Evaluation of fodder yield, chemical composition and prediction of nutritive value of some leguminous fodder crops by SEDS

Abstract:

The experiment was conducted to evaluate leguminous fodder crops: Horsegram, Field bean, Cluster bean, Cowpea for their green fodder yield (GFY) and dry matter yield (DMY). The same were subjected for proximate, fibre fraction andenergy values were calculated by summative equations of detergent system. The highest GFY and DMY was for cowpea. Dry matter percentage in Horsegram and Cluster bean ranged from 19.6 to 21.7 but in Field bean and Cowpea, the dry matter percentage was around 16. The CP content was significantly (p<0.01) higher in Cowpea and the lowest CP was seen in Cluster bean. Significantly (p<0.01) lower ether extract was noticed in Cluster bean however not much variation in NFE content among leguminous annual fodders. highest CP yield was observed in Cowpea followed by Field bean, Horsegram and Cluster bean. NDF content of Field bean was significantly (p<0.01) higher than other leguminous fodder crops whereas, the same fodders also had significantly (p<0.01) higher ADF. Predicted true digestible dry matter (TDDM), apparent digestible dry matter (ADDM), Metabolizable energy (ME) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) by SEDS were highest in Horsegram and were comparable in other fodder crops. Based on agronomical parameters and chemical composition if more green fodder yield is required among leguminous fodder crops studied, Cowpea can be recommended. As energy values and CP are comparable, based on Total digestible nutrients Horsegram can be recommended to include in the diets of ruminants to meet requirements for growth and milk production.