Nutritive value of fodder trees and shrubs and socio-economic aspect of backyard cattle raisers in Batangas [Philippines]

Two hundred backyard cattle raisers from eight municipalities and two cites in Batangas [Philippines] were interviewed to identify, evaluate, and document species of trees and shrubs utilized as feed for cattle, and to determine their socio-economic aspects. Seventeen trees and twelve shrubs species were utilized by backyard cattle raisers. Due to budgetary and time constraints, sample of the edible leaves and immature stems of fifteen frequently mentioned species were subjected to chemical analysis. Based on the proximate analysis, the CP [crude protein] content of sampled leaves greatly varied and ranged from 10.38 percent (Vitex parviflora) to 23.82 percent (Graptophyllum pictum) or an average value of 15.71 percent. Except for Premna odorata, all tree leaves showed relatively low NDF and ADF or indicate good digestibility. However, Adenapthera intermedia had the highest (2.09 percent) Ca level while V. parviflora had the least (1.01 percent). In terms of P, Hibiscus spp. contained 3.3 times more (0.42 percent) than to A. intermedia having the least (0.12 percent) phosphorus content. Immature stems of trees and shrubs had a much lower CP, but with a higher Ca, P, NDF and ADF values compared to that of the leaves. IVDMD of A. intermedia leaves was 79.98 percent followed by Hibiscus spp. 64.49 percent. Gliricidia sepium, 63.13 percent: Malaisia scandens, 59.55 percent; and G. pictum 53.61 percent. All of the obtained values were above the average (46.63 percent) value. A reverse order was the trend for the stem digestibility. The TAE of the leaves of trees and shrubs ranged from 0.06 percent (Hibiscus spp.) to 5.53 percent (Antidesma leptocladium) which was very low the initial level of 7 percent. The same trend was observed for the immature stems. Wilkins et al. (1963) stressed that TAE above 7 percent level decreased the palatability of forages and protected the protein from breakdown by the rumen microorganism. Considering the socio-economic aspects, most respondents mentioned that their family labor was fully utilized in raising crops and livestock. Cattle raisers utilized trees and shrub fodders as supplemental feed during the dry season. The yearly net income derived from raising one head of cattle was P8,886.00 and P28,698.00 from other family enterprises. Most backyard cattle raisers practiced the cut-and carry system of feeding fodder and usually forced-feed to their animals with concentrate mixture in 3 to 4 months period. The result of the study suggests that G. pictum, A. intermedia, G. sepium, Hibiscus spp., and M. scandens can be a good source of fodder for cattle on a year round basis most especialy during the dry months. Almost all of the respondents and other backyard cattle raisers clamored for technology on the utilization and management of fodder trees and shrubs