Methods for the Evaluation of Forage Legumes, Grasses and Fodder Trees for Use as Livestock Feed

Forage plant evaluation, to identify legumes, grasses and fodder trees with potential for livestock feed, is carried out by many national agricultural research systems (NARS) and international research organizations. throughout sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date, the approach adopted at various locations has depended on the scientists involved, the resources available and the ultimate aim of the evaluation. Although this has generated a lot of data, variation in evaluation methodology has precluded the comparison of results across sites. This manual outlines a standard evaluation methodology, which will enable researchers throughout the region to obtain meaningful results from their forage plant evaluation, whilst still allowing comparisons between sites. A companion manual, covering the evaluation of feed value (Osuji et al, 1993) has already