Feed value of multipurpose fodder trees and shrubs in West Africa: edible forage production and nutritive value of Millettia thonningii and Albizia lebbeck

(Schum. & Thonn.) Bak., a nitrogen fixing shrub native to Africa and , were harvested at 0.50 m above ground level after one year of establishment to determine edible forage production. Harvests were made at the end of the main (April–August) and minor (September–November) wet, and dry (December–March) seasons for two years. Dry season edible forage samples were analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CL), soluble phenolics (SOPH) and proanthocyanidins (PAs). dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) degradation and gas production (GP) characteristics were also determined on dry season edible forage samples. Edible forage production of was significantly lower than during the wet seasons. had relatively lower CP and PAs, but higher NDF, ADF, ADL, CL and SOPH than DM and N degradation and GP parameters of were significantly lower than . Parameters of DM degradation and GP were highly correlated. appeared to be of lower feed value than based on edible forage production, chemical composition, DM and N degradation and GP characteristics.