Indigenous browse species can make a large contribution to livestock nutrition as they depend on such species during the dry and wet season. Despite the wide use of the browse species, no studies have been undertaken so far in the Southern zone of Tigray on utilization of such feed resources. The objectives of this study were to identify these feed resources and their utilization. A total of 103 households from five districts were interviewed to collect information on types of indigenous browse species available and their utilization. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The overall contribution of browse species exceeds 20-60% (dry season) and 22.8-65% (wet season) of the livestock feeds currently used by smallholder farmers, and this reflects the level of integration between grazing land and livestock farming. Leaves, pods, twigs and fruits were the plant parts utilized by livestock. Browse species also had many uses like as a source of fire wood, medicinal values and the majority of fruits were consumed by both human and livestock. The present result suggest that browse species to have a valuable role in feeding of animals and other worthy traditional uses.

Keywords: Crop residue, Fodder tree, Multi-purpose animal feed, Natural pasture