Volume 42, 120-123

Tropical Grasslands (2008) Volume 42, 120–123

Research note: Nutritive value of four accessions of Stylosanthes scabra in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

J.A. AKINLADE, G.O. FARINU, O.O. AGBOOLA, A.A. AKINGBADE, O.O. OJEBIYI AND O.A. ADERINOLA

Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Dry matter yields and nutritive value at 10 weeks of age of 4 accessions of Stylosanthes scabra (cvv. Fitzroy and Seca, and Accessions 140 and 441D) were assessed in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Dry matter intakes by West African dwarf goats of conserved hays from the 4 accessions were measured as well as dry matter degradation characteristics of the material in 3 rumen-fistulated bucks in a separate study.
Herbage yields of Fitzroy (1973 kg/ha) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the 1446, 1184 and 1524 kg/ha produced by Seca, 140 and 441D, respectively. Crude protein (CP) (14.7–15.1%) and crude fibre (31.8–33.1%) concentrations showed little variation among the accessions. Both DM and CP intakes were higher for Seca than for the remaining cultivars.