Fodder Tree Species Research Articles

Etnobotani Tikung Masyarakat Melayu Dusun Batu Rawan Kabupaten Kapuas Hulu dalam Budidaya Madu Secara Tradisional

Wild Honey is produced directly from the hives of Apis dorsata bees or wild bees that live in forest areas. Wild Honey is produced through traditional methods that utilize plants and are not livestock. Plants that are utilized in the form of plant wood as artificial nests called tikung and flowers from bee food trees. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of plants as tikung wood and bee food trees and document the knowledge of traditional honey farmers about the ethnoecology of Batu Rawan Hamlet, Kapuas Hulu Regency. This study used purposive sampling method in determining respondents and 15 respondents were obtained, then continued with semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted with citation frequency. The results showed that there were 5 species of tikung wood and 15 species of bee food trees belonging to 12 families. Fagraea fragrans, Shorea belangaran, Litsea resinosa, Gluta renghas, Shorea sp., are plant species used as tikung wood trees, the dominant species reported by respondents is Litsea resinosa which is 93.3%. Mesua hexapetala, Syzygium claviflorum, Barringtonia acutangula, Ternstroemia sp., Carallia brachiata, Teysmanniodendron sarawakanum, Syzygium sp., Gomphia serrata, Eugenia sp., Syzygium inophyllum, Timonius flavescens, Ixora mentangis, Syzygium attenuatum, Memecylon edule, Crudia teysmannii are plant species used as bee fodder trees, bee fodder tree species reported dominantly by respondents are Barringtonia acutangula species which is 100%.

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.

INDIGENOUS FODDER TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION, BIOMASS YIELD AND SOCIOECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION IN SIDAMA RIGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Fodder trees are integral components of agroforestry system in the tropics. Indigenous fodder trees (IFT) are grown in Sidama, Ethiopia, for different purposes. However, their composition, biomass yield and socioeconomic importance are inadequately studied. <strong>Objective</strong>. To assess species composition, biomass yield and socioeconomic contribution of IFT. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Three districts and 9 kebeles were purposively selected, from which 273 households were randomly selected for household survey. Sixty households were randomly selected for inventory within nested quadrats of 20 x 20 m. Semi-structured questionnaires and 36 key informants were used to collect primary data. <strong>Results</strong>. Twenty-eight IFT species belonging to 26 genera and 24 families were identified in three agroecologies. Species richness in lowland (11.08) was higher than in highland (9.6) and midland (7.7) (p < 0.001). Similarly, lowland (1.5) was more diverse than midland (1.2) and highland (0.8) (p < 0.001). <em>Arundinaria alpine, Hygenia abyssinica </em>and<em> Erythrina brucei </em>were dominant IFT, altogether accounted for 72.35% of the total basal area. In midland, <em>Cordia africana</em>, <em>Ficus sur, Dracaena steudneri</em> and <em>Melleitia ferruginea</em> were dominant species, and <em>Acacia albida, A. tortolis,</em> <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> and <em>C. africana</em> were dominant in lowland, altogether accounting for 56.1 and 76.72% of the total basal area, respectively. <em>E. brucei</em>, <em>Dracaena steudneri</em> and <em>C. africana </em>had the highest biomass yield in highland, midland and lowland, respectively (p < 0.05). Farmers with large land sizes, small family sizes, practicing agroforestry, and having awareness and interest in fodder trees had significantly affected the decision to have IFT. In addition to fodder supply, IFT contributes to soil fertility improvement, income sources, and timber production. <strong>Implication</strong>. The current findings indicated that the dominant fodder tree species with the highest biomass yield can be an alternative source of fodder and used for enhancing the livelihood of farmers in the study area. <strong>Conclusion</strong>. The most abundant and highly dominant species in the three agroecologies contributed to higher biomass yield and can be a potential feed source. </p>

Seasonal variations in the nutritive value of fifteen multipurpose fodder tree species: A case study of north-western Himalayan mid-hills.

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers' preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed.

In Vitro Fermentation of Browsable Native Shrubs in New Zealand.

Information on the nutritive value and in vitro fermentation characteristics of native shrubs in New Zealand is scant. This is despite their potential as alternatives to exotic trees and shrubs for supplementary fodder, and their mitigation of greenhouse gases and soil erosion on hill-country sheep and beef farms. The objectives of this study were to measure the in vitro fermentation gas production, predict the parameters of the in vitro fermentation kinetics, and estimate the in vitro fermentation of volatile fatty acids (VFA), microbial biomass (MBM), and greenhouse gases of four native shrubs (Coprosma robusta, Griselinia littoralis, Hoheria populnea, and Pittosporum crassifolium) and an exotic fodder tree species, Salix schwerinii. The total in vitro gas production was higher (p < 0.05) for the natives than for the S. schwerinii. A prediction using the single-pool model resulted in biologically incorrect negative in vitro total gas production from the immediately soluble fraction of the native shrubs. However, the dual pool model better predicted the in vitro total gas production and was in alignment with the measured in vitro fermentation end products. The in vitro VFA and greenhouse gas production from the fermentation of leaf and stem material was higher (p < 0.05), and the MBM lower (p < 0.05), for the native shrubs compared to the S. schwerinii. The lower in vitro total gas production, VFA, and greenhouse gases production and higher MBM of the S. schwerinii may be explained by the presence of condensed tannins (CT), although this was not measured and requires further study. In conclusion, the results from this study suggest that when consumed by ruminant livestock, browsable native shrubs can provide adequate energy and microbial protein, and that greenhouse-gas production from these species is within the ranges reported for typical New Zealand pastures.

Chemical composition of major livestock feed resources in the medium and low agroecological zones in the mixed farming system of Haru District, Ethiopia

The poor nutritional quality of feed resources is one of the major constraints to optimal livestock productivity in Ethiopia. In the current study area, there is lack of information on the chemical composition of major feed resources to quantify their nutritional quality for interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of livestock feed resources (natural pasture, crop residues, local liquor byproduct (atella) and indigenous fodder tree and shrub species) in the medium and low agroecological zones (AEZs) in the mixed farming system of Haru District, Ethiopia. The feed samples were analysed in dry matter basis for ash dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid-detergent fiber (ADF), neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extractor (EE)). The results revealed that nutrient content of feeds showed variation between the two AEZs. The overall mean DM, Ash, NDF, ADF, EE, and CP content of natural grass species ranged from 91.40 ± 0.84–92.26 ± 0.55 %, 6.88 ± 0.11–12.56 ± 1.04 %, 64.67 ± 1.51–70.14 ± 1.98 %, 47.47 ± 1.11–50.51 ± 1.30 %, 1.31 ± 0.11–1.58 ± 0.11 %, and 9.15 ± 0.31–12.07 ± 0.44 %, respectively, and the corresponding values for crop residues varied from 90.19 ± 0.77–93.67 ± 0.45 %, 7.20 ± 0.30–12.18 ± 0.66 %, 72.59 ± 2.26–78.19 ± 0.77 %, 53.70 ± 1.41–8.70 ± 0.82 %, 1.21 ± 0.09–1.97 ± 0.28 %, and 2.70 ± 0.16–6.43 ± 0.37 %, respectively. The overall mean DM, Ash, NDF, ADF, EE and CP content of Areke Atella in both AEZs ranged from 89.73 ± 0.67–93.71 ± 0.34 %, 7.55 ± 0.20–8.29 ± 0.04 %, 36.05 ± 0.42–42.38 ± 2.27 %, 30.31 ± 0.76–36.62 ± 0.49 %, 1.45 ± 0.01–1.68 ± 0.16 %, and 13.54 ± 0.27–16.43 ± 0.71 %, respectively. The overall mean DM, Ash, NDF, ADF, EE, and CP content of the indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) varied between 90.49 ± 0.94–93.32 ± 0.58 %, 9.26 ± 0.46–11.82 ± 0.58 %, 45.29 ± .69–57.81 ± 2.80 %, 34.70 ± 0.48–36.90 ± 1.99 %, 2.34 ± 0.31–3.69 ± 0.19 %, and 8.12 ± .28–20.35 ± 0.42 %, respectively. In conclusion, IFTS had higher CP content followed by Areke atella, natural pasture grasses and crop residues. It is suggested that the supplementation of the studied IFTS and atella, particularly during the dry season when the quality of natural pasture decreases in CP content would be essential. Urea treatment of crop residues when affordable to improve its nutritional quality would be imperative to enhance livestock performance in the study area and for similar settings.

POTENTIAL OF MELIA AZEDARACH L. AS LIVESTOCK FODDER CROP

The livestock sector plays an important role in India in terms of ensuring food security and a source of income. Availability of nutritive fodder round the year is a big constraint in India, particularly in Jharkhand which accounts for the low productivity of livestock sector. Agroforestry with fodder trees and browse species has been practiced for a long time here. Melia azedarach is a remarkable fodder tree species with its high nutritional fodder value and good biomass production which needs popularisation among farmers and for payment of ecosystem services. The present investigation was carried out to analyze the quality and quantity of Bakain intercropped with fodder crops viz., Stylo, Charabadam, Paragrass and Hybrid Napier in agroforestry system at the Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand during 2019-20. Fodder production in Bakain tree in terms of green and dry leaf biomass, as well as their quality attributes viz., crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, ash content, nitrogen free extract were assessed. Five different treatment combinations viz., Bakain + Stylo, Bakain + Charabadam, Bakain + Paragrass, Bakain + Hybrid Napier, and one control plot of Bakain tree was replicated three times and statistically analyzed in Randomized Block Design. The result indicates that sole Bakain tree had the highest green and dry leaf biomass (2.133 and 0.912 kg/tree respectively), CF and NDF (53.63 and 34.84 respectively), whereas, CP, Ash and E.E (12.97, 3.07, 4.13 respectively) found highest in Bakain + Stylo combinations and highest ADF (38.27) was obtained in Bakain + Charabadam combination. However, some combinations of intercrops with Bakain could not be established for the farmers of Jharkhand. The study concludes that intercropping of Bakain with legume grass like Stylo and Charabadam were found to be most beneficial with regards to fodder production both in term of nutritional quality and quantity.

Assessing, evaluation and demonstration of highland indigenous fodder tree and shrub species in Debub Ari district, Southern Ethiopia

Assessing, evaluation and demonstration of highland indigenous fodder tree and shrub species in Debub Ari district, Southern Ethiopia

Non-Structural Carbohydrates Regulated by Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization Varied with Organs and Fertilizer Levels in Moringa oleifera Seedlings

Moringa oleifera (moringa) is an important fodder tree species. Although several researches study the effects of fertilization on moringa growth, the response of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization in moringa seedlings is poorly understood. Here, we employed a pot experiment to investigate the effects of N and P fertilization on NSC dynamics in moringa seedlings in southern China. The results showed that the moringa root NSCs were 427 mg g−1 in the control treatment (over 50% of the total NSCs, 739.8 mg g−1), while the leaf NSCs only stored about 10% of NSCs in the individual tree. Compared to the control treatment, the NSCs in leaf, stem, and root of moringa seedlings were greatly reduced by N and P fertilization, which could be explained by the dilution effects of increased biomass following fertilization. However, the magnitude of NSC change with fertilization varied with tissue and N & P application levels. Our results suggest that there is a trade-off between structural carbohydrates (SCs) and NSCs among different organs in morniga seedlings. As moringa seedlings may have specific nutrient acquiring strategies that differs from their adult tree, long-term and large-scale researches should focus on the effects and underlying mechanisms of fertilization on the trade-off between SC and NSC in seedling and the adult tree of moringa in future.

Abundance, frequency and distribution pattern of tree species in recorded forest area of Western Himalaya

The forest in India have a long history of human induced modifications through intensive forest management that began in the colonial period but continued afterwards to meet the wood-based demand until the forestry goals shifted towards conservation efforts. All this greatly influenced the plant community structure. We attempt to describe the abundance and distribution pattern of trees in recorded forestland of Western Himalaya using the National Forest Inventory database. A total of 3549 sample plots laid across different forest types were analyzed to reveal the abundance, frequency and distribution pattern of 226 tree species/genus using various indices i.e. abundance by frequency ratio, Morisita index and variance mean ratio. Twelve tree species and Eucalyptus genus were found to be most abundantly found tree species in recorded forest area of Western Himalaya. Ten tree species were found to have regular distribution pattern, one hundred ninety-two were contagiously distributed while twenty-five were randomly distributed. Results derived from huge datasets helps in establishing firm statements with quoted significance value. Myrica esculenta and Aegle marmelos were found among the most abundantly occurring tree species whereas Myrica esculenta, Syzygium cumini and Pyrus pashia, were among the most relatively frequently occurring wild fruit yielding tree species. These species (apart from fodder tree species) can be considered in social forest and joint forest management programs in forest fringe villages/areas to enhance and sustain the provisional ecosystem services in Western Himalaya.

Use and benefits of tree germplasm from the World Agroforestry genebank for smallholder farmers in Kenya

The World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Kenya plays a key role in conserving tree genetic diversity, thereby contributing to the delivery of ecosystem services in tree-based production systems. This study explored the benefits of using the two most popular fodder tree species among smallholder farmers, sourced from the ICRAF genebank: Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia). Through a survey of key informants and genebank users, we examined the benefits derived from the adoption of Calliandra and Gliricidia and the unique role of the ICRAF genebank as the main source of tree germplasm for Kenyan smallholders. The constraints to germplasm access could limit protein fodder supply and the intensity of fertilization in farmers’ fields, which in turn could affect productivity in livestock and maize sectors in Kenya. We find that improved food security, higher incomes, increased milk production, reduced vulnerability to drought, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced soil fertility are identified as the main farmer-perceived benefits linked to the use of Calliandra and Gliricidia. The findings demonstrate the importance of agroforestry in the delivery of ecosystem services, in the light of climate change and heightened pressure for sustainable agricultural practices, and the crucial role of the genebank in conserving and distributing unique, high quality tree germplasm.

Agrobiodiversity, Composition and Functional Characteristics of Homegardens in Bhimtal Block of Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India

Present investigation was carried out to access the agrobiodiversity, composition and functional characteristics of homegardens in bhimtal block of Nainital district, Uttarakhand during 2011-12. The study was carried out in three villages diversified in respect to elevation and agroecological situations viz., Amritpur (520 mts) at low hill, Jeolikote (1219 mts) at mid hill and Ghorakhal (2000 mts) at high hill in Bhimtal block of district Nainital. In these villages a total of 22 respondents of different economic status in each village with a total of 66 respondents were selected and interrogated for the information related to the study. It was found that 80.30 per cent household practicing homegardening and the tree species, fruit tree species (Malus domestica, Citrus sinensis, Psidium guajava), sacred groves species (Ficus roxburghii, Tamarindus indica, Aegle marmelos), timber, fuel wood and fodder tree species (Grevia optiva, Toona ciliata, Mangifera indica, Citrus aurentifolia) were contributed as 33.33, 38.09, 11.90 and 40.74 per cent respectively.

Evaluation of multi-functional fodder tree and shrub species in mid-altitudes of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to evaluate the early growth performance and nutrient composition of some selected tree/shrub species in the fodder bank agroforestry system. Moringa stenopetala, Terminalia brownii, Morus alba, Melia azedarach, and Sesbania sesban were used for this study. Square quadrants of 16 m2 plot sizes were established with the RCBD of three replications. Seedlings were planted with 1 m × 1 m spacing between rows and plants respectively. The growth and chemical composition of the studied tree/shrub species were evaluated with one way ANOVA. The growth parameters and nutrient composition of the studied fodder tree/shrub species are significantly (P ≤ 0.05) varied. The nutrient composition of the studied tree/shrub species ranged between percentages of 88.3 - 90.6 of Dry Matter, 5.7 - 13 of Ash, 12.45 - 22.35 of Crude Protein, 11.8 – 23.5 of Acid Detergent Fiber and 18.1 - 33.6 of Neutral Detergent Fiber. S. sesban and M. stenopetala are the consistent and superior tree/shrub species with growth performance and nutrient content parameters respectively. In addition to this, the selected fodder tree/shrub species are well adapted in the fodder bank agroforestry system and have considerable nutrient constituents. Thus the studied tree species seems to be a potential alternative for complementing the basal feed. Key words: Fodder bank, livestock feed, South Omo, nutrient composition, agroforestry.

English

This study was conducted in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda of SNNPR, Ethiopia on Parkland agroforestry practices in three agro-ecological zones. The objective of the study was to investigate the fodder tree and shrub species composition, richness, diversity and structure. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were held. In total, ninety 50 m × 20 m plots were laid and standard procedures were followed. Forty nine woody species belonging to 43 genera and 31 families were identified as fodder species. Fabaceae represented by 7 species and Combertaceae and Moraceae (3 species each) were the most diverse families. Mid altitude (H’=2.98) is more diverse followed by High altitude (H’=2.23) and Low altitude agro-ecology (H’=1.94). Species in the low altitude were densely populated and have large basal area followed by mid altitude and high altitude. The top most important species with highest Importance Value Index (IVI) were Ficus sur (51.90), Ficus sycomorus (46.484) and Mangifera indica (60.161) High altitude, middle altitude and lower altitude, respectively. Generally, in the study area, there were diverse fodder trees and shrubs, all likely sources for farmers to feed livestock. So, there should be strong management and conservation practices to ensure future availability, continuous awareness raising efforts, and further study should be conducted for nutritional evaluation. Key words: Fodder, diversity, Parkland, Arbaminch Zuria Woreda, agroforestry practices.

Temporal variations in leaf traits, chemical composition and in vitro true digestibility of four temperate fodder tree species

Context Many tree and shrub species are underestimated fodder resources due to insufficient knowledge about their potential feeding value, especially for goats. Aims The present work aimed at assessing productive and nutritional attributes of the foliage of the following four temperate tree species widespread in Europe: Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix caprea and Sorbus aucuparia. Methods Leaf length and biomass, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, phenolic composition and in vitro true dry matter digestibility were determined along the vegetative season. Key results The leaf length of the four species was significantly related to leaf biomass and can be considered as a proficient proxy for estimating leaf biomass. The differences found among the species were remarkable, although weakly related to temporal changes, especially when considering fatty acid and phenolic compositions. Fraxinus excelsior sprouts were the most productive, with a mean biomass of 13.2 g dry matter (DM) per sprout at the end of the growing season. Its foliage showed also the lowest phenolic concentrations (average total extractable phenols of 11.25 g/kg DM), resulting in the highest digestibility values (average in vitro true dry matter digestibility of 56.5 g/kg DM). Digestibility of S. aucuparia was similar, but its lower polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration (average value of 62.13 g/kg DM) could reduce the interest for this species as a feeding resource for goat dairy products with healthy properties. The lower digestibility found for A. pseudoplatanus and S. caprea (average values of 43.3 and 46.2 g/kg DM, respectively) may be related to their higher phenolic concentrations (average total extractable phenols of 45.9 and 47.3 g/kg DM, respectively). Conclusions The four species could represent an appealing feedstuff for goat nutrition, due to the valuable and complementary nutritional characteristics of their foliage. Implications The use of the studied species as fodder resource may be particularly relevant during drought periods and in the late summer when herbage quality decreases, especially in terms of crude protein and fatty acid profile.

Growth and yield performance of fodder tree species with intercrops under agro forestry systems in Dharwad Karnataka, India

Growth and yield performance of fodder tree species with intercrops under agro forestry systems in Dharwad Karnataka, India

Availability of Fodder Trees and Shrubs Integrated Into Agricultural Systems in Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Tree/shrub based feed resources and feeding systems in Eastern Hararghe are not studied well. Therefore, a study aimed at assessing the availability of fodder trees and shrubs integrated into farming system, available feed resources, and feeding systems was made in two districts of eastern Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. A total of 268 respondents from the two districts, both from lowland and highland agro ecology, were interviewed. S&amp;oslash;rensen&amp;rsquo;s Similarity Index was used to assess species composition in relation to agroecology. The result revealed that about 67.2% of the respondents have not integrated any fodder trees and shrubs into their farmlands whereas only 32.8% of the respondents integrated fodder trees and shrubs into their farmlands. A total of 20 fodder and non-fodder tree species were identified. Regarding tree species composition, only 46% of tree species were found in both districts, whereas about 54% of the tree species were dissimilar between the districts. The feeding system significantly varied with agroecology. Zero grazing system with stall-feeding technique is common in the highland agroecology. However, in the lowland agroecology free grazing on communal grazing area and feeding crop residue are common. Factors like inadequate extension service, lack of planting material and land scarcity has resulted in reduction of farmers&amp;rsquo; interest to integrate fodder trees and shrubs into their farming system.

Nutritive values of seven high priority indigenous fodder tree species in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas in Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundIndigenous tree and shrub species are critical feed resources for the pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas in Ethiopia. Nutritional and mineral composition of seven high priority leguminous indigenous tree species, (Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis and Tamarindus indica) and non-leguminous species (Berchemia discolour, Cordia sinensis, Dobera glabra and Ziziphus spina-christi) were characterized to inform decisions on the species utilization and domestication.MethodData on a total of 17 nutritional factors were generated on leaf samples from 10 to 12 trees per species following standard lab procedures. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance among species and types, and Spearman correlations between the nutritional factors were conducted.ResultsResult showed that there were significant differences among the species for all chemical compositions and mineral contents except for iron. The leguminous species had significantly higher mean dry matter, organic matter, lignin and in vitro digestible organic matter in dry matter, whereas the non-leguminous species had significantly higher mean total ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemi-cellulose. Similarly, the leguminous species had significantly higher mean iron, whereas the non-leguminous species had significantly higher mean macro-minerals, Mn and Zn. Across all the species and samples analysed, the majority (69%) of the paired comparisons revealed significant associations among the chemical compositions and digestibility, whereas nearly 54% of the comparisons were significant among the mineral contents.ConclusionsWe conclude that the tree species investigated are important sources of protein, energy and minerals, and utilization and domestication should target both the leguminous and non-leguminous types.

Fodder Tree Species Composition and Density in Grazing Gradients of Fenced and Unfenced Grazing Areas of the Gaborone North, Botswana

Fodder Tree Species Composition and Density in Grazing Gradients of Fenced and Unfenced Grazing Areas of the Gaborone North, Botswana

Diversity and importance of local fodder tree and shrub resources in mixed farming systems of central Kenya

Locally available tree fodder resources are seldom considered in livestock feeding strategies despite their nutritional potential to supplement grass forages. Knowledge gaps on species availability and utilization may be the cause. This study surveyed 117 random farms locatedin humid (Githunguri and Lari) and drier parts (Kayatta) of central Kenya to identify fodder trees and shrubs diversity available to supplement existing livestock feeding options. Major forage and feed types used by farmers include napier grass (98.2%); maize and bean stover (85.7%); banana stover (60.5%), dairy meal (60.1%), hay (58.3%) and fodder trees (57.7%). A total of 60 fodder tree and shrub species were found on farm. Indigenous species comprised 65% of total richness but only 12% of the total abundance. The most common exotic and indigenous trees were Grevillea robusta and Persea americana, and Acacia tortilis and Terminalia brownii, respectively. Mean species richness per farm was 6.8 with significantly higher richness in Kayatta (10) compared to Lari and Githunguri (both 5.4, p < 0.05). Land size had a positive influence on total indigenous species richness and abundance on farms while the number of dairy cows had a negative influence. Findings confirm availability of diverse tree fodder trees to supplement current feeding options. However, where farms are small, farmers may require external feed sources as limited tree richness and abundance may not support profitable dairy farming.