Nutritive Value of Browses as Protein Supplement(s) to poor quality roughages

Abstract

Intake of poor quality pasture grasses and cereal straws by ruminants is usually low to maintain body weight because of their tough texture, poor digestibility and nutrient deficiency which contribute to the low level of consumption (EI-Naga, 1989). These roughages are deficient in readily available energy and nitrogen, which reduces the efficiency with which they are utilized by animals. Most of these deficiencies can be corrected by supplementation with high density feeds such as oilseed cakes. However, protein sources such as oil seed cakes and those of animal origin are produced in limited quantities and are often beyond the economic reach of most farmers.