Feedipedia
Animal feed resources information system
Feedipedia
Feedipedia

Did you find the information you were looking for? Is it valuable to you? Feedipedia is encountering funding shortage. We need your help to keep providing reference-based feeding recommendations for your animals.
Would you consider donating? If yes, please click on the button Donate.

Any amount is the welcome. Even one cent is helpful to us!

Asongwed-Awa et al., 2002. Rev. Elev. Méd. Vét. Pays Trop., 55 (4):269-274

Document reference 
Asongwed-Awa, A. ; Njoya, A., 2002. Integrated approach to forage seed production and supplementation of dairy cows in the semiarid region of Cameroon. Rev. Elev. Méd. Vét. Pays Trop., 55 (4):269-274
Alternative title 

Approche intégrée pour la production de semences fourragères et la complémentation de vaches laitières dans la région semi-aride du Cameroun

Abstract 

Stylosanthes hamata, Calopogonium mucunoides and Macroptilium lathyroides were intercropped with maize in a randomized block design. Age of maturity, forage dry matter and seed yields were determined at the end of their cycles. In another experiment, S. hamata and C. mucunoides were planted and divided into cutting, grazing and control subplots. Lactating zebu cows were put in the grazing subplots, while cutting subplots were cut at the end of the grazing period. Intercropping had no significant effect on the age of flowering and seeding. The establishment rate was however slower in intercropped C. mucunoides and S. hamata. The forage dry matter yield was similar in pure and intercropped C. mucunoides and M. lathyroides, respectively, but significantly higher in pure S. hamata plots ( P<0.01). The seed yield was similar in the two treatments of S. hamata and M. lathyroides, but significantly higher in pure C. mucunoides plots ( P<0.001). In the establishment year, grazing and cutting reduced seed yield of S. hamata ( P<0.001) compared to control. However, the difference was largely offset by a 35% milk yield increase in cows grazing S. hamata. These results indicate that forage legume seed production is feasible and manageable under an integrated production system. 

Citation key 
Asongwed-Awa et al., 2002