Potentials of Moringa stenopetala foliage as livestock feed, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract The study was carried out in three selected zones of Southern Ethiopia to assess seasonal availability, utilization practices, and livestock preferences as well as farmers' perceptions, and barriers to using M. stenopetala as livestock feed. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select zones, woredas, kebeles, and households. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaire, field observation, focus group discussion, and measurements. Statistical variations for categorical data were tested employing cross tabs, with significant differences at P ≤ 0.05; while the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Mean comparisons were carried out using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Indices were computed to provide ranking parameters. M. stenopetala tree is a major asset and considered as a milking cow and called as ‘‘a mother and dairy plant’’ that they breastfeed. The respondent farmers ranked food value (1st ) followed by income generation (2nd ) and feed value (3rd ) as major purposes of planting M. stenopetala. About 66.75% of the respondents' farmers were able to differentiate the species of M. stenopetala found in their vicinity. Accordingly, two types of M. stenopetala were identified. The production of M. stenopetala is available both in dry and wet seasons and its abundance was higher in backyard/homestead. About 48.07% and 44.75% of the respondents were supplied edible parts for cattle and goats in the form of fresh leaves and twigs, respectively. Overall, the current study demonstrated practical identification of M. stenopetala tree types and used a portion of it for ruminants to supplement nutrient scarcity in the areas. Working on the nutrition composition of edible parts of the various varieties of M. stenopetala is thus recommended in order to evaluate the variation.