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Adoption and use of fodder trees for smallholder dairying in tropical countries

Published by:
Publication date
19/05/2003
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Working Papers & Briefs
Focus Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Focus Topic:
Agricultural Value Chains / Agri-Businesses
Type of Risk:
Biological & environmental
Commodity:
Livestock
Source
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Outputs/R6153b.pdf
Author
Livestock Production Programme/DFID

This is an output prepared for the TECA database and is based upon the following RNRRS projects:
R5732
R6153

Synopsis

A major constraint to animal production, as perceived by farmers in most areas, is a shortage of fodder, both in quantity and quality, particularly during the dry seasons. Greater adoption of planted forages, such as Napier grass, fodder legumes, and tree fodder, should help to overcome one of the major constraints limiting dairy production. In view of the potentially high nutritive value of tree foliage, deep-rooted woody plants are able to help overcome these problems as part of an integrated feeding strategy. This tool provides information on the use and management of tree species for livestock fodder.