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Tree and shrub densities have increased by approximately 30-50% in many areas of southern Africa, which increase the amount of bare soil surfaces and consequently declines in soil functions, which hinders the recovery of herbaceous plants. Additionally, encroaching woody plants such as Vachellia species, Seriphium plumosum and Senegalia caffra may alter ecosystem services such as forage production for livestock; and thereby increase associated costs of livestock management. The expansion of woody plants in communal and commercial systems is attributed to local and global driver including but not limited to overgrazing, elevated atmospheric CO 2, erratic rainfall. In an attempt to understand the underlying causes of woody plant encroachment, and develop management interventions the following objectives were explored the 1) effect of season, burning, slope position, and their interaction on Seriphium plumosum L. crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, total phenolics and condensed tannins concentrations, 2) optimal tree density that will maximize forage production, 3) the use of woody encroaching species as a measure of control of endoparasites in cattle, and 4) use of encroaching woody species as fodder and their effect on animal performance, methane emission and meat quality. Crude protein concentration was higher during the wet season in post-fire treatment sites than in no fire treatment sites, which were also higher than CP concentrations during dry season at no fire treatment sites and post-fire treatment sites. The results showed that mechanical-and chemical-control, as well as fire application influences the structure and functioning of savannas by creating gaps that promote grass production. Senegalia caffra resulted in nearly 100% mortality of internal parasites in cattle after just 2 hours of application. Lastly, the encroaching woody plants showed the potential for use as fodder for livestock without adversely affecting animal performance, improve carcass characteristics and reduce methane emission.