The effects of processing and storage duration on the fibre composition of ear pod tree Enterolobium Cyclocarpum seeds

摘要

The nutritional problems confronting livestock owners in Africa especially during the dry season cannot be overemphasized. In extreme cases, provision of supplementary feed to animals during this period is always a difficult task (Arigbede et al., 2006). Multipurpose tree species have been found to be very useful as dry season feed resources for livestock especially at the end of the dry season when grass plants are scarce and its nutritional level is low. These tree species are actively producing new foliage and seeds (Strange, 1980) at this period of the year. Unconventional protein sources from browse trees, legumes and seeds of trees were reported to be sustainable for ruminants in the tropics (Bamikole et al., 2004). Evaluation of indigenous multipurpose tree species (MPTS) is therefore one of the most significant interventions in addressing the seasonal shortages in the quality and quantity of forages from natural pasture. This study therefore investigates the effects of processing, storage method and duration of storage on the fibre composition of Enterelobium cyclocarpum as feed supplements.