In some Africa RISING sites, tree lucerne is a key supplementary feed for ruminant animals particularly in dry seasons when other feeds are in short supply. The plant is an important source of protein for animal fattening and milk production and can be mixed with other livestock feeds including those based on crop residues or hay.
In Ethiopia, most farmers do not fully know the importance of the plant or how to best use it as livestock feed and a clear understanding of how to manage it is needed.
The project has tackled the awareness challenge in various ways – including through training and demonstration.
Read a 2016 poster on fodder and fertilizer trees action research in Africa RISING sites.
Read a 2014 photo report on tree Lucerne research in Africa RISING sites
Hello,
I am very pleased when I accidentally came across this site and learned about the multi purpose tree lucerne. recently I have been involved in a small scale beef fattening business in Ethiopia, west wollega zone and would like to know how I may be able to get the seed or seedlings of this tree for fodder production.
Thank you in advance for your concern!
Dear Mitu ,
Thanks for flagging that question based on the story you read on our site. we have a fact sheet that talks about tree lucerne in detail including where the seed is available in Ethiopia. drop me your email and I will send you the fact sheet.
Im glad to learn about the lucerena tree as feed supplement for small animals may you also send me the fact sheet about this tree