Growth indices, dry matter yield and nutritive value of Centrosema pascuorum at four different cutting regimes in humid tropics

摘要

A study was conducted on growth indices, dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value of Centrosema pascuorum at four different cutting regimes of growth i.e. 8. 10, 12 and 14 weeks after sowing (WAS). Experimental design was a complete randomized design with three replicates on 4m by 12m bed. Results showed significant (P0.05) contents were observed for 24 hours' gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, short chain fatty acid and metabolizable energy across the differentcutting regimes. Conclusively, growth pattern and DMY of Centrosema pascuorum across the different cutting regimes 8-14 WAS consistently increased, coupled with nutritive parameters and post in vitro characteristics. Centrosema pascuorum could be best harvested at 12 and 14 WAS for its effective and efficient utilization for livestock production especially ruminants.