Herbage Biomass Production and Nutritive Value of Morus alba and Calliandra calothyrsus Harvested at Different Cutting Frequencies

Abstract

Due to their high nutritive value and positive effects on rumen function, tree and shrub foliage has been recognized as potentially high quality feed for ruminants for supplying protein and minerals (Van et al., 2005). Despite the increasing popularity of C. calothyrsus and M. alba as alternative feed resources, especially in the dry season, there is little information on the influence of cutting frequency on the herbage yield and nutritive value. The objective of the study was to examine effects of harvesting frequency of these tree forages on biomass yield and nutritive value