Abstract:
The aim of this study was to identify potential browse species in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia and to assess their
nutritive value. A total of 120 household from four districts in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia were interviewed to
identify locally important browse species. Herbarium samples were collected for identification and/or confirmation of
the scientific names. Samples were also taken for chemical composition analysis. A total of 18 different browse species
were identified, which are regarded as being important for different classes of livestock. The CP value of the edible
component ranged between 8.95-20.9%, the NDF values ranged from 30.41-78.55%, the ADF values ranged from 19.42-
47.5%.,and the ADL values ranged from 7.16 to 24.68. Generally the differences in chemical composition between
different browse species were significant. These results indicate that there is a number of promising browse species in
the indigenous flora. However, apart from chemical composition, they need to be characterized further in terms of
palatability, digestibility, feed intake, animal response trials and anti-nutritional factors, in order to be able to enhance
their utilization in the future.
