Potentials of acacia Senegal (l.) Wild as fodder in livestock production in bukombe district, shinyanga, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in Bukombe District which is one of the eight districts of Shinyanga Region, in Tanzania. The research was done in Mbogwe, Ushirombo and Runzewe forest reserves in the district. The aim was to assess the potentials of Acacia senegal as a source of fodder for livestock production. Sixty-nine circular plots with radius of 15 m, sampling intensity of 0.01% and sample size of 0.071 ha were used for determining the population and distribution of Acacia senegal trees. Samples of Acacia senegal leaves, pods, bark and gums were collected. Also, samples of different grass species were taken from the same plots at random using square quadrants. The study observed variation in abundance of Acacia senegal trees in Mbogwe, Ushirombo and Runzewe Forest Reserves with a mean of 70, 42, and 14 trees per ha respectively while the size distribution of Acacia senegal trees in those forest reserves for mean height was 5.3, 5.7 and 4.9 m and for mean diameter was 2.5, 2.4 and 2.4 cm respectively. There were variation in nutritive values from different parts of Acacia senegal tree where the leaves observed with highest nutrients contents in terms of DM, NFE, EE and ME with a mean value of 92.1%, 33.8%, 5.8% and 19.5% respectively as well as the highest content of Potassium with a mean value of 2.4%. The Acacia senegal tree had the highest percentage of proximal components compared to grass species. The tree had also high values of macro-mineral content such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium with a mean value of 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.2% and 1.9% respectively. It is concluded that, Acacia senegal trees could save as an alternative fodder resources for livestock. Therefore, strategic intervention should be put in place in the management of Acacia senegal as source of fodder.