Estimating Biomass Yield for Browse Species Preferred by Free-Ranging Goats in Agro-Ecological Zones IV and V of Zimbabwe

Onious Mtetwa; Khanyisile R. Mbatha

doi:10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i2.4208

Estimating Biomass Yield for Browse Species Preferred by Free-Ranging Goats in Agro-Ecological Zones IV and V of Zimbabwe

Author(s)	Onious Mtetwa, Khanyisile R. Mbatha
Country	South Africa
Abstract	This was a study to estimate density, species composition and biomass yield of forage species preferred by free-ranging goats in two semi-zones of Zimbabwe. Many methods have been developed for estimation of biomass, ranging from aerial photography and imagery to destructive sampling. We applied a combination of direct harvesting and none-destructive techniques to estimate annual biomass yield for 35 herbaceous plants and 55 browse species were purposively selected based on preference indices. Shurugwi recorded a higher count of key woody species and accounted for 54% of forage species selected for biomass yield estimation than Chiredzi. Cynodon dactylon (Shurugwi) was the most abundant key grass species (23%) across the two sites followed by P. maximum (18%) for Chiredzi. Results showed a mean of 367 woody plants, with more trees reported in Shurugwi (400) than Chiredzi. Mean annual above-ground biomass yield for herbaceous species 0.655 kg/ha while woody plants recorded 1646.65t/ha with Shurugwi recording higher mean yields both parameters across the three seasons. Total annual biomass yield for all browsable plant parts (leaf, twig, fruit, and pod) was 1150.53 kg/ha, which is lower than potential for the agro-ecological zone. The two rangeland sites are degrading due to absence of grazing plans and uncontrolled access to resources. Rangeland rehabilitation measures to restore bare patches and degrading sites through climate-responsive farmer-led solutions based on economic incentives will restore annual biomass production. Multi-stakeholder participatory rangeland planning to develop community grazing plans and formulate by-laws that govern utilization communal rangelands guide implementation of appropriate rangeland restoration and management principles. Bush control of invasive L. camara (Shurugwi) and D. cineria in Chiredzi coupled with rangeland reinforcement using high yielding locally adapted grasses and legume species will improve biomass yield and nutritive value. Studies to investigate the appropriate mix of woody species to herbaceous plants that can achieve optimum annual biomass yield, multispecies livestock production and continue to provide other services (firewood, small game habitats, etc). Pilot short-term integrated participatory communal rangeland management projects that involve control of animal movement, rangeland fortification, gulley reclamation and use of community bylaws to restore degraded areas.
Keywords	biomass, fruits, pods, forage, herbaceous, key species, dominant, annual yield, dry season, hot wet, cold dry, hot dry, grass, species composition, plant density, vegetation, formation
Field	Biology > Agriculture / Botany
Published In	Volume 16, Issue 2, April-June 2025
Published On	2025-04-30
Cite This	Estimating Biomass Yield for Browse Species Preferred by Free-Ranging Goats in Agro-Ecological Zones IV and V of Zimbabwe - Onious Mtetwa, Khanyisile R. Mbatha - IJSAT Volume 16, Issue 2, April-June 2025. DOI 10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i2.4208
DOI	https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i2.4208
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9g7z2

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Estimating Biomass Yield for Browse Species Preferred by Free-Ranging Goats in Agro-Ecological Zones IV and V of Zimbabwe

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