Abstract:
This study was conducted in Bukombe District which is one of the eight districts of
Shinyanga Region, in Tanzania. The research was done in Mbogwe, Ushirombo and
Runzewe forest reserves in the district. The aim was to assess the potentials of Acacia
senegal as a source of fodder for livestock production. Sixty-nine circular plots with radius
of 15 m, sampling intensity of 0.01% and sample size of 0.071 ha were used for
determining the population and distribution of Acacia senegal trees. Samples of Acacia
senegal leaves, pods, bark and gums were collected. Also, samples of different grass
species were taken from the same plots at random using square quadrants. The study
observed variation in abundance of Acacia senegal trees in Mbogwe, Ushirombo and
Runzewe Forest Reserves with a mean of 70, 42, and 14 trees per ha respectively while the
size distribution of Acacia senegal trees in those forest reserves for mean height was 5.3,
5.7 and 4.9 m and for mean diameter was 2.5, 2.4 and 2.4 cm respectively. There were
variation in nutritive values from different parts of Acacia senegal tree where the leaves
observed with highest nutrients contents in terms of DM, NFE, EE and ME with a mean
value of 92.1%, 33.8%, 5.8% and 19.5% respectively as well as the highest content of
Potassium with a mean value of 2.4%. The Acacia senegal tree had the highest percentage
of proximal components compared to grass species. The tree had also high values of
macro-mineral content such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium with a mean
value of 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.2% and 1.9% respectively. It is concluded that, Acacia senegal
trees could save as an alternative fodder resources for livestock. Therefore, strategic
intervention should be put in place in the management of Acacia senegal as source of
fodder.
