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Biomass Production, and Feed and Economic Value of Fodder Weeds as By-products of Millet Cropping in a Sahelian Farming System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

J. Lamers ,
A. Buerkert ,
H. P. S. Makkar ,
M. Von Oppen  and
K. Becker
J. Lamers
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics(490)
A. Buerkert
Affiliation:
Institute of Plant Nutrition (330)
H. P. S. Makkar
Affiliation:
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics (480), University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
M. Von Oppen
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics(490)
K. Becker
Affiliation:
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics (480), University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
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Summary

Weeds are generally considered to be undesirable plants as they can cause yield losses but fodder weeds are traded as a valuable feed in Niger, Vest Africa. In vitro analyses of fodder weeds indicated that they are a suitable crude protein supplement to low quality millet stover, a major feed during the dry season. Dry matter production of fodder weeds increased with a crop residue mulch. When weeds are used as feed, farmers may generate additional income through an increased availability of energy for animal traction or for dairy and beef production. Species with the highest crude protein content, usually the most limiting factor in feed for animal production, had the highest market prices. The sale of fodder weeds may provide farmers with cash. Agricultural research programmes should be encouraged to consider the use of fodder weeds to improve both the quality and quantity of feed in the West African Sahel.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 32 , Issue 3 , July 1996 , pp. 317 - 326
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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References

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