Unlocking the potential of cassava as livestock feed in Belt and Road Initiative countries
- From
-
Published on
14.05.25
- Challenges
Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a versatile root crop, has garnered attention as a feedstuff for ruminant animals in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries due to its widespread availability, adaptability, and high carbohydrate content.
In numerous BRI countries, cassava was significant in supporting livestock industries from 2018 to 2022, especially in China, Senegal, Paraguay, Nigeria and some African countries.
A new review paper in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research delves into the diverse applications of cassava as an animal feed resource, with a focus on its nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and minor components.
It also discusses innovations, potential benefits, challenges, and possible mechanisms associated with using cassava as an alternative feed source, particularly in ruminant diets.
Ben Lukuyu, a senior scientist in animal nutrition at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a co-author of the paper.
Cassava processing
The paper describes effective cassava processing techniques related to the removal of antinutrients and toxins, fibre degradation and protein enhancement, starch modification, and diet integration.
Cassava roots, leaves and hay produced by these advanced techniques improve growth performance, milk and meat quality, and body health when integrated into ruminant diets.
Additionally, cassava by-products such as peels and foliage significantly contribute to animal feed, serving as an economical and efficient resource for farmers in BRI regions.
Furthermore, the paper discusses challenges related to variability in cassava quality, environmental concerns in production, and socioeconomic conflicts between feed, food and industrial uses.
The information in this review provides practical ways for farmers to use cassava as ruminant feed, promote the application of more advanced technologies in cassava feeding, formulate national agricultural policies along the BRI regions, and contribute towards global feed security.
Citation
Hossain, M.D., Yan, Q., Zhou, Z., Zhang, X., Wittayakun, S., Napasirth, V., Napasirth, P., Lukuyu, B.A. and Tan, Z. 2025. Cassava as a feedstuff for ruminant feeding system in Belt and Road countries: innovations, benefits and challenges. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 21: 101874.
Photo: High-quality cassava peel production (ILRI/Folusho Onifade)