In vitro and In sacco Dry Matter Degradability of Some Indigenous Multi-Purpose Fodder Trees of Wolayta Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The major limiting factor among others for livestock production is nutrition both in terms of quantity and quality in tropics. To curb the problem of feed availability, use of indigenous multipurpose fodder trees would be regarded as good option. The objective of this study was to estimate the in-vitro and in-sacco DM degradability of selected indigenous MPFTs in 3 districts of Wolayta Zone. Samples were collected from the field and analysed in the laboratory and fistulated animal at Holeta Agricutural research center. The five MPFT species taken for estimation of invitro and insacco DM degradability were E. brucei, V. amygalina, E. cymosa, C. africana and D. abyssinica. The in-vitro DM degradability of the five selected MPFT species were generally high and ranges 37-54%, and was lower (P E. cymosa > V. amygdalina > E. brucei > C. Africana. It can be concluded that the indigenous MPFT species with high in-vitro and in-sacco DM degradability can be supplementary to poor quality roughages to fill the gap especially in dry season.