Vol. 9, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Author(s): Ondiek JO

Abstract: The nutritive value of indigenous multipurpose trees and shrubs is reviewed. The ten local Kenyan MPTS contain appreciable crude protein (112-321 gkg^-1 DM) total extractable phenolics (4.5- 52.3 gkg^-1 DM), total extractable tannins (0.6–38.5 g/kg DM) and major and microelements. Although tannins may impair nutrient utilization, they contribute to bypass protein and ameliorate rumen methane production. The ranking of these tree forages reveals different scenarios depending on the criteria but preferred species are indicative of superiority of some of them. The highly ranked based on increasing nutritive value are: (Maerua Angolensis> Zizyphus mucronata > Acacia Senegal> Acacia mellifera >Balanites aegyptiaca) but palatability showed a different order: A. tortilis> M. angolensis> B. aegyptiaca> Z. mucronata> Albizia coriaria > and Z. mucronata. M. angolensis and Z.mucronata were comparable in intake (358 to 638 gDM/day) and rumen NH₃-N (9.3-13.7mg100ml^-1, and ADG (gd^-1) between 9.4 to 39.8 g/d. The nutrient digestibility, NH₃-N and ADGs improved with supplementation. It is concluded that M. angolensis and Z. mucronata can be supplemented alone to improve weight gains of ruminants.