Prosopis Cinerariaandailanthus Excelsa—fodder Trees of Rajasthan, India

This paper reviews the information available mainly on the fodder aspects of two of the important fodder tree species of Indian arid regions viz. Prosopis cineraria and Ailanthus excelsa. The fodder of both have ready markets and trees of both species are lopped heavily in the arid areas of Rajasthan, India. Whereas P. cineraria is useful for both green and dry fodder, A. excelsa is more popular for its green fodder. Complete lopping in winter produces more fodder yield in P. cineraria. The practice of annual lopping of P. cineraria needs to be investigated in detail. Trees of this species also help in improving soil properties. Both species are economic for growing in farm fields. Major pest attacks reducing fodder yield are not common in either species.