Potentiality of halophytes as animal fodders under arid conditions of Egypt
Halophytes are widely distributed throughout Egypt due to the presence of numerous salines along the Mediterranean and Red Sea shores and inland. Halophytic plants have multiple usages such as dune fixation, windbreaks, fuel, etc. Due to the critical shortage of animal feeds in the desert regions, utilization of halophytes as fodders has a strong significance. This article aimed to summarize the results of researches on the role of halophytes in feeding animals under the desert conditions of Egypt. It presents the main usages of the native halophytic plants. It also contains data on the chemical composition, fiber constituents and palatability of most dominant halophytic plant species. Nutritive values and utilization of halophytes in different forms, i.e. fresh, dry and silage by sheep and goats are also discussed. It seems that some of the native and exotic halophytic species have great potentialities as animal fodders under the arid conditions of Egypt.