Trees and shrubs as sources of fodder in Australia

Abstract

Abstract. Experience with browse plants in Australia is briefly reviewed in terms of their forage value to animals, their economic value to the landholder and their ecological contribution to landscape stability. Of the cultivated species only two have achieved any degree of commercial acceptance (Leucaena leucocephala and Chamaecytisus palmensis). Both of these are of sufficiently high forage value to be used as the sole source of feed during seasonal periods of nutritional shortage. Both are also leguminous shrubs that establish readily from seed. It is suggested that a limitation in their present use is the reliance on stands of single species which leaves these grazing systems vulnerable to disease and insects. Grazing systems so far developed for high production and persistence of cultivated species involve short periods of intense grazing followed by long periods of recovery. Similar management may be necessary in the arid and semi-arid rangelands where palatable browse species are in decline.

Potential of Moringa oleifera L. as livestock fodder crop: a review

“…Various research reports and reviews have highlighted the importance of trees and shrubs being used as livestock fodder or in supplementing the low-value fodders or rations in the dry season (Atta-Krah 1990; Lefroy et al 1992;Otsyina and Dzowela 1995). As mentioned previously, the moringa leaves, fresh pods, seeds, and roots are being widely and increasingly used by humans and animals because of their higher contents of essential nutrients (CSIR 1962;Hartwell 1971).…”

Effect of Bruchid Beetles (Burchidius Arabicus Decelle) Infestation on the Germination of Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne) Seeds

“…A. tortilis trees remain green during the long dry season when many range species become dry and unproductive [1] . The factors which affect seed germination of Acacia species in a given micro environment are water availability, soil type, seed dormancy and insect infestation [2,3] .…”

Browse Shrubs and Trees as Fodder for Ruminants: A Review on Management and Quality

“…Browse may also include fruits and pods of shrubs and trees (Aganga and Tshwenyane, 2003). Browse use spans from the temperate to the tropical areas of the world, particularly in areas prone to drought (Lefroy et al, 1992), arid or semi-arid and montane zones of Africa (Otsyina and Mckell, 1985), AsianPacific regions (Brewbaker, 1986) and North America (McKell et al, 1972). Browse use has a long history (Robinson, 1985) but with the advent of cultivated pastures it has attracted less attention due to the advantages of cheaper establishment and easier management of herbaceous pastures.…”

“…They may be leguminous or non-leguminous, but leguminous plants are favoured because of their ability to fix nitrogen and their relatively high foliar nitrogen (protein) levels . Browse species provide flexibility in the timing of their use, and in particular provide green feed when grasses and other herbaceous materials are dry (Lefroy et al, 1992).…”