Species information
Bauhinia thonningii is poorly consumed by cattle and small ruminants (Toutain, 1980; Ouédraogo-Koné et al., 2006). It can also be used to feed goats (Kavana et al., 2005). It may be used as a potential protein bank during periods of scarcity (droughts) as it does not drop its leaves or pods early (Mandibaya et al., 1999).
Various methods have been proposed to improve the feeding value of Bauhinia thonningii pods and browse for ruminants. Increasing the protein intake may dilute tannin and then improve utilization of the browse (Rubanza et al., 2003). Soaking the pods in water or NaOH or adding wood ash may reduce the content of condensed tannins (Mlambo et al., 2001). Crushing the pods has been suggested as a way to increase their digestibility (Toutain, 1980). In Burkina-Faso, ground Bauhinia thonningii pods were found to be a potential supplement to growing sheep grazing natural pastures, or to fattening sheep fed cottonseed meal or ground velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) (Kima, 2008).