A review of tree fodder production and utilization within smallholder agroforestry systems in Kenya |
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| Authors: | R T Paterson G M Karanja O Z Nyaata I W Kariuki R L Roothaert |
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| Institution: | (1) Natural Resources Institute, UK;(2) Present address: NRI, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK);(3) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), UK;(4) Seconded to ICRAF from DGIS (Government of the Netherlands), National Agroforestry Research Project, Embu, KARI Regional Research Centre, P.O. Box 27, Embu, Kenya |
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| Abstract: | Although the biological advantages in terms of animal production and improved soil fertility of the use of herbaceous legumes
have been well demonstrated in Kenya and elsewhere, adoption by small-scale farmers has often been disappointing. This has
led to increased research into the use of both indigenous and exotic fodder trees. In common with conventional pasture legumes,
tree fodders contain high levels of crude protein and minerals and many show high levels of digestibility. They are readily
accepted by livestock and presumably because of their deep-root systems, they continue to produce well into the dry season.
Antinutritive factors can be a problem, however, and polyphenolics, toxic amino acids, cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids
are found in many tree species. There are abundant niches on small farms where fodder trees can be grown without affecting
crop production. Although detailed management recommendations are lacking, guidelines exist with regard to appropriate cutting
heights and harvesting frequencies. In the Embu region, it has been estimated that three kg of fresh fodder of Calliandra
calothyrsus has the same effect on milk production as one kg of commercial dairy meal. Up to about 500 trees (250 m of hedgerow)
will produce enough fodder to supplement one dairy cow for a complete lactation. The tree fodder can either replace the concentrate
without loss of yield, or it can complement it to produce more milk. It is being enthusiastically adopted by small-scale farmers,
many of whom are starting to produce their own seed. Other tree species are now being studied in order to avoid over-reliance
on a single fodder species.
This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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| Keywords: | animal production antinutritive factors Calliandra calothyrsus fodder utilization tree management |
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