Fodder Trees

A big problem for livestock farmers in Tanzania is the dry season. Where do they get fodder for their animals? The traditional solution - moving around with the cattle herds to look for fodder - no longer works due to population growth and more intensive land use. In addition, cattle herds contribute to soil depletion and erosion through overgrazing. The solution is the targeted cultivation of fodder crops. In Europe, this is mainly understood to mean grasses and clover mixtures, but in the hot tropics these are often not sufficiently drought-resistant. This is where trees come into play, which can tolerate longer periods of drought well due to their longer roots. They are also usually very good sources of protein for the animals. On our farm we use several tree species as fodder plants. They have to be fast-growing, drought-resistant, and have good forage quality. Among them are:

Leucaena: a very good forage tree that grows fast and has a high protein content. It is particularly suitable for ruminants because its leaves contain a poison that is not well tolerated by chickens and pigs. However, the bacteria in the intestines of ruminants can break down this poison (after a period of habituation).

Gliricidia sepium: Also fast-growing, rich in protein and a good fodder tree. It also has no poison in its leaves, so it is less risky than Leucaena. It’s seed can be used as rat poison, though…

Moringa: very fast-growing, and extremely rich leaves and seeds, suitable as fodder for all animals. Cows give more milk and chickens lay more eggs when fed moringa. Mulberry: A very universal shrub or small tree that grows almost everywhere and produces delicious fruit as well as fodder for livestock. There are lots of other fodder plants that we grow and try out on our farm. Come and visit us!