Multipurpose fodder trees in Ethiopia : farmers'perception, constraints to adoption and effect of long-term supplementation on sheep performance

摘要: Many organizations in Ethiopia have promoted exotic multipurpose fodder tree species particularly Sesbania sesban for livestock feed and soil improvement. Despite the apparent benefits, number of farmers planting these trees was low. Moreover, some feeding reported reproduction problems sheep. The latter supported by a few short term studies conducted Ethiopia. present thesis to assess farmers’ perceptions about constraints adoption, study effects long-term on sheep performance. perception studied field survey among 235 farm households from three district with different dominant farming systems (wheat, teff or coffee as major crop) performance were series experiments at International Livestock Research Centre Debre Zeit, Farmers planted their value. valuation other purposes (soil water conservation, use fuel wood) depended cropping system, vegetation cover availability alternative local trees. Major adoption agronomic problems, low value, land shortage. Farmers’ decision making criteria adopt encompassed multiple objectives: preferred exotics biomass production, multi-functionality, life span, compatibility system. In terms ease propagation, growth potential ranked lower than comparable exotics. A significant correlation observed between value score crude protein content assessed laboratory. currently on-farm 30% recommended meat milk production. (11.8% users) sheep, appreciated across systems. However, more wheat- teff-based coffee-based From results on-station one whole reproductive cycle post-weaning up first lactation it that supplementation ration (0.98% body weight) improved basal total intake digestibility, rate overall No observable adverse possible anti-nutritional factors found this long study. We conclude introduction need consideration criteria, resources knowledge diversity Introduction should be accompanied practical training extension agents. show is supplement can used substitute commercial concentrates smallholder Ethiopian highlands.