Methods for the evaluation of forage legumes, grasses and fodder trees for use as livestock feed

Forage plant evaluation is carried out by many institutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa. However, the approach adopted at various locations varies. This manual outlines standard evaluation methodology, which will enable researchers throughout the region to obtain meaningful results from their forage plant evaluation. This document is based on experience from the forage evaluation programme at ILCA, Kaduna. The first section deals with methodology for initial evaluation, including suitable methodology for small-plot evaluation trials and larger multi-locational trials. The second section covers methodology suitable for further evaluation of accessions identified in the initial evaluation.