FEED POTENTIAL OF ACACIA KARROO LEAF MEAL FOR COMMUNAL GOAT PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: A REVIEW

Indigenous goats are widely spread in most countries of southern Africa and they are nutritionally, economically and socially important to rural households. However, their productivity is constrained by shortage of good quality feed, especially during the long dry season. Acacia karroo is an important leguminous tree in communal rangelands of southern Africa and is able to thrive in severe and dry conditions. The leaves, fruits and pods are highly palatable and excellent fodder for goats. It is regarded as a multipurpose tree with great potential for increasing goat productivity and can be considered as a cheap source of protein in communal goat production. Despite its importance in goat nutrition, the species contains phenolic compounds, especially condensed tannins. Recent studies have shown that though tannins have some harmful effects, they have also been shown to be beneficial, for sustainable goat production when given in small amounts. However, very little attempt has been devised to enhance the feeding strategies that reduce the negative effects caused by tanniniferous feeds. The objective of this paper was to review information on the significance of A. karroo in communal goat production in Southern Africa. Possible future areas of research are also highlighted.