How to produce leucaena leafmeal

Leucaena is well-known as a species for its fast growth and variety of uses. Being leguminous it not only provides valuable forage but also enriches the soil. The Grenada National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has produced a most useful Guide to the production of Leucaena leafmeal in Grenada. The booklet concentrates on providing guidelines to livestock farmers and extension personnel on procedures primarily for the establishment and management of Leucaena leucocephala for leafmeal. Leucaena forage can be harvested from 4 months after transplanting. In an area of total annual rainfall of not more than 2082mm with three dry months having a mean of 24.3mm, 5 cuttings can be made. After harvesting, the cut produce is placed in trays. The trays are stacked one above the other with a suitable sheet on the floor to catch any leaves that may fall through the wire mesh. In 3-6 days the leaves are shaken off and left in the trays for another 10-15 days by which time the moisture content should be 1011%. This dry leafmeal is ready for bagging and storage. During the drying process the produce must be protected from rain. Drying in shade, away from direct sunlight retains the green colouration. The leafmeal must be turned over every other day. Leucaena can yield from 2425 to 4100kg/ha of leafmeal depending on environmental conditions and soil fertility. The forage produced is highly nutritious and attractive to ruminants in particular, but can also be used as a supplement for horses, pigs, poultry, rabbits and even fish. K U Buckmire, CARDI PO Box 270 St George's, GRENADAGuide to the production of Leucaena leafmeal in Grenada Grenada National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) K U Buckmire, CARDI PO Box 270 St George's, GRENAD