Chemical composition and physical characteristics of cowpea haulms as forage for ruminants
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Date
2000
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Society of Animal Science
Abstract
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.
Description
Published Journal Article
Keywords
Cowpea, Biology, Biochemistry, Soil biology
Citation
Mokoboki,H.K. Ayisi, K.K. and Ndlovu, L.R. 2000. Chemical composition and physical characteristics of cowpea haulms as forage for ruminants. South African Journal of Animal Science.