Overall performances of Leucaena leucocephala and Morus alba in high-density shrub fodder banks at maturity in western Burkina Faso Running head: Performance of High-density fodder banks for livestock feeding

Abstract

The objective of this work was to carry out a long-term monitoring of shrub fodder banks (SFB), established under the real-low-input-farm conditions of Burkina Faso, characterised by a Sudano-Sahelian climate type with wide variations in rainfall. The SFBs, which were planted in 2016-2017 with Leucaena leucocephala (LL) and Morus alba (MA) at a high-density (20,000 plants/ha), were monitored from 2016/2017 to 2021 for their biomass (fodder) production, chemical composition and nutritive value of the edible forage, and their impacts on soil carbon content. The average annual forage production of LL for the 6 SFBs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) was 11.4 ± 2.12 t DM/ha/year while that of MA was 3.8 ± 1.2 t DM/ha/year for the 3 SFB (1, 2, and 3). Such differences are likely related to higher adaptive capacity for LL in such climatic conditions. The high nutritive value observed in both fodder resources agreed with available literature worldwide. Crude protein was higher in LL (19% vs. 17%), but dry matter digestibility (65% vs 77%) were superior in MA. Soil carbon increased during the five monitored years, which is an interesting result for these poor, low fertility soil conditions. Our results demonstrate the technical and environmental feasibility for establishing this low-input agroforestry technology in these conditions, as an agroecological alternative to overcoming feed shortages for local livestock farming. However, the successful management of a SFB relies on the selection of the right species, the protection provided, and the management during the establishment and fodder production periods, with suitable cutting frequency and appropriate post-harvest management.