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Important characteristics of some browse species in an agrosilvopastoral system in West Africa

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Abstract

Three browse species, Afzelia africana Sm., Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss., and Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. were investigated as agroforestry system components in a subhumid zone of West Africa. The foliation, flowering and fruiting of ten trees per species were recorded every 15 days for 2 years. The total foliage biomass at maximum availability was determined by complete pruning of 75 trees. The chemical composition of the foliage and the proportion of trees pruned on the pasture were determined. The phenological phases of the species began in the dry season and ended at the end of the rainy season. Afzelia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceus were totally defoliated during 2–6 weeks while K. senegalensis replaced the foliage progressively and earlier. The crude protein content was significantly different (123 g, 102 g and 92 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) for Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and K. senegalensis, respectively). The foliage biomass per tree of K. senegalensis, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Afzelia africana differed significantly (41 kg, 30 kg and 21 kg DM ha−1, respectively) while Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest available foliage biomass per ha. The trees of Afzelia africana were intensively pruned. There was a significant relationship found between foliage biomass and circumference of the crown for Afzelia africana (R 2 = 82%) and Pterocarpus erinaceus (R 2 = 81%). Relationships were also found between circumference of the branches and foliage biomass. In conclusion, the trees are important potential fodder and nitrogen sources for animals in the agrosilvopastoral system and the phenological differences make the fodder available during a long period of time.

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Acknowledgements

The Swedish International Development Agency/Department for Research Cooperation with Developing Countries (Sida/SAREC) is gratefully acknowledged for the financial support of this study. Thanks are also due to the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut du Développement Rural, Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso, BP. 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

    Salifou Ouédraogo-Koné & Chantal Y. Kaboré-Zoungrana

  2. Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    Inger Ledin

Authors
  1. Salifou Ouédraogo-Koné
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  2. Chantal Y. Kaboré-Zoungrana
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  3. Inger Ledin
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Correspondence to Inger Ledin.

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Ouédraogo-Koné, S., Kaboré-Zoungrana, C.Y. & Ledin, I. Important characteristics of some browse species in an agrosilvopastoral system in West Africa. Agroforest Syst 74, 213–221 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-007-9095-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-007-9095-0

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