Characterization of fodder species in livestock markets in the Bouaké commune (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Livestock farming in Côte d'Ivoire is an important activity that contributes approximately 4.5 % to agricultural GDP. However, it is faced with insufficient availability of fodder species during all seasons of year, linked to climate change, demographic pressure, etc. This study aims to draw up a qualitative and quantitative inventory of fodder resources available on livestock markets of Bouaké commune. Thus, a survey was conducted in 4 livestock markets with 86 stakeholders in livestock sector. At the end of the survey, fodder samples were taken for bromatological analyses to determine their chemical composition. Fifteen species from five families were inventoried. The most representative families are Fabaceae and Poaceae with respective proportions 40.66 ± 3.89 % and 26.66 ± 8.90 %. The quantity of fodder recorded is 1091.46 tons during the study from March 2023 to June 2023. As for the place of supply of fodder, fourteen localities were cited and the most frequented were localities of Djebonoua, Bamoro and Sakassou. These fodder species inventoried have a nitrogenous matter rate lower than 50 % and metabolizable energy higher than 3000 kcal/kg.MS, except Commelina benghalensis which recorded a metabolizable energy value of 2 151.80 kcal/kg. MS. They can therefore be suitable for good animal feeding and can be the subject of popularization and improvement in terms of production.