Abstract
The agronomic performance and nutritive value of Mucuna legume (Stilozobium deeringianum (Bort) Merr.) in five stages were evaluated under climatic conditions of Peruvian central coast to estimate optimum stage of use. Five cutting ages were: 21, 42, 63, 84 and 105 days. Crop growing, forage yield, chemical composition, vitro dry matter digestibility and net energy for lactation of Mucuna were evaluated. The optimum cutting age was 84 days with 25633.3 kg. Ha-1 of fresh matter and 6422.6 kg-1 ha-1 of dry matter. In this age crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility contents were 14.94%, 44.80%, 33.15% and 66.12 %. Net energy for lactation was 1.43 Mcal.kg-1. These results show that Mucuna was well adapted to Peruvian Central Coast with high forage yield and nutritive value.
Highlights
Soil fertility is declining in Peru central coast due to excessive use agrochemicals at the expense of green manure
Plant cover percentage, green yield and dry matter yield and crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility and net energy for lactation were evaluated in each age
Forage yield, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber in vitro dry matter digestibility were expressed in kg
Summary
Soil fertility is declining in Peru central coast due to excessive use agrochemicals at the expense of green manure. Legume forage, through biological nitrogen, is an economic source of protein with a good digestibility for cattle in the tropics (Herrera, 1966). As a tropical trailing forage which could be an alternative for soil fertility and forage improvement the agronomic and nutritional characteristics as a soil improvement and provide forage to livestock. Mucuna is not well spread in Peru in contrast of other South American countries where it is commonly grown as cover crop for soil fertility improvement as well as legume forage for cattle (Merayo, 2000). The study aimed to determine the optimum date cutting Mucuna legume forage in Peru central coast
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