Promoting improved forages for increased livestock productivity in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya: A case of Kajiado, Narok and Taita Taveta county

Inadequate nutrition is a major constraint that negatively impacts the growth and viability of cattle farming in Kenya's arid semi-arid lands (ASALs). This hastened by adverse effects climate change lead to feed scarcity poor-quality feed. However, these can only be checked with use improved technologies hence need disseminate adaptation strategies technologies. In an attempt resolve situation, Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) partnership SNV Netherlands Development agencies instituted research program; Integrated & Climate Smart Innovations for Agro-Pastoralist Economies Landscapes Kenya’s (ICSIAPL) established demonstration plots across highlands lowland regions Kajiado, Narok Taita Taveta counties. paper focused on evaluating forage nutritive value its impact livestock productivity through testing changes milk yield animal acceptability selected grasses legumes were promoted. All (Brachiaria camello, Nutrifeed, Sugar graze, Foxtail, Panicum maximum var Maasai) (cowpea, dolichos lablab crotolaria) had crude protein above critical level 70kg/Dm except Sugargraze which Crude 48 kg /Dm. The test animals showed high Nutrifeed (83%) relative sugar graze (50%) recorded 33% 25% increase when fed nutrifeed respectively. highland (Bracharia cobra, Bracharia cayman, Boma rhodes, Siambaza) (Desmodium, Lucerne, purple vetch, sweet potato vines Mucuna) also quality Siambasa having 75% cobra 20%. Desmodium rate 80%.and 23% yield. results inform legume species promotes performance should thus included while feeding boost production sustainable ruminant under ASALs ecosystems.