Neem Tree
I would like to introduce the versatile shade tree “Neem” (azadirachta indica). You have probably used neem oil; however there are a lot more uses if you have your own tree or three.
Neem trees (also known as ‘farmers friend’) are considered fodder and medicinal trees throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Though not of great value for increasing milk in your herd, it is a great parasite control. With our own herd we have fed cut branches of neem when the girls look a bit down or wormy after rain. Just recently I cut a variety of branches for the herd, and the neem was stripped bare in 30 seconds. Other times they prefer other branches first.
Known in India as the village dispensary, and in other parts of the world as noble tree or farmers friend, this tree will grow 5 – 15 m tall. Once established neem is extremely drought tolerant due to its deep tap root and extensive but not invasive root system. Although surviving long droughts, this tree needs ample soil moisture to put on masses of lush growth for fodder. The root system pulls up minerals from deep in the ground and deposits them in the nutritious leaves.
I tend to use neem as a tonic, cutting branches for the milking girls every week or two. As the leaves are bitter to taste, we have checked for any taint in the milk and haven’t noticed any – ‘bitter to the tongue is sweet to the tummy’.
Men of Indian villages have long used neem leaves as a temporary contraceptive. As a precaution we refrain from giving neem to bucks just prior to and during breeding season as this plant is known to temporarily reduce sperm count.
Other uses of neem include – revitalise exhausted soils, mosquito repellent, lice killer, repellent for chewing insect on plants, blowfly on sheep, buffalo fly on cattle, lice on poultry, mange, fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, fuel, fertilizer, etc.
When acquiring neem trees take care as white cedar (melia azedarach) is very similar and often mistaken for neem. This plant has a toxic effect and is certainly not neem.
Neem trees (also known as ‘farmers friend’) are considered fodder and medicinal trees throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Though not of great value for increasing milk in your herd, it is a great parasite control. With our own herd we have fed cut branches of neem when the girls look a bit down or wormy after rain. Just recently I cut a variety of branches for the herd, and the neem was stripped bare in 30 seconds. Other times they prefer other branches first.
Known in India as the village dispensary, and in other parts of the world as noble tree or farmers friend, this tree will grow 5 – 15 m tall. Once established neem is extremely drought tolerant due to its deep tap root and extensive but not invasive root system. Although surviving long droughts, this tree needs ample soil moisture to put on masses of lush growth for fodder. The root system pulls up minerals from deep in the ground and deposits them in the nutritious leaves.
I tend to use neem as a tonic, cutting branches for the milking girls every week or two. As the leaves are bitter to taste, we have checked for any taint in the milk and haven’t noticed any – ‘bitter to the tongue is sweet to the tummy’.
Men of Indian villages have long used neem leaves as a temporary contraceptive. As a precaution we refrain from giving neem to bucks just prior to and during breeding season as this plant is known to temporarily reduce sperm count.
Other uses of neem include – revitalise exhausted soils, mosquito repellent, lice killer, repellent for chewing insect on plants, blowfly on sheep, buffalo fly on cattle, lice on poultry, mange, fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, fuel, fertilizer, etc.
When acquiring neem trees take care as white cedar (melia azedarach) is very similar and often mistaken for neem. This plant has a toxic effect and is certainly not neem.
