Importance of Indigenous Browse Species in Improvement of Livestock Feeds in Western Bahr El Ghazal State (Sudan).

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of indigenous browse species in livestock production in South Sudan. The study was conducted in three villages of River Jur County in Western Bahr El Ghazal State namely “Marial Bai”, “Malwil” and “Kubri Kwanye”. The area has an open to dense woodland savanna with livestock raising and subsistence agriculture being the main livelihood activities. Methodology used to collect data included tree cover assessment mainly density, relative density, height and browse level, to assess browse distribution in the area; in addition to a survey in order to evaluate the browse socio-economic aspect, and laboratory chemical analysis of the browse material to assess their nutritive components. The trees cover assessment indicated high tree density and diversification in the area, with tree density of 138 trees/ha, and relative browse species density of 6 spp./ha, and total tree density of 6 spp./ha. The results obtained in two different seasons, for the browse nutritive components for seven selected species included (Grewia mollis, Leptadenia lancifolia, lablab spp., Marsdenia abyssinica, Pterocarpus lucens, Strychnos spinosa and Balanites aegyptiaca), indicated their relatively high crude protein levels, with averages ranged between 2% in Grewia mollis up to 15% in Marsdenia abyssinica during the dry season. DM, CF, E.E, and Ash contents ranged between 93.20%-97.50%, 24-62%, 1.60-6.80%, and 4.60-12.66% respectively. The results of the socio-economic survey indicated that, tree utilization for both forage and non-forage uses are important in the area. The respondents were able to identify a total (43) tree and shrub species as useful browse source for livestock. The survey also highlighted the browse species with multipurpose uses and their ethno- veterinary values. Multiple uses of some important browse trees included Terminelia brownii and Hymenocardia acida, in addition to water scarcity and absence of prescribed grazing system, were identified as most affecting factors that may hamper animals browse utilization in the area. It was concluded from the results of this study that, there is a wide range and diversification of types of trees and shrubs which included many important species with browse value in the area, whereas species with browse value showed to have potential level of nutrients mainly the crude protein. Pastoralist’s indigenous knowledge was proved as significant in relation to browse knowledge and utilization. Water shortage particularly during dry season, and lack of prescribed range management, in addition to trees multiple uses, were identified as main problems to browse utilization in the area. The results of this study may be therefore used to direct the management and utilization of the browse resource in the area with the aim of achieving their conservation for improved animal feeding.