Indigenous Browse Species Research Articles

NUTRIENT CONTENT, IN VITRO GAS PRODUCTION AND POST INCUBATION PARAMETERS OF INDIGENOUS BROWSE FODDERS IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Ethiopia indigenous browse species have the potential to serve as a sustainable supplement for poor quality feeds and enhance ruminant livestock production. <strong>Objective:</strong> To analyze the nutrient content, in vitro gas production, and post incubation parameters of indigenous browse species in northwestern Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology: </strong>Eight indigenous browse fodder trees were collected from each agroecological zone for this experiment. Leaf and pod samples of the fodder trees were collected, dried and ground for laboratory analysis. Analysis of variance was carried out for nutrient content, in vitro gas, and methane production of the samples within agroecological zones using standard analytical procedures. The statistical design used to analyze the data was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). <strong> Results:</strong> The highest CP content was recorded from <em>Vernonia</em><em> amygdalina </em>(223.4 g/kg DM)<em>,</em> <em>Dodonaea viscosa </em>(207.7 g/kg DM), and <em>Acacia abyssinica </em>(216.0 g/kg DM) in the highland, midland and lowland agro-ecology respectively. In lowland area, NDF, ADF and ADL contents were highest for <em>Albezia amara</em> leaves and lowest for <em>Acacia brevispica</em> respectively. <em>V. amygdalina</em>, <em>Stereospermum kunthianum</em> and <em>Ficus vasta</em> had the highest gas volume at 24-hour incubation time in high, mid and lowland, respectively. The estimated organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acid at 24 hour of incubation was the highest for <em>V. amygdalina</em>, <em>S kunthianum</em> and <em>F. vasta</em> in high, mid and lowland, respectively. <em>Ficus sycomorus</em> and <em>Myrica salicifolia</em> had the lowest methane production among the species in the low, mid and highland study areas, respectively. <strong>Implications: </strong>The present study provides a valuable resource for selecting suitable feed options for livestock in different agroecological zones. High CP and digestible browse species like <em>V. amygdalina,</em> <em>S. kunthianum</em>, and <em>F. vasta</em> could be prioritized for livestock feed. Low methane-producing species like <em>F. sycomorus</em> and <em>M. salicifolia</em> could be incorporated into diets to reduce enteric methane emissions. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Based on their nutrient composition and in vitro gas production potential, these feed resources are of better quality to supplement grazing livestock during the seasons of critical feed shortage as the main feed resources are either limited in availability or lower in nutrient composition and digestibility in the study areas.</p>

Biomass Yield and Chemical Composition of the Indigenous Browse Species in Gozamen District, Northwestern Ethiopia

In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, high‐quality livestock feed is scarce, particularly during the dry season. Indigenous browse species could potentially offer alternative sources of feed, but their potential has not been fully exploited, owing to a lack of detailed information. Without detailed information on the nutritional value of indigenous browse species, it is difficult to assess their suitability as feed sources. This knowledge gap indicates that even if these plants are abundant, they may not be used effectively because their nutritional benefits are not well understood. The objective of the present study was to fill this gap by systematically evaluating the biomass yield and nutritional content of indigenous browse species. The mean biomass yields for various indigenous browse species varied significantly (p < 0.05) among species, with Ficus thonningii producing the highest, whereas the biomass yields of Vernonia amygdalina were the lowest. Arundinaria species exhibited the highest NDF content (68.5%), whereas V. amygdalina had the lowest NDF content (46.8%). The crude protein content varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the species, with Acacia albida having the highest (20.3%), whereas the crude protein content of Carissa edulis was the lowest (13.3%). Hence, the crude protein content of all indigenous browse species is sufficient to meet the maintenance needs of cattle, sheep, and goats because, as stated by Kearl and NRC, the crude protein levels required for maintenance in these animals range from 7% to 10%. The crude protein content of indigenous browse species is sufficient to meet the milk production requirements of sheep and goats because the crude protein levels required for milk production for these animals range from 12% to 16%. For lactating dairy cows and growing beef cattle, Kearl recommended CP values of 14%–18% and 12%–16% required, respectively. Therefore, indigenous livestock producers should incorporate these species into their production systems to enhance productivity. This approach can also help mitigate the high costs associated with concentrate feeds, which are typically expensive.

Assessment of fodder resources in Ethiopia: Biomass production and nutritional value

AbstractFodders are the major feed resource in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess biomass production and nutritive value of fodder resources in Ethiopia. A total of 34 scientific papers and 30 Central Statistical Agency (CSA) (Ethiopia) reports for biomass production, and 249 scientific papers for nutritive value were used for this study. The biomass production of crop residues was greatest followed by grazing biomass, enset [Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesem.] and banana (Musa spp.) leaves and pseudostems. The crude protein (CP) concentration of vetch (Vicia spp.) hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay, cultivated legume species and many indigenous browse species was >150 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). However, the CP value of natural pasture, crop residues, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) hay, cultivated grass species, sycamore fig (Ficus sychomorus L.), Indianfig pricklypear [Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill.] and enset and banana was <150 g kg−1 DM. Natural pasture, crop residues, all parts of enset except enset corm, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass hay, and cultivated grass species contained >550 g kg−1 DM neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Enset corm, vetch hay, alfalfa, Chinese banyan (Ficus thonningii Blume), and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) contained >10 MJ kg−1 DM metabolizable energy (ME). Crop residues except faba bean straw contained <600 g kg−1 DM in‐vitro digestibility. Methods should be devised for more efficient and effective use of the most widely available crop residues and grazing biomass through better management practices and appropriate supplementation with good quality forages and locally available better quality agricultural and agro‐industrial by‐products.

Husbandry, Productivity and Producers Trait Preference of Goats in North Western Lowlands of Ethiopia

A survey was conducted in Agalo Meti, Bambasi and Mandura districts of Kamashi, Assosa and Metekel zones of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, respectively. The aim of the study was to assess production characteristics, productive performances and producer’s traits preference of goats. A total of 177 households who have goat flock and experience in goat production were purposively selected. Data was collected through respondent interviews using structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field visit. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and reported using descriptive statistics. Indices were used to present ranking. Farming is characterized by mixed-crop livestock production system and livestock are kept under traditional extensive management system. Greater number of goats than other livestock species were owned in the area. The indigenous goats reared in the area include Arab, Felata and Gumuz. The mean goat flock size per household was 9.81 ± 1.08, 8.31 ± 1.16 and 8.71 ± 0.88 in Agalo Meti, Bambasi and Mandura district, respectively. Goats were primarily kept for generating income (indices = 0.43), followed by saving/insurance (0.34), and meat for home consumption (0.18). About 58% of the producers sell goat skins, whereas (42%) did not-sold through the formal market chain. Natural pasture and indigenous browse species were the major feed resources. About 89.3% of the respondents housed their goats in a well-shaded separately constructed house. The herding practices of goats include: free-roaming all year round (67.8%) and restricted herding (32.2%) during the cropping season. The major constraints for goat production were infectious and parasitic diseases (0.45), inadequate veterinary services (0.39), predators (0.091), marketing problem (0.03) and poor management (0.01). Arab, Felata, and Gumuz goats give first birth at the age of 13.65 ± 0.40, 12.90 ± 0.29 and 12.54 ± 0.43 months, kidded at every 8.52 ± 0.41, 7.85 ± 0.25 and 7.67 ± 0.22 months and produce 0.52 ± 0.03, 0.61 ± 0.02, and 0.51 ± 0.01 liter of milk, respectively. Uncontrolled natural mating is the dominant breeding system, and bucks and does run together throughout the year. Size, growth rate, body conformation and age were the preferred traits in selecting bucks, whereas does were selected based on size, multiple birth, milk yield and kidding interval. Therefore, in order to utilize the current growing demand for goat meat at local and international markets, improving the production environment, particularly health and nutrition, genetic and production technologies is necessary.

Identification and Nutritional Evaluation of Potential Indigenous Browse Species in Guba Lafto District, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Identification and Nutritional Evaluation of Potential Indigenous Browse Species in Guba Lafto District, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Rehabilitation of indigenous browse plant species following exclosure established on communal grazing lands in South Tigray, Ethiopia, and implication for conservation

BackgroundDespite the wide use of indigenous browse plant species, there is almost no information on the rehabilitation of indigenous browse species following area exclosure (AE) established on communal grazing lands (CGL) in Southern Tigray. The objectives of this study were to assess the rehabilitation of browse plant species following AE establishment on CGL. A total of 61 and 59 plots of 10 × 10 m2 size were laid down at 50-m intervals along parallel line transects at AE and GCL, respectively. Data collected on vegetation attributes were subjected to analysis of t test (unequal variances) using R-software.ResultsThe Shannon diversity index of the browse plant species was 1.25 and 0.81 in AE and CGL, respectively (P < 0.001). The overall population structure of browse plant species in the AE shows a reverse J-shaped population curve and “good” regeneration status, which reveals that the future communities may be sustained. Leaf biomass and basal area of browse plant species were significantly higher in the AE than in CGL (P < 0.001). After exclusion of grazing, AE was found to have positive effects on diversity and aboveground biomass of browse plant species.ConclusionsThe study gives an understanding of the diversity, the pattern of population and regeneration of the browse plant species, which may help in the management and conservation of the species. Our results indicate that grazing exclusion is an effective management strategy to restore browse plant species. We concluded that the establishment of AE had a positive effect on the rehabilitation of browse plant species diversity and improved population structure and regeneration potentials of degraded grazing lands. Long-term monitoring and evaluation systems will be required to gain an informed understanding of the roles played by area exclosures in the rehabilitation and conservation of browse palnt species diversity.

In vivo digestibility of six selected fodder species by goats in northern Ghana

An in vivo digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of six forages. These were selected indigenous browse species and groundnut haulms in Lawra and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Groundnut haulms served as a control due to its known good digestibility in small ruminants. Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) young castrated billy goats with a mean age of 8 months were used. The average live body weight was 8.9 ± 0.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to the six treatments and replicated five times in a completely randomized design. They were confined in metabolism cages. The adaptation period was 3 weeks after which data was taken for 10 days. The treatments were the leaves and tiny twigs of T1 Annona senegalensis, T2 Ficus gnaphalocarpa, T3 Pericopsis laxiflora, T4 Pterocarpus erinaceus, T5 Afzelia africana, and T6 (control) Arachis hypogaea. Feed intake, faecal matter and urine output were measured. The results indicated that dry matter (DM) contents of the feedstuffs were less than 50% but crude protein (CP) contents were higher than the minimum required for sustaining ruminants. Neutral and acid detergent fibre contents were high, and F. gnaphalocarpa, in particular, contained a higher level of phosphorus (P). The amounts of feed intakes were typical of most fodder species with the exception of P. laxiflora and P. erinaceus, which were lower (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility values were also typical of most fodder species but the digestibility of A. africana fibre appeared to be lower. Nitrogen retention was positive for all test species with the exception of P. laxiflora, which was negative. Mortality was recorded in animals on P. laxiflora, and the rate was high. Pericopsis laxiflora leaves, even though morphologically similar to the leaves of P. erinaceus, were not a suitable fodder. Ficus gnaphalocarpa appeared to be the overall best fodder species in terms of nutrient uptake.

Assessment Study on Livestock Feed Resource, Feed Availability and Production Constraints in Maale Woreda in South Omo Zone

The study was carried out in Maale Woreda, in South Western Ethiopia aimed to assess feed resource, feed resource availability and feed production constraints. Six Kebeles per Woreda were selected and one focus group discussion which comprised 12 pastoralists per kebele were identified and interviewed. For the key informants’ interview, two livestock production experts from Woreda Livestock and Fisher Resource development Office and six livestock developmental agents from representative kebeles were interviewed. The focus group discussion and key informants interview was used to collect primary data on feed resource, feed resource availability, feed conservation practices and feed resources utilization and major livestock feed constraints. The study results shown that grass from the open grazing land, indigenous browse species and crop residues were major feed resources for the livestock in to study area. The open grazing land had poorly managed and the biomass productivity generated from open grazing land has been retreated. The major livestock feeding system was free grazing and Agro pastoral communities had no trends of conserved feed and provided concentrate supplements to the livestock. There were lack of low quality feed improvement and trends of growing the cultivated fodder species production practices. The 83,783.60 tons of dry matter was produced from different feed resources in the Maale Woreda with deficit of 623,333.40 tons of dry matter per year. The climate change, expansion of cropping land, increments in human populations, lack of inputs and training were identified as livestock feed production constraints in to study area. The migration, supplementations and purchasing available feed were important coping strategies toward feed shortage in to study area. Generally, the results from this study demonstrated that the total dry matter produced from different feed resources in to the study area was not enough to satisfy the dry matter requirement of livestock to support the profitable livestock production in to the study area, which suggest that the primary focus needs to be improving the existing feed resources through rehabilitation of degraded grazing areas, introduction adaptable fodder production, improving feed utilization practices and introduce and promote the crop residue feed improvement technologies.

Voluntary intake of selected indigenous browse species by west african dwarf goats.

Nine indigenous browse species were group-fed to ten West African Dwarf goats of mixed ages and sexes over a four-week experimental period to determine which of the browse plants would be the most preferred. The nine browse plants were Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia nitida, Rauwolifia vomitoria, Costus afer, Ficus capensis, Glypaea brevis, Harungana madagasoriensi,. Homalium aylmeri and Spondias mombin. On as-fed basis, Alchornea cordifolia was the most and Homolia aylmeri the least ( P &lt; 0.05) preferred, values being 3.47 ± 0.28 and 0.50 ± 0.13 kg, respectively. On dry matter basis, Alchornea sp. was also the most preferred, with Harungana sp., Baphia sp. and again Homalium sp. the least (P &lt; 0.05) preferred, the corresponding values being 1.23 ± 0.09, 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.21 ± 0.03 and 0.16 ± 0.04 kg, respectively. A comparison of the voluntary with chemical composition did not suggest any direct relationship of intake with the chemical composition of the browse plants.Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 1 (1) 1994: pp. 30-34

Nine indigenous browse species were group-fed to ten West African Dwarf goats of mixed ages and sexes over a four-week experimental period to determine which of the browse plants would be the most preferred. The nine browse plants were Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia nitida, Rauwolifia vomitoria, Costus afer, Ficus capensis, Glypaea brevis, Harungana madagasoriensi,. Homalium aylmeri and Spondias mombin. On as-fed

Analyses of samples of the plant Telfairia occidentalis grown on soils receiving paint waste were carried out for five metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Similar analyses were carried out for the same metals in samples of the plant from background soils. The results obtained showed higher levels of Zn and Cr in samples from soils receiving paint waste than in those from background soils. On the other hand, levels of Pb and Cu were higher in samples from background soils than those from soils receiving paint waste. The possible reason for this abnormality is given in the text. The degrees of accumulation of these metals in the samples of the paint from soils receiving paint waste in relation to their background values were as follows: Zn (1.10), Pb (0.34), Cd (0.00), Cu (0.80) and Cr (2.98) respectively. The effects these metals may likely have on animals and humans have been discussed based on the results, national and international standards as well as on available literature. Recommendations on possible methods of monitoring and controlling the distribution of these metals in the environment have been made. Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 1 (1) 1994: pp. 35-42

The mineral scoring technique and evaluation of indigenous browse species as natural mineral phytocentres for goats in African rangelands.

The utilization and evaluation of indigenous browse species as natural mineral phytocentres for goats was examined by the combined use of mineral concentrations, mineral scores, browse accessibility and abundance in the Ankole rangeland, Uganda. The species Grewia bicolor and Carissa edulis with > 140% mineral scores and > 70% accessibility were the most valuable mineral phytocentres and were the victims of overgrazing. Acacia albida and Acacia abyssinica with > 130% mineral scores but < 30% browse accessibility were valuable for the cut-and-carry feeding system. Species mineral scores at average and maximum dietary recommendations were < 60%, highlighting the mineral insufficiency of range browse for high-performance goats. Mineral supply potential was highest (35.0%) in the genus Acacia and lowest (5.3%) in Dichrostachsys. Browse accessibility was < 35%, in 69.2% of species. Acacia hockii was the most abundant species (24.5%) but had the lowest mineral score (17.7%). Browse species (90-100%) were deficient in Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. The combined use of mineral concentrations and mineral scoring technique was superior to the use of mineral concentrations alone in defining mineral adequacy, deficiency and supply potential, making the mineral scoring technique a valuable tool in browse management.

Insect pests of some exotic and indigenous browse species in southeastern Nigeria

During the period February to July 1992 the incidence of attacks by insect pests on ten cultivated browse species was studied at Obio Akpa, located in humid southeastern Nigeria. Two of the browse speciesGliricidia sepium andLeucaena leucocephala were exotic and eightAlchornia cordifolia, Baphia nitida, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Diallum guineensis, Ficus capensis, Glyphaea brevis, Homalium aylmeri andManniophytum fulvum indigenous. Forty insect pests were collected and 33 identified. Those identified belonged to either the order Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Lepidoptera or Orthoptera. Some of the insects were browse-specific, while others attacked several browse species. None of the browse species was free from insect attacks.

Alchornea cordifolia, a promising indigenous browse species adapted to acid soils in southeastern Nigeria for integrated crop-livestock agroforestry production systems

Dry matter (DM) production, crude protein, phosphorus fibre contents and goat preference for eight indigenous browse species,Alchornea cordifolia, Diallum guineense, Ficus capensis, Baphia nitida, Manniophytum fulvum, Homalium aylmeri, Glyphaea brevis andRauwolfia vomitoria, and for two exotics,Leucaena leucocephala andGliricidia sepium, in cultivated plots were compared on acid soil in southeastern Nigeria. Total DM production was higher (P<0.05) forAlchornea cordifolia than for the other browse species.Glyphaea brevis andL. leucocephala were the most preferred species, whileA. cordifolia, G. sepium andR. vomitoria were the least. Mean crude protein content of browse species in this study was higher, whileP and neutral detergent fibre were lower than reported for other browse species in Nigeria. It is argued that the ultimate goal of a crop-livestock agroforestry system such as alley farming, could be better achieved through the complementary use of browse species.