As a research project, no direct economic impact was projected. The findings will be used in the design and implementation of future oilseed processing projects that promote seedcake use as an animal feed. Progress Report Research component condensed. The research phase of this project, which originally was to be conducted in Tanzania, was consolidated to reduce costs and simplify logistics. As a result, all of the feeding trials took place in Zimbabwe.
Local technicians learn methane monitoring techniques.
An EnterpriseWorks consultant trained technicians at the Henderson Research Station and University of Zimbabwe in ruminant methane monitoring methods. This portable monitoring technology is relatively new in the United States and had only been tested in India prior to this project. Cattle trials show seedcake diet can improve beef production. Feeding trials with beef cattle examined the costs, productivity gains, and methane production associated with feeding various mixes of sunflower seedcake and maize rations compared to typical fodder. The trials found that cattle farmers benefit from feeding their cattle seedcake in two ways.