Indigenous Browses as Feed Resource for Grazing Herbivores in Botswana

Abstract

Animal production in Botswana suffers from inadequate feed quantities and qualities, due mainly to semi-arid low rainfall which can barely support arable farming in most years. This problem is compounded by the competition between the livestock and human feed industries for the little available pulses and cereals. Consequently, tree fodders are available forage resources which grazing herbivores can utilize without competition from monogastric animals and man. Tree fodders can be utilized as supplements to low quality grasses and straws. Most tree leaves and twigs contain tannins, an antinutritional factor for which proper precautions need to be taken in selecting the species of trees and their level of feeding to grazing animals.


(Af. J. of Science and Technology: 2002 3(2): 14-19)