In Niger, land used for silvo-pastoral purposes has for many years been the subject of restoration work with a view to strengthening the resilience of local populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the quality of fodder species in sylvo-pastoral sites developed on plateaux. The approach consisted of sampling and analysing the dominant species. A total of 19 samples of different species were taken. The parameters determined were dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), fat matter (FM), total protein or nitrogenous matter (TNM) and crude fibre (CF). The fodder value (FV) and digestible nitrogen matter (DNM) were deducted. The DM, MM, OM, FM, TNM and CF content varied respectively from 95.30 to 97.17%; from 5.11 to 16.68%; from 78.02 to 94.89%; from 1.71 to 12.21%; from 4.03 to 15.41%; and from 17.68 to 37.26% of fodder dry matter. The FV and DNM values ranged from 0.35 to 0.67 F.U/KgDM and from 19.70 to 90.70 g/KgDM respectively. Poaceae, which dominate the forage, are the lowest in protein and have a high cellulose content.

In Niger, the cumulative effects of successive years of drought and anthropic pressures have resulted in significant declines in the quality and quantity of natural resources. The present study aims to characterize the woody vegetation of the 527261.75ha Dosso Partial Wildlife Reserve. To this end, the analysis highlighted a characterization along the rainfall gradient. Data were collected by radial transect sampling, using floristic surveys and diameter measurements at 1.30 m for trees in 200 plots measuring 50 x 50 m in agrosystems and 50 x 30 m in contracted formations. Diversity indice were calculated on the basis of specific frequencies. The results revealed a woody stand characterized by a floristic richness ranging from 42 to 73 species, with an index varying from 3.86 to 4.74bits. The most dominant families in the sectors are fabaceae (32.87±35.71%) and combretaceae (10.95±19.04%). Microphanerophytes are more abundant (50.7±52.4%), reflecting the shrubby character of this stand. Dendrometric parameters indicate a low stand density (135.8±25.3ft/ha), but with a mean diameter (36.7±9.4cm) and a dominant mean height (11.67m). In the Sudanian and Sahelian domain, the dominant species in terms of importance value index are established. The diametric structure of the individuals fits the Weibull distribution and shows a predominance of young individuals. However, the low proportion of mature individuals suggests, among other things, the existence of anthropic pressures and difficult soil and climatic conditions that prevent individuals from reaching large dimensions. These results provide additional information on the state of the population in the study area, and can be used as a basis for management.

This study conducted on three fodder crops namely pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.), fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) and Maralfalfa (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), aimed to study the variation in fodder production of these three crops after three cuts and to compare the fodder yields of these three crops. Apart from fodder sorghum, fodder production of all crops increased significantly at the second cut. However, at the third cut, carried out during the rainy season, fodder production of all three crops increased by two to six times compared to the first cut. Maralfalfa with 69.34 tons of dry matter per hectare, gave the highest total fodder production after three cuts. A fodder production that is more than twice the total production of sorghum and more than three times the total production of pigeon peas.

In West Africa, fodder trees and shrubs play an important role in the socio-economic life of populations. The aim of this study is to summarize the literature on the use of these species worldwide, in Africa and in Niger. The methodological approach used in this study is documentary research via the Internet. The results show that articles (67%) are the most frequently consulted documents. Of this wealth of documentation, the subjects most dealt with were the inventory and distribution of fodder trees and shrubs (13%), followed by studies on animal husbandry systems (10.2%), the feed value of woody fodder (10.2%) and agrostological studies (9.90%). It has been shown that trees and shrubs play a major role in feeding, especially in the Sahel, where they help to alleviate the fodder deficit during long dry seasons and periods of drought. The 100 species concerned are mainly Fabaceae, Capparidaceae, Combretaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Rhamnaceae.

Objective : This study is conducted on the Goulbi N'Kaba Valley in Niger. The objective of this study is to determine the pastoral value and productivity of this area. Methodology : The methodological approach is focused on the sites of pastoral discharge sites and on two (2) transects (GB-GT and KH-DK), approximately 6.5 km long, running through the adjacent terraces (fields), the corridors of passage and the sylvo-pastoral zone (ZSP) of the valley. Phytosociological surveys based on abundance (number) and dominance (recovery) of species, and the harvest of phytomass were regularly made in plots of 2500 m². The quadratic points aligned method and the integral biomass harvest method were applied. Forage and pastoral values, productivities and load capacities were appreciated. Results : Forage values (legumes, graminoids, phorbes) of pastoral discharge sites in 2004 (16 ; 22 ; 51) are higher than those in 2014 (8 ; 10 ; 29). This trend is maintained at the level of adjacent terraces (with 24, 22, 63 in 2004 against 17 ; 12 ; 40 in 2014) and corridors of passage (with 22 ; 21 ; 60 in 2004 against 15 ; 15 ; 11 in 2014). Pastoral values (2004 and 2014) move in the same direction as forage values (2004 and 2014). The productivity of species under crown is greater than that of species outside crowns. The productivities of 2004 are higher than those of 2014 on pastoral discharge sites and corridors of passage. Nevertheless those of 2014 (1398.6 ± 444.5 kg MS / ha) are higher than those of 2004 (1127.8 ± 608.4 kg MS / ha) on the adjacent terraces of the Goulbi N’Kaba valley. The carrying capacity follows the same trend as productivity in the Goulbi N'Kaba valley, but with much smaller values. Conclusion : Pasture and pastoral values and productivities revealed the deterioration of rangelands of pastoral discharge sites, adjacent terraces and passage corridors in the Goulbi N'Kaba valley from 2004 to 2014.

This work was carried out to evaluate the effects on zootechnical performances and economic results of young Balamis sheep supplemented with concentrate multi-nutritional blocks containing Sida cordifolia. It was conducted during the period from December 2014 to March 2015 at Sheep Breeding Centre of D