Comparative Utilization of Neem Green Leaves by Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goat are the important small ruminant species in India and contribute greatly as source of meat, milk, wool, valuable manure and provide foreign exchange through export. They are mainly maintained on natural vegetation, common grazing land, waste land uncultivated land and top feeds. Leaves and pods of fodder trees or shrubs are known as "Top feeds" which serve as fodder for small ruminants. These trees and shrubs provide nutrients to the livestock virtually free of cost during lean period when surface grass is grazed away and other type of fodder are not available. Neem tree is one of the most invaluable top feeds of semi-arid and arid regions that can be used as an emergency fodder for sheep, goat and cattle. The present investigation was undertaken to compare nutritive value of Neem green leaves in sheep and goats.