Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa

Generally, trees occupy a significant niche in the farming systems and overall way of life in tropical Africa. Fodder shrubs and trees (browse) in this region play a significant role both in farming systems, where they are protected as fallow species, and in livestock production. Livestock in this z...

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Main Author: Atta-Krah, A.N.
Format: Conference Paper
Language:Inglés
Published: 1990
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/101803
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author Atta-Krah, A.N.
author_browse Atta-Krah, A.N.
author_facet Atta-Krah, A.N.
author_sort Atta-Krah, A.N.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Generally, trees occupy a significant niche in the farming systems and overall way of life in tropical Africa. Fodder shrubs and trees (browse) in this region play a significant role both in farming systems, where they are protected as fallow species, and in livestock production. Livestock in this zone depend largely on browse for their dietary protein. Compared with tropical grass, browse is generally richer in protein and minerals. The importance of browse increases with increasing aridity and is generally most essential in the dry seasons, when most other feed resources depreciate in quality and quantity. Browse intake increases total dry matter intake, increases crude protein intake, and improves the digestibility of low-quality forages. The effect of browse feeding on livestock is shown in increased survivability (i.e., lower mortalities, especially over the dry season) and increased productivity. Traditionally, throughout tropical Africa, processing and conservation of tree fodder is uncommon, and cultivation is minimal and insignificant. This paper advocates the need for increased cultivation and integration of fodder trees (especially leguminous ones) into local farming systems through agroforestry. It also stresses the need for increased research support for the efficient cultivation, management, and use of fodder shrubs and trees for improved livestock production.
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spelling CGSpace1018032023-06-08T14:27:40Z Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa Atta-Krah, A.N. fodder shrubs agroforestry alley farming livestock Generally, trees occupy a significant niche in the farming systems and overall way of life in tropical Africa. Fodder shrubs and trees (browse) in this region play a significant role both in farming systems, where they are protected as fallow species, and in livestock production. Livestock in this zone depend largely on browse for their dietary protein. Compared with tropical grass, browse is generally richer in protein and minerals. The importance of browse increases with increasing aridity and is generally most essential in the dry seasons, when most other feed resources depreciate in quality and quantity. Browse intake increases total dry matter intake, increases crude protein intake, and improves the digestibility of low-quality forages. The effect of browse feeding on livestock is shown in increased survivability (i.e., lower mortalities, especially over the dry season) and increased productivity. Traditionally, throughout tropical Africa, processing and conservation of tree fodder is uncommon, and cultivation is minimal and insignificant. This paper advocates the need for increased cultivation and integration of fodder trees (especially leguminous ones) into local farming systems through agroforestry. It also stresses the need for increased research support for the efficient cultivation, management, and use of fodder shrubs and trees for improved livestock production. 1990 2019-06-25T17:09:10Z 2019-06-25T17:09:10Z Conference Paper https://hdl.handle.net/10568/101803 en Open Access Atta-Krah, A.N. (1990). Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa. In C. Devendra(Ed.), Shrubs and tree fodders for farm animals: proceedings of a workshop. Denpasar, Indonesia, 24-29 July 1989, Ibadan, Nigeria: IITA, (p.140-162).
spellingShingle fodder
shrubs
agroforestry
alley farming
livestock
Atta-Krah, A.N.
Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title_full Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title_fullStr Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title_full_unstemmed Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title_short Availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical Africa
title_sort availability and use of fodder shrubs and trees in tropical africa
topic fodder
shrubs
agroforestry
alley farming
livestock
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/101803
work_keys_str_mv AT attakrahan availabilityanduseoffoddershrubsandtreesintropicalafrica