Question

Which one of the following tree species is mostly used for cut and carry fodder system?

• A. Siris
• B. Sissoo
• C. Mahogany
• D. Subabul

Hint:

Subabul leaves contain a toxic amino acid called mimosine.
To avoid mimosine toxicity in non-ruminants, it should be fed in limited quantities or mixed with other grasses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "cut and carry" system is a common silvopastoral management technique in agroforestry.
In this system, nutritious fodder is harvested from specially grown trees or shrubs and brought directly to stall-fed livestock.
This prevents overgrazing, minimizes energy loss by animals, and ensures high nutrient utilization.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the suitability of the listed species for this specific system:
1. Siris (Albizia lebbeck):
While Siris produces decent fodder, its leaves are moderately seasonal, and it is primarily grown as a shade tree in plantations rather than intensive cut-and-carry systems.
2. Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo):
Sissoo provides palatable leaves during certain seasons, but it is primarily valued as a premium timber-producing hardwood tree.
3. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla):
Mahogany leaves contain high levels of secondary metabolites, making them unpalatable and unsuitable as fodder for livestock.
4. Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala):
Subabul is a fast-growing leguminous tree renowned for its highly nutritious, protein-rich foliage.
It responds exceptionally well to frequent coppicing and lopping, allowing for year-round harvesting.
This makes it the ideal candidate for intensive cut-and-carry systems in tropical agroforestry.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Subabul is the most widely utilized tree species for cut-and-carry fodder systems.
Thus, Option (D) is correct.