Abstract:
The aim of this study was to identify potential browse species in Hamelmal area of
Eritrea. A total of 22 household from four districts in Hamelmalo were interviewed to
identify locally important browse species. Herbarium samples were collected for
identification and confirmation of the scientific names. Trees and shrubs are more
relevant to camels which are heavily dependent upon forages for their health and
production in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. A total of 31 different browse
species were identified, which are regarded as being important for camel. The most
widely utilized browse species, as indicated by the interviewed herders, were Acacia
albida, Acacia etbaica, Cadaba farinose and Salvadara persica (95.5%); Acacia
tortilis (90.9%); Acacia Senegal, Acacia laeta, Balnites aegyptica, Albizia amara,
Capparis deciduas, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Ziziphus spina-christi (86.4%);
Adansonia digitata (81.8%); and Dichrostachys cinerea, Tamarindus indica, Dobera
glaba and Olea europaea (77.3%). These results indicate that there is a number of
promising browse species in the indigenous flora. Although the role of these forages
could vary depending upon the regional preferences for the animal and forage species,
climate and resources, their importance in the success of camel production is
acknowledged. To maintain sustainability, it is crucial that such farming systems
remain profitable and environmentally friendly while producing nutritious foods of
high economical value. However, they need to be characterized further in terms of
chemical composition, palatability, digestibility, feed intake, animal response trials
and anti-nutritional factors, in order to be able to enhance their utilization in the
future.
