Fodder Species Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Physiological Growth Parameters of Perennial Fodder Crops in Custard Apple Based Horti-Pastoral System

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management practices on perennial fodders within a custard apple based horti-pastoral system during the Rabi season of 2021 at the Agroforestry Research Block of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The study featured two main plots dedicated to the fodder species Cenchurus ciliaris (Anjan grass) and Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass), while six nutrient management practices along with a control were implemented as sub plots in a split-plot design. Results revealed that M. maximus has recorded significantly higher Physiological growth parameters viz., CGR, RGR at different growth stages in first cut. Among the integrated nutrient management practices, higher CGR values were recorded at 45 DAI with the application of75% RDN + 25% N through PGLM (13.47 g m-2 day-1) which was on par with –the application of 75% RDN + 25% N Through PM (12.78 g m-2 day-1) and RGR found non-significant. The experiment concludes that M. maximus found best for horti-pastoral system with PGLM or PM supplemental nutrient management.

Morphological Variations and Germination Behaviour of Seeds of Four Fodder Tree Species

The study was conducted for the morphological and germination behavior of four fodder tree species viz., Gmelina arborea, Sesbania grandiflora, Moringa oleifera and Bauhinia purpurea under nursery conditions. The experiment was carried out at the nursery of the ICFRE Eco-Rehabilitation, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during April 2021 and different germination parameters viz., germination percent, survival percent, germination capacity, germination energy, vigour index, mean daily germination and mean germination time along with seed morphological parameters were studied in four replications. The highest seed length and width was recorded in B. purpurea (17.57 mm ± 2.79) and (13.38 mm ± 1.95) respectively, seed thickness in M. oleifera (10.92 mm ±1.39), the highest seed weight was recorded in G. arborea (65.95 gm ± 0.79). Seeds of S. grandiflora recorded highest germination percent (83.42%), seedling vigour index (762.30), mean daily germination (6.41) and germination index (66.11), highest seed germination capacity value (84.90%), seed germination value (52.50%), highest survival of seedling value (96.16 %) among three other fodder species despite being the smallest seed size. Such an investigation may help in developing conservation strategies in nursery conditions and fodder availability during lean period.

Evaluation of minerals, trace elements, and antinutritional factors in selected legume fodder species (Fabaceae) with the potential to improve cattle nutrition and gastrointestinal health

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition, trace elements and anti-nutritional factors of fodder species belonging to the family Fabaceae potentially used as an alternative feed for cattle. The proximate composition, particularly dry matter, moisture, fats, crude proteins (CP), carbohydrates, crude fibre (CF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), were analysed, thereby, nonfibre carbohydrate (NFC) and gross energy (GE) were calculated. Thirty-three trace elements were determined from chemically digested dried plant material using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-OES (ICP-Optical Emission Spectrophotometry). The tannin levels, a known antinutritional factor, were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu method. The methods were validated by the relative standard deviation (RSD) values and acceptable recovery percentage, linearity, limit of quantification (LoQ), and limit of detection (LoD). The proximate composition analysis estimated levels of dry matter (> 90 %), ash (3.77–26.98 %), crude proteins (8.22–22.19 %), carbohydrates (54.00–86.79 %), crude fibre (10.54–40.10 %), NDF (22.26–59.20 %) and GE (< 100 Kcal kg−1 DM) in leguminous species. Essential elements were detected in recommended levels including Zn (21.20–50.30 mg/kg), Co (0.06–0.045 mg kg), Cr (0.5–5.08 mg kg−1), Mn (9.02–197 mg kg−1), Mg (0.10–0.52 mg kg−1), Fe (42.40–812 mg kg−1) and Na (72.00–1721 mg kg−1). The concentration of toxic elements was below critical levels and tannin occurred at a safe level (< 50 mgTAE kg−1) for ruminant consumption. Therefore, the selected fodder can effectively contribute to cattle dietary requirements for smallscale farmers in Onderstepoort, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Effect of harvest timing and plant parts on the nutritional and chemical profile of five potential fodder plants found in eastern coast of United Arab Emirates.

Selecting highly nutritive fodder plants in arid regions can be a key to improving the livestock productivity. This work explores the variation in nutritive value of the leaves, stem, and shoots of five potential fodder plants of the Emirates of Fujairah, Erucaria hispanica, Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Convolvulus virgatus, Teucrium stocksianum, and Cleome Ibrachycarpa. influenced by two weather conditions, winter and spring. The plant samples underwent mineral composition, proximate, phytochemical, and heavy metals and two-way ANOVA. Weather data were accessed from National Center of Meteorology (NCM). Our findings reveal significant influences of collection time and species on nutritive content. Shoots collected in March exhibited higher ash (6.167%), crude protein (11.9%), crude fiber (14.89%), dry matter (45.86%), and total digestive nutrients (TDS) (48.35%), with lower tannin (5.11%) compared to January. Conversely, January-collected shoots had greater total sugar content (1.28g/100g). Plant organs played a crucial role, with leaves surpassing stems in Mg, P, Ca, K, Na, Mn, Zn, and Ni. Leaves also showed higher crude protein (23.33%), dry matter (92.26%), total ash (4.8%), and TDS (87.58%) compared to stems, while stems exhibited elevated crude fiber (17.45%) and tannin (4.53%). There is a need to assess the bioactive compounds found in these fodder species for the enhancement its effective use and maximize browsing of these species.

Diversity and Carbon Storage in Fodder Trees of the Lower and Middle Ouémé Valley, Benin: Ecological and Pastoral Sustainability

This study examines the species composition and carbon stock of fodder trees within the Lower and Middle Ouémé Valley (LMOV), highlighting the key role these species play in pastoral ecosystems and carbon sequestration. A total of 22 species were identified, with Leguminosae dominating at 36%. Noteworthy six species such as M. inermis, L. sericeus, P. santalinoides D. oliveri, P. erinaceus, and A. leiocarpa exhibited the highest Importance Value Index (IVI), signifying their importance in local pastoral practices. Our research utilized nondestructive allometric equations to estimate both above and belowground biomass, further assessing the effects of soil and climatic variables on carbon stocks. The carbon stock varied significantly with vegetation type, influenced predominantly by the density and basal area per hectare. Additionally, the study validated the positive correlation between species richness and carbon storage capacity, supporting the role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem resilience. Significant findings from regression models indicated that climate variables generally increased carbon stock, whereas certain soil parameters reduced it. This study underscores the necessity of conserving diverse fodder species to support sustainable pastoralism and carbon mitigation efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Diversity, utilization pattern and prioritization of fodder species for conservation in Nalagarh Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh, NW India

The current study aims to document the diversity of fodder species, their availability and role in livestock sustenance in the Nalagarh Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh. 117 fodder-providing species belonging to 41 families were documented, out of which 40% were trees, 15% shrubs, 40% herbs, and 4% climbers. Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae and Moraceae were dominant families of fodder species in the area. The recorded species were analysed for pressure use index (PUI) value. Species like Moringa oleifera, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Bridelia retusa, Albizia chinensis, Diospyros montana, Ficus auriculata, F. palmata, F. racemosa, F. semicordata, Grewia asiatica, G. optiva and Vachellia leucophloea recorded the highest PUI value, indicating a higher preference for fodder, and are thus found to be crucial from the conservation point of view.

Agroforestry Practice and its Socioeconomic Benefits in Eastern Ethiopia

The study used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. It ascertained the role of agroforestry practices in Harari regional state. A sample of 350 farmers was interviewed and selected using two-stage random sampling techniques. The results showed that 100% of the sample respondents practiced agroforestry as a land use for income source, shade, soil improvement, fodder, firewood, construction material, medicinal purposes etc. The components of the agroforestry system adopted by the local community were pulse, root, cereal crops and vegetables. Khat, Eritia, Acacia, Cordial, Zeziphus were the fodder species used. 78.57% of the respondents used a stallfeeding technique to feed their animals. The respondents obtained annual income of 32,199.16 Ethiopian birrs on average. In general, the agroforestry system helps the local communities to diversify their income, fulfill animal feed and cope with and mitigate climate change. To sustain the local people with the climate change, decision-makers and researchers should give more attention to the preferred agroforestry species.

Land use change impose variation on woody fodder species composition, and production in the dryland ecosystem of West Guji southern Ethiopia

In response to increasing population pressure and climate change impacts, shifting from communal grazing land to enclosure and cropland is widely advocated as an alternative means of living. However, little is known about how the change in land use affect fodder woody vegetation composition, and production in dryland areas. The present study, aimed to investigate the impacts of land use change on woody fodder species composition, and production in the dry land area of western Guji, Southern Ethiopia. We used multi-stage sampling techniques to collect primary data. A total of 54 sample plots were established through systematic random sampling, 18 per land use type (enclosure, communal grazing, and cropland).In total, 61 woody species belonging to 28 families were recorded, with 56 being used as fodder and five (5) not. The mean total species richness were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the enclosures (19.3 ± 7.11) than in communal grazing (13.3 ± 3.23) and lower in cropland (3.3 ± 1.18). Besides, the Sorensen similarity index for studied land uses ranged from 3 % - to 52 %. The highest Shannon index was recorded from enclosures (3.76) while the least (1.86) from croplands and communal grazing land (3.31) was in between the two. The population structure of woody species revealed a bell shape for communal grazing lands, a reversed J-shape for enclosures, and a J-shape for cropland. The highest woody fodder production was obtained from enclosures (11.58 ± 1.34 kg/plant), followed by communal grazing (7.73 ± 0.67 kg/plant) and cropland (4.24 ± 0.33 kg/plant).In conclusion, a shift from communal grazing to enclosure promotes the woody species composition, while a shift to cropland reduces it. Therefore, it recommended for agro-pastoralists to scale up enclosures as it enhances diversity and grows woody species on cropland, as cropland has the lowest diversity of species.

Forage quality in cereal/legume intercropping: A meta-analysis

ContextMeta-analyses have highlighted several advantages of cereal/legume intercropping for food compared to sole cropping, but none report on fodder quality and yield. In forage production, mixtures may more effectively balance fiber and crude protein concentrations of the forage in view of nutrient requirements of ruminants than sole crops. However, productivity, quality and the trade-off between these in cereal/legume intercropping of fodder species have not been systematically reviewed. ObjectiveThis paper reports on a meta-analysis of a database of global literature on intercropping of forage-producing cereal and legume crops to evaluate the effect of intercropping on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-CP non-NDF yields and concentrations of intercrops as compared with the respective sole crops. MethodsA literature search was carried in Web of Science searching in ‘all fields’ with as search terms: (intercrop* OR “mixed crop*” OR “crop mix* ” OR “mixed cultivation*” OR “polyculture*” OR “row crop*”) AND (forage OR fodder) AND (quality OR "nutri* content" OR "nutri* concentration" OR "nutri* value"). Out of the 759 papers further selection yielded a database based on 61 publications on cereal/legume intercropping reporting total biomass and at least one quality component for both sole crops and their intercrops. ResultsThe net effects for DM (1.76 ± 0.38 Mg/ha), CP (0.20 ± 0.05 Mg/ha), NDF (1.01 ± 0.25 Mg/ha), ADF (0.63 ± 0.15 Mg/ha) and non-CP non-NDF (0.76 ± 0.22 Mg/ha) yields showed production of all increased upon intercropping. The difference in relative increase in total DM and the four components did not lead to any change in %CP, %NDF, %ADF and %non-CP non-NDF. The change in DM yield was due to enhanced cereal yield. Moreover, the cereal %CP in the intercrops was higher than expected and the cereal %NDF and %ADF in the intercrops was lower than expected, while the overall quality of the legume in the intercrops did not change. ConclusionIntercropping cereal and legume species will neither improve nor reduce the quality of produced feed, but it makes more effective use of the land through a higher production per unit area. SignificanceThis study reports the combined forage quality and quantity in cereal/legume intercropping. The quantity/quality balance of forage production with cereal/legume intercrops is necessary to design intercropping for forage production. The results can be utilized to establish cereal/legume intercropping systems with different forage production aims.

Tithonia diversifolia Improves In Vitro Rumen Microbial Synthesis of Sheep Diets without Changes in Total Gas and Methane Production

Among the alternatives identified as capable of making livestock farming a more efficient activity and reducing its environmental impact, the use of feeds with high digestibility and the use of non-conventional fodder species can be highlighted. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (TD) has already gained attention as a feed for ruminants. Nonetheless, there has been little discussion about the impacts of this plant on the rumen dynamics that lead to better animal performance. The aim of this study was to assess how increasing levels of TD could affect ruminal microbial biomass synthesis, degradability, and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of diets. Four diets were evaluated: a control diet (TD0: 400 g kg−1 soybean meal and maize grain, and 600 g kg−1 Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.)) and three increasing levels of TD (TD9: 90, TD27: 270, and TD45: 450 g kg−1–dry matter basis) as a replacement for dietary roughage. A 96 h IVGP assay was carried out and five incubation times (2, 4, 10, 24, and 96 h) were used for degradability determination. Gas produced, methane (CH4), degradability of organic matter (IVDOM), short-chained fatty acid (SCFA) production, partitioning factor (PF), and microbial biomass (MB) were evaluated among treatments. There was no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05) between TD inclusion and IVGP at most incubation times; only at 6 h of incubation did gas production increase linearly with TD inclusion (R2 = 0.19; p &lt; 0.05). TD inclusion had no effects on CH4. IVDOM increased linearly with TD inclusion at 6 and 10 h, with TD45 being more degradable than the control diet at 6 h only. There was a positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.20; p &lt; 0.05) between TD inclusion and PF. TD45 had significantly higher PF values than the control. MB also increased linearly (R2 = 0.30; p &lt; 0.05) with TD inclusion, and all diets with TD had significantly more MB than the control diet. The inclusion of TD at the levels used in this work was revealed to have a positive impact on microbial protein synthesis, which could be related to the higher microbial efficiency of increased substrate quality.

Indigenous knowledge in agroforestry promotion: a case from Bandegaun, Indrawati Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok District, Nepal

This research presents the role of indigenous traditional knowledge on agroforestry promotion in Bandegaun of Sindhupalchok district. Both primary and secondary information was collected through a household survey, key informant discussion, focus group discussion, direct observation, and review of agroforestry-related literature, papers, and reports. Agriculture was the main occupation of the respondents with the majority (62%) of the total respondents having a small landholding of less than 0.75 ha. However, about 91% of the total had practiced both agri-silviculture and home gardening, 55% of the total respondents had a Silvi-pastoral system and 27% of the total respondents had a small wood lot of trees. The main indigenous traditional knowledge used by the respondents for the promotion of these agroforestry practices in their farms were knowledge on the palatability of fodder species, knowledge on timber quality, knowledge on propagation by cutting, knowledge on NTFP value, knowledge on cash earning, and knowledge on religious value of tree species. A total of 39 tree species were included in the agroforestry practices of the study areas. Among them were 10 fodder species, 12 timber and fuelwood species, 6 NTFPs, and 11 fruit trees. Each study household on average have grown 4 fruit trees, 47 fodder tree, 19 fuelwood, and timber trees, and an NTFP in their farmlands, which have provided a great contribution to fodder, fuelwood, and timber supply for household use reported by 91% of the total respondents and some respondents (76%) had also generated income from the sale of timber, fuelwood, and NTFPs. Finally, it is recommended that indigenous knowledge-based agroforestry awareness and training programs along with preferred seedlings of good quality should be provided to promote agroforestry in study areas.

Selection and evaluation of promising indigenous fodder trees and shrubs as supplemental diets for ruminant animals across different agroecological environments

The aim of this study was to select and evaluate promising potential indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) as supplemental feeds for ruminant animals. Through interviews with farmers and field inventories, 107 IFTS species were identified as ruminant feeds, from which 37 potential IFTS species were selected. The chemical composition and anti-nutritional factors of the selected IFTS were analysed. Among the 37 selected IFTS species, crude protein (CP) ranged from 83.3 to 230.5 (mean, 134.3) g kg−1 dry matter (DM); CP was greater than 80 g kg−1 DM in all selected species. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2.57 to 210.91 g kg−1 (p < 0.05) among the selected species, of which 72% had < 40 g kg−1 DM, an amount that is tolerable for ruminants. Farmers’ preferences and the nutritive value of the selected fodder species were positively correlated (p < 0.05) for CP (0.61), organic matter digestibility (0.303) and metabolisable energy (0.25). Farmers’ preference ranking and the nutritive value of the plants were considered to select the top 14 IFTS, all of which had CP > 110 g kg−1, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) < 350 g kg−1, and CT < 40 g kg−1. Thus, the selected potential IFTS need further evaluation for their agronomic practice, biomass production and animal performance.

Traditional use of Polypores in Georgia (the Caucasus)

Background: The present work was intended to explore the quantitative ethnobotany and conservation status of flora of Koh-e-Suleman range, Razmak valley, North Waziristan, Pakistan. For the first time, significant traditional knowledge of the uses of reported flora was documented. Objective: The aim of the present study was to: (i) elucidate local populations' traditional knowledge of indigenous plants used for various purposes (ii) compile ethnomedicinal data using quantitative analyses for in-depth pharmacological evaluation of medicinal plants. (iii) evaluate the reported flora's conservation status. Methods: Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using quantitative tools, i.e., Relative frequency citation (RFC), use value (UV), and fidelity level (FL). Results: 102 participants including 75 men and 27 women were interviewed. The participants reported a total of 68 plant species, belonging to 57 genera and 19 families. There was 1 family of pteridophytes (1 species), 1 family of gymnosperms (4 species) and 63 species belonging to 17 families of angiosperms. Of the total reported plants, 38 were fodder species, 37 were medicinal species, 5 were timber species, 9 were fuel species, 8 were fruits species, 1 was vegetable species, 5 were condiment species, 2 were thatching species, 9 were ornamental species while none of the species was poisonous in nature. Conservation status revealed that 49 species (72.05 %) were vulnerable, 12 species (17.64 %) were rare, 6 species (8.82 %) were endangered, and 1 species (1.47 %) was found infrequent. Conclusion: The current study showed the majority of the species were used as fuel wood, medicines, and fodder. As most plant species have significant curative properties, a rotational and moderate grazing system is required to conserve the plants. Local residents must inculcate in their children the importance of floral diversity and conservation. Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, Conservation status, Endangered species, Quantitative ethnobotany, Razmak valley.

Diversity and utilization patterns of fodder resources in a Himalayan protected area.

In the Himalaya, collection of fodder from protected areas by local communities for sustenance of their livestock is an integral part of mountain farming systems. Here, we assess the diversity and utilization patterns of fodder resources collected by local communities from Overa-Aru wildlife sanctuary in Kashmir Himalaya. A multi-stage random sampling was employed to select sample villages (5) and households (81) for the survey. Data were collected through personal interviews of household heads administering an interview schedule and then analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression model. The results revealed that 74 fodder species were collected by the local communities from the sanctuary. The diversity and magnitude of fodder resource utilization varied across the study area. The fodder collection and utilization on per day and annual basis ranged from 25 to 90 and 2760 to 13,770kg/household, respectively. Across the surveyed villages, the fodder was mainly collected by the females (60%). A positive but non-significant relationship was found between the number of persons collecting fodder and quantity of fodder collection/household/day, while a positive and significant relationship was found between the herd size and quantity of fodder collection/household/day. We also found a negative but non-significant relationship between the education status of respondents and the number of livestock holding. Based on our findings, we suggest policy and management interventions such as regulating livestock grazing, promoting plantation of frequently collected fodder species, and better use of agriculture byproducts to guide the sustainable management of fodder resources in this Himalayan protected area, with learning for elsewhere.

Doğu Anadolu Habitatlarından Domuz ayrığı (Dactylis glomerata L.) Türlerinin Moleküler Çeşitliliğinin ve Dağılımının Analizinde Buğday SSR Markerlerinin Uygulanabilirliği

Türkiye is one of the world's nations with the greatest flora diversity in different plants. Moreover, it possesses a high level of plant genetic diversity. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is one of the most important fodder species used during cool seasons since it is a hardy and perennial plant. The identification of Orchardgrass cultivars is essential for maximizing cultivar utilization, and safeguarding breeders' intellectual property. Dactylis glomerata L. is an allogamous, variable, monospecific genus with multiple subspecies distinguished by morphology, chromosomal count, and distribution. This genus has a single species, Dactylis glomerata L, which is comprised of multiple subspecies whose traits have not been exhaustively characterized. Using DNA assays that evaluated the transferability of nine SSR primers designed for wheat loci, the genetic diversity of 44 orchardgrass genotypes from eight naturally distributed locales in the Eastern Anatolia Area of Türkiye was calculated. On average, 6.78 alleles were discovered for each of the nine SSR primers, for a total of 61 alleles. A total of 54 polymorphic alleles were identified, with an average of 6.78 per primer. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.320 (WMC96) to 0.626% (XBARC187). The average polymorphism rate of 88.89% suggests a high amount of genetic diversity among all studied genotypes. The average expected heterozygosity (He) ranged between 0.178 (Ağrı) to 0.882 (Erzurum). The genetic separation ranged from 0.01 to 0.66. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the Dactylis glomerata L genotypes gathered in Eastern Anatolia are a rich source of genetic variability, supplying a vast array of genetic material for orchardgrass breeding efforts.

Nutritive value of forages consumed by ruminants during the dry season in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

AbstractBackgroundIn the Western Highlands of Cameroon (WHC), information on the nutritional value of fodder species consumed by ruminants is very limited.MethodsThrough interviews with farmers and monitoring of animals on the range, information was obtained on the types of fodder resources consumed by the ruminants. Samples of each forage species were collected in 15 districts, mixed, chopped, and dried in a ventilated oven at 60°C, and then ground for chemical composition analysis.ResultsTwenty‐two forage species were identified. Among these species, Vernonia amygdalina (29.43% ± 0.45% dry matter [DM]) and Pennisetum clandestinum (87.21% ± 1.33% DM) were, respectively, the highest in protein and neutral detergent fiber contents. Manihot esculenta was one of the most energy‐rich forages in terms of forage unit for lactation and forage unit for meat production. Hierarchical ascending classification revealed three main groups of forages, respectively, rich in crude fiber (Group 1), protein (Group 2), and energy (Group 3).ConclusionsThe present study identified 22 forage species browsed by ruminants in WHC. Further studies should be carried out to determine the antinutritional factors and to evaluate their nutrient value using in vitro or in situ digestibility techniques.

Analysis of Selected Marker Studies on Minor Poaceae Forages

Pastures are very important for agriculture since the main feeding source of the enormous cattle herd in the world is forage. Pastures comprise plants from several genera of grasses and legumes. In terms of the physical variety, ecology, and economic significance, the Poaceae is among the most significant families of Angiosperms. Regarding stress tolerance, species within this family exhibit a very wide range of variation. In recent years, the importance of using molecular markers in phylogenetic analyses of numerous organisms has increased. The development of genomic technologies and infrastructure has progressed sufficiently for their use in marker- aided selection (MAS) to be studied in several important perennial fodder species. Differences can be directly attributed to minor variations in the genetic code such as phenotype, single sequence repeats (SSRs), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Therefore, breeders can benefit significantly from developing and characterizing new genetic markers. This paper gives a brief analysis of some international studies on some minor Poacea forages.

Change in European Forage and Fodder Plant Indicator Sets over the Past 250 Years

The species-rich natural and seminatural grasslands of East-Central Europe have long offered diverse forages and fodder species for domestic livestock. The use and perception of forage and fodder plants are influenced by various agricultural, environmental, sociocultural, technical, and political factors. In our paper, we compared four indicator sets used by traditional land users and scientists since the Enlightenment period (18th century) until the present. We analyzed 24 literature sources and field data from Poland, Hungary, and neighboring countries. We found 2 049 records related to 529 plant species and identified 47 different types of forage/fodder quality indicators. The most often used indicators in the Enlightenment science indicator sets were “nutritional value,” “livestock preference,” and “impact on livestock health”; in the early ethnographic indicator sets (late 19th, early 20th century) “impact on livestock health” and “used for curing”; while the modern rangeland indicator set focused on “nutritional value,” “impact on livestock health,” and “productivity” of plants. The indicators used by present-day traditional herders and farmers in Hungary and Romania resembled the indicators documented in the Enlightenment period. We found data for more than 130 plant species on plant-livestock interactions that have the potential to be used in nature conservation management of seminatural pastures and meadows. The data include species currently considered protected, rare, and/or threatened in the studied countries. We argue that plant ecologists, conservation biologists, and practitioners could efficiently use historical and traditional knowledge sources about wild forage and fodder species for better and more sustainable management of species-rich grasslands in Europe.

Indigenous knowledge and conservation status of wild plants collected from Garyaum, North Waziristan, Pakistan

Background: People still use plant-based medicine for their basic healthcare requirements despite having easy access to contemporary medications. Individuals are more dependent on natural remedies, especially in rural areas. In Garyaum, North Waziristan, Pakistan, this study intends to investigate the key native plants utilized in medicine and their applications for treating various illnesses. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to: (1) conduct a systematic examination of the wild plants utilized by the inhabitants of the study area; (2) collect indigenous knowledge concerning wild plants; (3) assess species with considerable cultural importance to the Garyaum inhabitants; and (4) document the conservation status of the collected plants in study area. Methods: Ethnobotanical data based on sociodemographic characteristics were collected using the protocol of (Martin 1995). Techniques included direct led field walks, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. 95 participants including 81 men and 14 women were interviewed. Quantitative approaches, such as relative frequency citation (RFC), use value (UV), and fidelity level (FL) were also conducted. Results: The participants reported a total of 66 plant species, belonging to 49 genera and 28 families. Of the total reported plants, 47 were fodder species, 35 were medicinal species, 14 were timber species, 20 were fuel species, 11 were fruits species, 7 was vegetable species, 2 were condiment species, 9 were thatching species, 3 were ornamental species while 3 were poisonous in nature. The current findings revealed 45 species (68.18 %) as vulnerable, 9 species (13.63 %) as rare, 8 species (12.12 %) as endangered and 4 species (6.06 %) was found infrequent. None of the species was ranked in the dominant category (IUCN 2001) which clearly described the unpleasant situation of the local flora. Conclusion: It is concluded that local people still rely on plant-based medication for their basic medical requirements. The vast majority of the species are utilized as fuel, wood, and fodder. In addition, plant diversity is diminishing as a result of many anthropogenic influences, infrastructural expansion, and climate change as well. Hence, proper identification and cultivation of significant medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as appropriate conservation and management techniques, are urgently needed in the research region. And the value of floral diversity and conservation must be entrenched in local inhabitants' children. Keywords: Conservation status, Endangered species, Garyaum, Indigenous knowledge, Quantitative ethnobotany.

Goat Feed Resources and Feeding Management in Mid-Hill of Nepal

This study was commissioned to assess studies on feeding resources and feeding management of goat in mid hills of Nepal. During the study, 162 goat farms located in Ghiring and Baradi of Tanahun districts in Nepal were surveyed, and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to each farm. Farmers in this region prefer integrating livestock raising with crop production. The majority of the farms surveyed kept indigenous Khari goats, either in pure flocks or through crossbreeding. The types of goat farming were commercial (8.02%), semi-commercial (29.01%) and subsistence (62.96%). The nature of management practices for goat farmers was intensive (70.99%), semi-intensive (14.81%) and free range (14.20%). Farmers grazed their livestock in different locations, including their own land (48.77%), forests (22.22%), and other places (29.01%). The selection of fodder species by farmers varied depending on the availability of different species in the mid hills, reflecting differences in their perception and preference. Among the top fodder species highly preferred by the farmer in summer season are Ficus cunia followed by Bauhinia longifolia, Ficus hispida, Castanopsis indica and Ficus auriculata. Fodder species highly preferred by the farmers in winter season are Litsea polyantha followed by Drepanostachyum khasianum, Shorea robusta, Terminalia elliptica and Mangifera indica. Goat production is an essential aspect of subsistence farming, providing both meat and cash income. Consequently, this study recommends promoting locally preferred tree fodder species and supplementing them with feed during different seasons, based on their availability and local preferences. Such strategies can help to improve goat production and support sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the region.&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(1): 15-24