Among the innovative livestock feeds showcased at the Makueni Agricultural Show 2026 was Horse Tail Grass (Chloris roxburghiana), a resilient forage grass that is attracting the attention of livestock farmers across Kenya's drylands. Displayed under the KALRO ICSIAPL Project in partnership with SNV, the grass was presented as a sustainable solution to recurring livestock feed shortages caused by prolonged drought.
Horse Tail Grass is propagated through seeds and is planted at a spacing of 50 cm by 50 cm, allowing the plants to establish strong root systems and produce abundant forage. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to thrive in semi-arid conditions, making it an ideal pasture for counties such as Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, and other dry regions where conventional grasses struggle to survive.
The forage contains 6–16 percent crude protein, providing valuable nutrients required for healthy livestock growth, milk production, and improved body condition. Under good management, the grass can produce an impressive 4–9 tonnes of dry matter per hectare, ensuring farmers have a reliable source of fodder even during dry seasons.
Experts at the exhibition explained that Horse Tail Grass can be harvested for hay, grazed directly by cattle, goats, and sheep, or conserved for use during periods of feed scarcity. Its deep root system also helps reduce soil erosion while improving soil structure and conserving moisture.
As climate change continues to affect agricultural production, drought-tolerant forages like Horse Tail Grass are becoming increasingly important. By investing in improved pasture species, farmers can reduce feeding costs, enhance livestock productivity, and build resilience against unpredictable weather.
The Makueni Agricultural Show highlighted Horse Tail Grass as more than just another pasture—it is a climate-smart innovation that promises a brighter future for livestock farming in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands.
