Browse silage as potential feed for captive wild ungulates

The objective of the study will be to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates. Several attempts to use feed silage in zoos in temperate regions have been conducted with success. Information on silage from the indigenous browse trees preferred by wild ungulates in southern Africa is scant. The use of silage from the browse trees is of interest as it has potential to reduce or replace expensive conventional feed sources. High nutrient content and minerals from browse trees are highly recognized and if browse trees are used as silage, they are likely to improve performance of wild ungulates in captivity, especially during the cold - dry season, when browse is scarce. Considerable leaf biomass from the browse trees can be produced for silage. Research is needed to assess the feasibility of sustainable production and the effective use of silage from indigenous browse trees in southern Africa. Improving intake and nutrient utilization, and reducing the concentrations of anti-nutritional compounds in silage from the indigenous browse trees of southern Africa should be the focus for animal nutrition objectives.