Applied Biology and Biochemistry Publications

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Browsing Applied Biology and Biochemistry Publications by Author "Ayisi, K.K."

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    Chemical composition and physical characteristics of cowpea haulms as forage for ruminants
    (South African Society of Animal Science, 2000) Mokoboki, H.K.; Ayisi, K.K.; Ndlovu, Lindela R
    Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata) is a major grain legume grown by small- scale farmers in the Northern Province of South Africa. The crop is indigenous to Africa and is used extensively in many cropping systems throughout Africa (Eaglesham et al., 1981). Cowpea straws are potential supplementary feed for ruminants in the dry season. Cowpea straws are likely to have higher crude protein than cereal straws and may thus improve digestibility of cereal straws if used together. However, cowpea straws may contain anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and total phenols which affect animal performance. The protein and tannin content of cowpea straws is likely to be affected by variety and growth environment. Straws of varieties adapted to Northern Province have not been evaluated for their content of these constituents. Whilst animal intake and utilisation are the ultimate test of forage suitability, the procedures are unsuitable when large number of forage germ-plasm are to be screened. Chemical and physical characteristics that are known to affect intake and utilisation are often used in such circumstances. The main aim of this research was to determine the effect of variety on physical and chemical characteristics of straws of long season cowpeas and also to determine if haulms of varieties that retain greenness longer will have a better nutritional value than those that dry early.