Recent work on the production and utilization of tree fodder in East Africa

Abstract

Most of the work discussed in the paper is part of the Agroforestry Research Network for Africa (AFRENA). In the sub-humid highlands the most common form of livestock management is a mixture of grazing, tethering and stall feeding. In the arid and semi-arid lowlands of Kenya the normal livestock management practice is grazing. Leucaena leucocephala was a popular fodder species until it was attacked by the leucaena psyllid ( Heteropsylla cubana) to which other species like L. diversifolia, L. esculenta and L. pallida have shown some degree of tolerance. Sesbania spp. showed early promise but did not withstand intensive cutting management. In Kenya, when Calliandra calothyrsus is grown in 4:1 and 1:1 grass-legume combinations the fodder yields are higher than for pure hedgerows. Cutting C. calothyrsus 6 months before the height of the dry season gives maximum yield during that season. For dairy cows 1 kg of concentrates can be successfully replaced by 3 kg of fresh C. calothyrsus. At altitudes above 2300 m supplementation with Mimosa scabrella enabled local goats to gain 50 g day −1 compared with 31 g day −1 for grass alone. In Kenya a survey was conducted of farmers' practices and knowledge of indigenous fodder trees. Some identified popular species were Commiphora zimmermanii, Triumfetta spp., Tithonia diversifolia, Melia volkensii and Crotalaria goodiiformis. Both indigenous and exotic tree species are being fed to cattle to determine the exact parts that are consumed and to assess their nutritive value. Further research is needed on inclusion levels of tree fodder in diets, optimal management of fodder trees in the dry land farming systems and anti-nutritive factors in some tree species.