The performance of animals on leaves diet

This book presents a study that was carried out to evaluate the performance and nutrient digestibility of Red Sokoto bucks fed unwilted and wilted leaves of three browse plant species, namely: Adenodolichos paniculatus, Ficus thnoningii and Gmelina arborea. Livestock production transcends other sectors as key food and economic activity for many communities of Nigeria. Nevertheless, livestock production has been faced with major challenges of feed deficits, especially in the dry periods. One of the recommended practices to overcome challenges of feed deficits is the use of browse plants, especially during the dry season. Browse plants are available all year round because of their drought resistance, persistence, vigorous growth, re-growth and palatability (Crowder and Chheda, 1982). Browse plants are also found all year round in contrast to grasses which rapidly deteriorate with maturity increasing fiber and decreasing protein.