Page 65 - Agroforestry system - book inner (final corrected) - 9.-3-21_Neat

National level e-symposium on “Agroforestry system for augmenting livestock
productivity and empowering resource poor rural farmers”

Reynolds (1993) concluded that competition for moisture is likely to occur where annual rainfall is
below 1750 mm, particularly if rainfall is not evenly distributed. As far as animal production is concerned
the provision of shade and thus lower heat loads on animals is likely to have a positive effect on animal
productivity. The nutritive quality of forages grown in partially shaded environments such as older coconuts
is comparable to those grown in full sun (Norton et al. 1991;).
Cattle production from grazing experiments under coconut

Light Live Wt. gain Average Wt.gain Stocking
Rainfall Pasture
Transmission % (Kg/ha/Yr) (Kg/ha/day ) Rate/Ha
1500mm Natural 250-285 0.26 2.6-3.0
NA
Improved NA 550 0.50 3.0

1600mm Natural NA 44 0.12 1.0
Improved NA 94-142 0.16-0.26 1.0-2.5
1700mm Improved 79 288-505 0.22-029 2.7-6.3

2000mm Improved NA 170-315 0.43-0.47 1-2
2900mm Natural 60 235-345 0.27-0.40 1.5-3.5
Improved 60 227-348 0.27-0.40 1.5-3.5

Fodder on contour-bunds

In east Africa, fodder production in intensive mixed crop-livestock systems involves growing leguminous
fodder trees/shrubs in combination with grasses on field contour-bunds. The main mixtures consist of tree
legumes, such as Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena spp. (L. leucocephala, L. diversifolia and L. pallida),
and to some extent Mimosa scabbrella, Sesbania sesban and Cajanus cajan. The grass species are mostly
Pennisefum purpureum and Setaria splendida in pure stands or in mixed stands with Desmodium intortum.

The higher the milk production expected, the greater is the proportion of fodder trees and shrubs (pure or
mixed with grass components) required per bund area (Hoekstra, 1991). In this context, tropical browse species
such as Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Sesbania sesban or Calliandra calothyrsus potentially are
useful for improving feed quality and quantity, and productivity of livestock at low cost.
Conclusion

The animal agroforestry system carries various advantages. Adoption of agroforestry practices in
livestock production results in increased income to the farmers due to enhanced crop production, reduced for
rearing of cattle and improved soil fertility through application of manure from livestock rearing. Cattle and
sheep are well suited to incorporation into most silvo pastoral systems . Goats can be included in agroforestry
systems if they are tethered or housed. Non ruminants are not used widely in agroforestry systems. Pigs are
regarded as too destructive to be included in systems incorporating trees.

46 Institute of Animal Nutrition, Centre for Animal Production Studies, TANUVAS
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development