Publication Date
1997
Description
Tree forages contribute up to 80% DM and 100% nitrogen content in the ruminants diet in the Sahel during the dry season. However, crude protein (CP) concentration in browse within a wide range and variation factors remain to be elucidated for better integration of browses in ruminants feeding systems. Variation factors of CP content and in vivo digestibility of four Sahelian browse species were investigated to appreciate the potential as nitrogen sources in Sahelian ruminant feeding systems. Seasonal variations in nitrogen content were evaluated in different plants part of A. raddiana, B. rufescens, B. aegyptiaca and G. senegalensis harvested in the Sahelian zone during the dry and the wet season. In vivo CP digestibility of browse based ration was measured in sheep. Average CP content was of 16%DM. CP content varied significantly (P<0.05) according to plant species while plant part effect was not constant. B. rufescens leaves were higher in CP than fruit while A raddiana fruits and leaves did not differ. Significant seasonal variations were observed for G. senegalensis while the other species were constant a year round. In vivo CP digestibility was influenced by browse level in the diet (P<0.01). Non digestible crude protein (NDCP) were positively linked to browse proportion in the diet (L). Those relationships would suggest browse limitation in the diet.
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Tree Forages as Nitrogen Source for Ruminants in Sahelian Agro-Silvipastoral Systems
Tree forages contribute up to 80% DM and 100% nitrogen content in the ruminants diet in the Sahel during the dry season. However, crude protein (CP) concentration in browse within a wide range and variation factors remain to be elucidated for better integration of browses in ruminants feeding systems. Variation factors of CP content and in vivo digestibility of four Sahelian browse species were investigated to appreciate the potential as nitrogen sources in Sahelian ruminant feeding systems. Seasonal variations in nitrogen content were evaluated in different plants part of A. raddiana, B. rufescens, B. aegyptiaca and G. senegalensis harvested in the Sahelian zone during the dry and the wet season. In vivo CP digestibility of browse based ration was measured in sheep. Average CP content was of 16%DM. CP content varied significantly (P<0.05) according to plant species while plant part effect was not constant. B. rufescens leaves were higher in CP than fruit while A raddiana fruits and leaves did not differ. Significant seasonal variations were observed for G. senegalensis while the other species were constant a year round. In vivo CP digestibility was influenced by browse level in the diet (P<0.01). Non digestible crude protein (NDCP) were positively linked to browse proportion in the diet (L). Those relationships would suggest browse limitation in the diet.
