In low-income countries, livestock keeping is extremely important as a pathway towards poverty alleviation and nutritional security for millions of people. Trees can play a significant role in addressing some of the factors that limit the sustainability and productivity of livestock. One of the key challenges is the availability of high quality fodder. Currently, most fodders used in developing regions are derived largely from grasses and crop residues such as sorghum, maize, pearl millet and rice. This feed is bulky, high in fibre and low in nitrogen and minerals, and animals are often unable to consume it in large quantities and to digest it properly. In addition, farmers cannot afford to regularly purchase often expensive feed supplements to satisfy the animals’ nutritional requirements.
Publication year
2023
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
research, indigenous forests, shrubs, fodder, feed crops
