Description
In Bhutan, tree fodders are important for ruminant nutrition, especially during the dry winter season. Salix babylonica is the preferred species for temperate regions. Farmers above 2000 m plant it widely for fodder, fuel, and fencing. Lack of fodder availability during the dry season, and competition with other crops are its main disadvantages. Crude protein content of S. babylonica leaves declined from 25% in May to 11% in October. Voluntary intake was 78 and 85 g dry matter/W0.75 and live weight gain 330 and 64 g day-1 for growing bulls and sheep, respectively. Dry matter disappearance after 48 hours of rumen incubation was 85, 65, and 53% for S. babylonica, Robinia pseudoacacia and Litsea polyantha leaves, respectively.
Included in
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Salix Babylonica, A Traditional Fodder with Promising Potential
In Bhutan, tree fodders are important for ruminant nutrition, especially during the dry winter season. Salix babylonica is the preferred species for temperate regions. Farmers above 2000 m plant it widely for fodder, fuel, and fencing. Lack of fodder availability during the dry season, and competition with other crops are its main disadvantages. Crude protein content of S. babylonica leaves declined from 25% in May to 11% in October. Voluntary intake was 78 and 85 g dry matter/W0.75 and live weight gain 330 and 64 g day-1 for growing bulls and sheep, respectively. Dry matter disappearance after 48 hours of rumen incubation was 85, 65, and 53% for S. babylonica, Robinia pseudoacacia and Litsea polyantha leaves, respectively.
