Enhancing livestock nutrition and resilience through napier grass management training in Bangladesh

June 24, 2025

Dr Cameron Clark from Charles Sturt University recently travelled to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, Dhaka to deliver a targeted and evidence-driven training program. The training aimed to address a key constraint in Bangladesh’s smallholder cattle production systems: the poor nutritional quality of Napier grass, which remains a staple feed for ruminants across the country.

This initiative, supported by the Crawford Fund and delivered in collaboration with Charles Sturt University (CSU), was designed to empower farmers, extension agents, and researchers with practical, research-based tools for improving feedbase management. The training program was a direct outcome of an ongoing partnership between CSU and BLRI.

“Over the past year, collaborative research demonstrated that strategic adjustments in sowing density and harvest frequency could significantly improve both the crude protein and metabolisable energy levels of Napier grass,” said Cameron.

“These enhancements directly translate into better livestock growth, improved milk yields, and greater resilience to climatic shocks,” he said.

“Recognising the essential role that women play in livestock care, the training was also tailored to support inclusive participation and knowledge application at the household level,” said Cameron.

Held over five days, the program brought together 50 participants from across Bangladesh, including farmers, early-career researchers, and livestock extension officers. Delivered bilingually in Bangla and English, the sessions provided a mix of classroom learning, field demonstrations, and group discussion. Participants engaged directly with trial plots, observed growth variations under different management regimes, and practised techniques to assess plant quality and detect toxicities.

The training included practical fieldwork where participants evaluated Napier grass under various treatments. Trainers and local researchers guided discussions on nutrient measurement, sowing practices, and timing of harvests to maximise feed quality. One session focused on understanding how these improvements can contribute to maternal and child nutrition outcomes, linking animal feed practices to broader public health goals.

“Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive,” said Cameron.

“Many participants reported a substantial increase in their understanding of feedbase dynamics and expressed confidence in implementing new management strategies immediately on their farms,” he said.

A formal action planning session was held on the final day, during which participants committed to specific follow-up activities, and BLRI also pledged to maintain support and mentorship throughout the remainder of 2025, fostering a community of practice among attendees.

The training concluded with a seminar on strengthening innovation in livestock development, titled ‘Strengthening Partnership for Innovation in Livestock Research and Development,’ organised at BLRI. This seminar was attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock including the Livestock Advisor, and highlighted the growing institutional interest in embedding improved Napier management into national strategies, with potential for expansion across other regions in South Asia.

“Following this seminar, enabled by Crawford Fund, the Bangladesh Interim Government is now also considering additional banking support for Bangladesh Livestock farmers which would be an outstanding outcome,” said Cameron.

This government support development was the subject of a local media story too.

“In addition, a high-level meeting was held at the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh to progress discussions on DFAT support for expanding this work. This engagement reflects the growing recognition of the program’s impact on climate resilience, food security, and gender equality, and aligns with broader goals for Australia–Bangladesh development cooperation,” said Cameron.

“The program has not only improved technical knowledge on the ground but also reinforced Australia’s scientific engagement with Bangladesh. It stands as a clear example of how applied research and targeted training can drive tangible development outcomes, particularly in the areas of climate adaptation, gender inclusion, and food security,” he concluded.