Analyzing the Utilization of Mopane Dry Leaves and Seeds as Potential Feedstock in Maun and Shorobe, Botswana

The deciduous forests found in Ngamiland, Botswana, experience leaf senescence during the dry season, resulting in the production of potentially nutrient-rich plant litter by trees like the Colophospermum mopane. This study examines the nutritional value of Colophospermum mopane litter in Maun, Botswana. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for mineral analysis and the results were reported in g/kg and on average, the mineral content in both leaves and seeds showed, Ca=15.40, Mg=0.88, Na=1.47, K=6.62, Fe=0.01, Zn=0.00. The findings indicate that mopane litter is rich in essential minerals, making it a potentially nutritive supplementary livestock feed. However, additional sources of Zn and Fe are necessary to prevent deficiencies because they are below the requirements for both cattle and goats, suggesting that mopane litter should be used in combination with other feed sources.