Use of shrubs and tree fodders by ruminants
Date
1990
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IDRC, Ottawa, ON, CA
Abstract
The potential value of shrub and tree fodders is discussed with
reference to the range of feeds available and extent of their current use by
ruminants in developing countries. The discussion indicates that most of the
information on hand relates to agronomic characteristics, rates of productivity,
and chemical composition. The information on use by ruminants is generally
sparse. Currently, shrub and tree fodders have the greatest value in extensive
systems in semi-arid and and regions, especially for small ruminants. By
comparison, fodders from trees are used as supplements for large ruminants.
The most widely used feed sources are Acacia spp., cassava leaves (Manihot
esculenta), Erythrina variegata, Ficus spp., Gliricidia spp., Leucaena
leucocephala, and Sesbania grandiflora. Research and development programs
need to address much more thoroughly patterns of use by individual ruminants
and productivity, including feeding behaviour, palatability, management
systems, deleterious principles, and effects on animals. To develop and
establish intensive feeding systems with shrubs and tree fodders in developing
countries, these and other issues urgently need attention.
Description
In IDL-5228
item.page.type
Conference Paper
item.page.format
Text
Keywords
TREES, FODDER, FEED, RUMINANTS, DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ANIMAL NUTRITION, AGROFORESTRY, ANIMAL RESOURCES