Research Methodology for Livestock On-Farm Trials: Proceedings of a workshop

Abstract

This document contains 12 studies describing methods used in the conduct of livestock on-farm trials (LOFTs), primarily in the Middle East/Africa regions. Also presented are five methodological summaries that reflect on the main issues covered in the 12 studies and discussed at the LOFT workshop: (a) definition of research problems, (b) trial design for on-farm experimentation, (c) levels of farmer participation, (d) criteria for evaluation, and (e) future directions for LOFTs. The 40 authors and coauthors have worked in multidisciplinary teams as social and biological scientists conducting livestock research in direct cooperation with farmers. Animal classes (sheep, goats, beef, and dairy) and modes of production (farm, feedlot, and open range) differed across the studies, but all emphasized research methods used to test new technologies through LOFTs. There was consensus that LOFTs will never replace laboratory and on-station livestock research. Rather, LOFT is a complementary research mode that may be used to best advantage where questions revolve around livestock interactions with particular farming environments or on the acceptability of new livestock technologies by farmers.