Foliage Yield and Chemical Composition of Yushania alpina as Livestock Feed in Bonke District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Aman Abeje; Adane Kore

Authors

Aman Abeje Departmeetn of Forestry, College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University, ETHIOPIA
Adane Kore Livestock and Fishery Research Center, Arba Minch University, ETHIOPIA

Keywords:

Biomass, Fodder, Foliage, Nutrient, Stand, Yield

Abstract

During the dry season, when plant growth is highly suppressed, shortage of fodder availability reduces growth of livestock. In many parts of Gamo zone including the study area, lopping and feeding tree foliage is becoming a common practice to maintain sustainable productivity in livestock or to overcome the fodder deficit. However, knowledge optimal age of harvest for foliage biomass yield and their nutritional content along with their digestibility with regard to bamboo tree foliage is limited. Therefore; the present study was carried out to evaluate foliage yield and chemical composition of Yushania alpina at different ages in Bonke district. Samples were collected from three 10m x10m plots prepared at the middle of well-established bamboo stands. Bamboo culms within each plot were grouped into three age classes (1-2years, 3-4 years and above 4years). Foliages from three different age classes were collected to determine yield per hectare. Samples of bamboo foliage from each age-class were dried, finely ground and analyzed for nutrients. Parameters tested were Moisture Content, Dry Mater, Ash Content, Organic Matter, Crude Protein, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, Cellulose and Hemi-cellulose. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) between ages for foliage yield. The result of chemical composition also showed significantly highest DM (94.6), OM (88.52), CP (15.42) and (NDF (70.47) in culm ages of 3-4 years. However, Highest Ash content (15.49), ADF (48.47) AND ADL (12.48) was obtained from ages above 4 years culm. The study concluded that foliages of 3-4 years old culms have good organic matter and crude protein and can be used for animal feed supplementation especially in dry seasons where there is a scarcity of fodder.

Author Biography

Adane Kore, Livestock and Fishery Research Center, Arba Minch University, ETHIOPIA

Livestock and Fishery Research Center

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