Integration of Woody Perennials in Production Systems to Augment Feed Availability in Hot Arid Region: A Review

Abstract

Livestock is the mainstay of agrarian economy of the hot arid region. However,
shortage of fodder and feed is one of the main constraints of animal production in
the region. Trees and shrubs are indispensable sources of animal feed in arid region.
They can alleviate the feed shortages or even fill up the feed gaps in the winter and
especially in the summer period when grassland growth is limited or dormant, due to
unfavorable weather conditions. Destruction of natural habitats, over exploitation and
increased mechanization in agriculture during the concluding couple of decades resulted
in a precipitous fall in the number and diversity of woody perennials in cultivated and
other lands. There is an urgent need to conserve and sustainable utilization of fodder
tree and shrubs to augment feed availability in hot arid region. In this paper an attempt
has been made to review the significance and nutritional quality of tree and shrubs for
livestock. The integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural and pasture production
systems is explored. The important constraints for their utilization and need for research
and development are discussed