Rwanda | Kamonyi: Bush grass is nutritious and prevents diseases- Farmers

Paulin Maniraguha, a farmer in Nkingo cell in Gacurabwenge sector

Some indoor farmers in Kamonyi district have embarked on feeding bush grass to livestock saying it prevents the animals from catching some diseases.

Jean Nepomscene Ntazinda, a veterinarian in Runda sector in Kamonyi district explains that natural grass contains nutrients that bring strength to the cows increasing milk production.

To embrace the indoor program introduced by Rwandan government, farmers started collecting bush grass so that livestock continue feeding on the same nutritious grass.

When found in the bush cutting grass, Paulin Maniraguha, a farmer in Nkingo cell in Gacurabwenge sector reveals that though farmers come to collect natural grass, they have artificial grass grown in their gardens.

“We prefer bush grass because it’s a mixture of many species some of which act as herbs to prevent diseases,” Maniraguha explains.

Maniraguha says he feeds his two cows with artificial grass in the morning and midday but gives the cows bush grass in the evening.

Runda sector veterinarian confirms bush grass is vital to cows since it contains medicine and different vitamins that gives energy to the body and increase milk production.

Indoor cattle keepers asserts that this method of farming saved them from spending much time tending to the cows in the farms, and even their children could drop out of school to rear cattle.

Indoor farming provides increased manure, reduced spread of cow diseases and reduced conflicts between neighbors due to cattle destroying crops.