5. Conclusion
Tree pods are a potential protein supplement for
milk production in the semiarid tropics, but should
only be used when mixed with other protein supplements
such as sunflower seed cakes. A maximum of
1 kg DM in the concentrate mixture is appropriate
for normal milk odour and production. However,
the potential nutritive value of the pods and the
maximal amount to be added in the concentrate
mixture may differ depending on the source of the
pods.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the financial
support from IDA through World Bank to the
Tanzania Agricultural Research Project (TARP II).
Messrs. Anderson Seif and Albert Lubeleje are
thanked for feeding and management of the experimental
cows. Mr. Joseph Malale and Mrs. Neema
Urasa of the LPRI, Mpwapwa, are acknowledged for
the chemical analysis of the feeds and milk samples.
Special thanks are due to Mr. Bo¨ rje Ericson of the
Department of Animal Nutrition and Management’s
Kungsa¨ngen Analytical Laboratory for analysis of
soluble phenolics in the pods, and Messrs. C. Ulime,
R.S. Kyamanywa, J. Sanga, and I.T. Msele, for milk
odour testing.