Evaluation of the Nutritional Composition of Selected Indigenous Fodder Trees and Shrubs in Daro Labu District, Eastern Ethiopia

Low availability of quality fodder particularly in the dry season is a major factor constraining livestock production in Ethiopia. Therefore, a study was conducted in Daro Labu District of West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia to evaluate the nutritional composition of selected indigenous fodder trees and shrubs as a feed resources. Three Rural Kebeles (villages) were purposively selected in the highland, midland, and lowland in the district. Chemical analysis of leaves of selected fodder trees and shrub samples, namely, Acacia brevispica L., Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinic (Lam), and Cordia africana (Lam) were analyzed for their chemical composition. The results of chemical analysis of feed samples of the selected fodder trees and shrubs revealed that the dry matter of Combretum molle was found to be significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of Accia brevispica. The ash content of the selected fodder trees and shrubs ranged 7.3-16.6%. The ash content of Cordia africana was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of Combretum molle. The crude protein contents of Acacia brevispica L., Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinic (Lam) and Cordia africana (Lam) were 17.51, 15.84, 14.04 and 8.89%, respectively. The neutral detergent fiber was greater (59.14%) in Cordia africana and lower (47.49%) in Acacia brevispica. The relative feed value of Acacia brevispica, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica and Cordia africana were 136.3, 121.26, 112.9 and 74.8, respectively. The crude protein (CP) content and relative feeding value (RFV) of Acacia brevispica was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than the crude protein contents and relative feeding values of the other fodder tree/shrub species. This closely followed by the crude protein and feeding value of the leaves of Erythrina abyssinica. Generally, Acacia brevispica and Erythrina abyssinica had higher potential as animal feed in terms of crude protein contents and relative feeding value. In conclusion based on these results, Acacia brevispica and Erythrina abyssinica species could be recommended as potential animal feed resources in the study area. Keywords: Chemical analysis, feed resources, fodder trees and shrub