E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development

E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development Vol. 4 (5) pp. 066-071, August 2014; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9897

Forage production potential and nutritive value of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes in the northern lowlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in northern lowlands of Ethiopia for three consecutive years, 2010 to 2012 to identify adaptive, high yielding and quality genotypes. Five Genotypes were grown as experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Plot size was 3 x 2m with an inter-row spacing of 40 and 1m path. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, dry matter herbage yield and grain yield showed statistically significant variation among genotypes. Percentage dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, dry organic matter, in vitro dry organic matter digestibility of the genotypes were in the range of 89.2 to 89.9 % , 14.7 to 15.6%, 56.3 to 60.7%, 47.0 to 57.2%, 11.6% to 14.1%, 84.9 to 86.5% and 55.1 to 60.2%, respectively. Except percentage dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin, the cowpea genotypes were significantly different in chemical composition and digestibility (p<0.05). In general, animal feed potential differences between the cowpea genotypes were significant, indicating the potential for selecting superior genotypes. As cowpea can fix nitrogen to improve soil fertility and cropping system productivity and serves as an excellent protein source for both animals and humans, it can play its role in food security of the society in the study area. Further researches as to the inclusion level in farm animals’ diet, grain nutritional composition and conservation techniques of these genotypes should be conducted to fill the existing knowledge gap.

Keywords: Chemical composition, cowpea, DM, grain yield