10 practical Lessons I Learned During My Experience in Integrated Livestock Production

As many of you know, some time ago, I managed an integrated livestock project aimed at demonstrating that livestock production can be sustainable and viable if conducted in an integrated manner.

During my journey, I experienced numerous ups and downs, successes, and failures, and I'm here to share some of the lessons I learned from that experience. But before we get into those lessons, let's briefly explore integrated livestock production.

So, what does the word ?”integrated” mean?

Basically, it's about connecting all the dots. Imagine everything your cattle needs as different parts of a puzzle: food, water, medication, shelter, and so on. Now, if we bring all these pieces together into one system, that is what we call integrated livestock production. It's like creating an ecosystem where everything supports each other.

The goal is to maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

In an integrated system, nothing goes to waste; everything is utilized, reused, or recycled, creating a closed ecosystem.

For example, in our integrated system, we established some components including feedlot (for bull fattening), breeding (for improvement of genetic potentials of indigenous breeds), dairy production (for production of milk), pasture production, compost production, feed & fodder bank, biogas, a simple irrigation system, and others.

These components are integrated with one another such that the output of one component serves as input for another. Essentially they all work together seamlessly.

In the system, crop residues/by-products are used as feed for cattle, reducing waste and providing nutrients. The dung produced by the cattle is converted to compost to fertilize the pastures and crops, minimizing the need for synthetic fertilizers. The pasture production unit provides grass for the cows, while the feed and fodder bank unit produces silage and hay for the dry season. Furthermore, the simple irrigation system ensures water is available all year round, and also, the biogas component utilizes dung to produce biogas, serving as an energy source for the entire farm.

Now, onto the lessons learned:

1.???? Engage Stakeholders: Engage stakeholders early and continuously throughout your project to ensure alignment and support. This helps prevent any project sabotage and fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among all involved parties. I vividly recall a time when we tried to introduce a concept to the market. However, due to our oversight in adequately involving stakeholders from the onset, the initiative faced strong opposition. Their lack of buy-in and support resulted in collective sabotage.

2.???? Proper Planning: If it takes you months to adequately plan, by all means, do it! Thorough planning is crucial for success in this kind of venture, from initial design to execution, to management and to delivery. This will help streamline processes, minimize risks, and ensure resources are allocated effectively, leading to more efficient operations and greater chances of success.

3.???? Proper Project Management: Incorporating proper project management practices is essential for ensuring the success of your project. This includes defining clear objectives, establishing a realistic timeline and budget, allocating resources effectively, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems. This will lead to more efficient operations and greater chances of success.

4.???? Beware of scope creep*: Stay focused on the project's objectives to avoid unnecessary complexity. Remember, your goal is sustainability and profitability, not boosting your ego with unnecessary additions. You don’t have to do it all. Begin by identifying specific needs and resources. Then implement the most suitable components gradually and continuously monitor their performance to optimize productivity and sustainability. Remember to keep your eye on the Return on Investment. There is no return on ego.

*Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion or addition of new features, requirements, or tasks to a project beyond its original scope, often without proper authorization or assessment of the impacts on time, budget, and resources.

5.???? Start Small and Scale Gradually: Begin with manageable components and scale up as you gain experience and resources. This approach allows for easier management, reduces the risk of failure, and allows you to refine your methods before expanding.

6.???? Site-Specific Feed: Tailor feed sources to the specific conditions and resources available at your project site for optimal nutrition and cost-effectiveness. This ensures that your cattle receive the best possible diet tailored to their needs, maximizing health and productivity while minimizing costs.

7.???? Integrate Sustainability: This is 2024. If you are not integrating sustainability into your projects, you are wrong! Ensure sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the project, from production methods to resource management. By incorporating sustainable practices, you not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance long-term viability and resilience.

8.???? Strict Monitoring Systems: Implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems to track performance and identify areas for improvement. This allows for timely adjustments, helps maintain quality standards, and ensures efficient resource utilization.

9.???? Competent Managers: Invest in skilled and knowledgeable managers who can oversee the complex operations of an integrated system effectively. Competent managers provide strong leadership, make informed decisions, and effectively manage resources, contributing to overall success and sustainability.

10.? Utilize All Wastes: As much as possible, make use of all waste products within the system, turning them into valuable resources. This will help you optimize the overall productivity and sustainability of your production system.

Now that we've explored these lessons from integrated livestock production, I'm curious, can you think of any other components that could be integrated into a livestock production system? What other benefits can you add to this list? I'd love to hear your thoughts, experience, and ideas in the comments below!

Also,?If you're considering venturing into integrated livestock production or have any questions about getting started, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always here to help!

Latifah is an Agribusiness professional with a strong foundation in agribusiness management and a passion for driving positive change, Latifah is dedicated to creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in Nigeria.