Low Cost Feeds and Feeding Methods for Livestock

There are many indigenous fixtures derived from the use of light materials and recyclable industry wastes. These fixtures are commonly used by farmers in livestock and poultry production. Bamboo and used tires are common materials for the purpose. Usually these are used as feed and water troughs, or containers for storage.

Bamboo used in feed or water troughs for chickens is cut into a length of 2-3 ft. It is then split in half. Internode divisions are removed except at each end (Fig. 1). Several troughs are prepared and placed in strategic sites in the shed so that more birds can have access. To secure the troughs horizontally, they are nailed to flat wooden planks.

Used tires are also used as troughs and storage vessels for feed and water (Fig. 1). There are various designs depending on their use. As a feed or water trough for chickens, ducks or turkeys, swine, goats or sheep,
the exterior rubber tire is simply cut into half sidewise or crosswise.

When the rubber tire is used for the same purpose for cattle or carabao, it is cut lengthwise. Part of the middle portion of the tube is sliced to widen the opening of the receptacle.

The receptacle is anchored on a stand or hung by a rope to be more stable. As storage for feeds and water, rubber tires are also fabricated into bins or large jars.

Uses and Merits

The use of bamboo and used tires is considered very practical, since these are commonly available. Use of old tires encourages the recycling of waste materials. In terms of cost, they are relatively cheap.

Reservations on Its Use

Bamboo stems used as feed and water troughs need to be cleaned regularly, as molds and algae easily grow in them. Also, if the troughs are not stable enough or relatively shallow, problems of spillage and wastage occur. The use of rubber troughs would require periodic replenishment of feeds or water, since the capacity is limited. Considerable skill is needed to make old tires into storage bins for feed or water.

Expert’s Comments

The use of bamboo and old tires as feed and water troughs is recommended for smallhold livestock and poultry operations. Used as storage for feeds, rubber tires are very practical. Such bins can also be used for trash.

Wooden Feeding Trough for Pigs

• Location: Burirum Province, Thailand

Technical Description

Pieces of timber are hollowed out into wooden troughs (Fig. 2). These are placed on the ground and filled with pig feed.

Background

In the old days, when native pigs were usually fed with wet feed, such troughs were in common use.

Reservations on Its Use

The trough should be cleaned out every day.

Expert’s Comments

A wide-based feeding trough would be most suitable, since pigs tend to nuzzle the trough while they are feeding.

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