Indigofera, now Known as a Good Goat Feed

Indigofera, a versatile forage tree/shrub, first caught attention in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, during the 1980s, thanks to the efforts of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center. Although it started as an underappreciated forage, it has since gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional benefits, especially in livestock farming.

A Versatile Forage Plant

This leguminous plant features bright green, pinnate leaves and numerous shoots, making it a popular choice for landscaping, shade, and windbreaks. While some plant Indigofera for aesthetic purposes, others have discovered its immense potential as a reliable source of animal feed.

Overcoming Initial Resistance

Initially, farmers were not keen on using Indigofera for feed due to its tough leaves, which made it unpalatable to animals. As a result, the plant was largely overlooked as a forage material. However, its true value was later realized when Rene Almeda, a forward-thinking dairy goat farmer and consultant at Alaminos Goat Farm (AGF), explored its feeding potential.

The Breakthrough in Livestock Feeding

Rene’s curiosity led him to experiment with Indigofera as a feed for his goats. Though the goats initially resisted, their acceptance of the forage grew over time, eventually resulting in a noticeable increase in milk production. By incorporating Indigofera into their diet, milk output surged from 120 liters to 150 liters per day.

Nutritional Powerhouse

One of the key reasons for Indigofera’s success as livestock feed is its high crude protein content, ranging from 27% to 31%. This protein-rich content surpasses that of many locally available leguminous forages, making it a valuable addition to livestock diets.

Cost-Effective and Profitable

Not only does Indigofera improve animal productivity, but it also offers economic benefits. Including 30% Indigofera in a goat’s diet has been shown to reduce feed costs by up to 25%. Additionally, AGF generates income by selling Indigofera seeds, priced at P600 per kilo (vacuum packed).

The Alaminos Salad Garden

Inspired by the success of Indigofera, Rene has incorporated it into the Alaminos Salad Garden, a sustainable and nutrient-packed forage source for farm animals. The garden features a mix of forages, including centrosema, napier, mulberry, and moringa, providing a diverse and balanced diet for livestock.

Innovation in Feed Palatability

Rene further innovated by pelletizing Indigofera leaves and mixing them with feed concentrate, improving palatability and digestibility for livestock. A locally fabricated pelletizing machine was developed to meet the specific needs of AGF’s operations, making the feed more accessible and beneficial for the animals.

Conclusion: A Livestock Farming Game-Changer

What was once an underappreciated forage is now an indispensable resource for livestock farmers, thanks to Rene Almeda’s ingenuity. Indigofera has proven to be a game-changer in improving animal productivity and reducing feed costs, securing its place as a go-to feed option in the farming community.