fast income as grasses can be sold.
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It’s so educative and it provides knowledge that is required by the farmers in rural areas