Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research
 

Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research 

Vol. 5(5), pp. 380-390. September, 2017.

ISSN: 2360-7874 

 DOI: 10.14662/ARJASR2017.045

Full Length Research

Production, management and utilization of the indigenous multipurpose fodder tree chibha (Ficus thonningii) in Ethiopia

Alemayehu Mengistu¹, Gezahagn Kebede^2*, Getnet Assefa³, Fekede Feyissa², Tibebu Adane⁴ and Shigdaf Mekuria⁵

¹Forage and Rangeland Scientist, Urael Branch, P.O. Box 62291, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

²Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia

³Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research P. O. Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

⁴Ministry of agriculture (MoA), Amhara agricultural office, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

⁵Andassa Livestock Research Centre, P.O. Box 27, Andassa, Ethiopia

*Corresponding author: gezk2007@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 17 September 2017

Chibha (Ficus thonnighii) is the most popular indigenous multipurpose fodder tree which is getting appropriate recognition among professionals and the farming community due to its good feeding value and palatability to different classes of animal in Ethiopia. Documenting the valuable information of this indigenous fodder tree is a paramount important to increase the livestock production and productivity on sustainable basis in the country. The species thrives in the altitudinal range of 1000-2500 masl and the climatic requirement of annual rainfall is 750-2000 mm. The plant could be propagated by seed, seedlings and cuttings and could grown in a wide range of soil types and fertility status but brown soil is the most convenient soil type for proper establishment. This fodder produces brows able biomass yield within two years of age but it is advisable to use it after three years of age. The female type of chibha produces seed in 5 years of age, and the plant once starts producing seed, it continues producing seed every year. During the dry periods, this fodder plant remains green for longer period because of deeper rooting system, which can tap water beyond the reach of grass roots. Due to latex content, farmers cut leaves and twigs in the morning and leave them in the sun throughout the day and feed for different classes of animals after wilting. It is an excellent feed for dry period supplementation and also can serve as potential protein supplements to enhance the intake and utilization of fibrous crop residues by ruminants. This fodder tree is preferred due to its biomass yield, adaptability, feed value and easy of propagation as compared to other  indigenous and improved fodder trees. Generally, the plant has multipurpose values and it is utilized for livestock feed, food, latex, timber production, medicine, soil and water conservation, fence around homesteads and farmlands, source of fuel wood, windbreak, fiber source and other environmental protection roles. Therefore, farmers prefer this fodder due to its high biomass production, multi-functionality, long life span of the tree, high compatibility with the cropping system and high feed value as compared to other indigenous fodder trees.

Keywords: chibha, forage quality, herbage yield, indigenous fodder tree, multipurpose value

How to cite this article: Mengistu A, Kebede G, Assefa G, Feyissa F, Adane T, Mekuria S (2017). Production, management and utilization of the indigenous multipurpose fodder tree chibha (Ficus thonningii) in Ethiopia. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 5(5): 380-390

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