Effect of plant density on the growth of grasses and legumes for ruminants’ production

Abstract

Grasses and legumes are the two most significant plant species utilized as animal feed. Each of them has a special set of advantages that make it suitable for a distinct use. Thus, the objectives of this research work were to (i) evaluate the effects of planting density on growth and development of legumes and grasses, and (ii) examine the effects of planting density on the nutritional status of legumes and grasses for ruminant production. Five legumes and two grasses were subjected to 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm planting density in RCBD with three replications. ANOVA indicated that there were highly significant differences (P<0.001) in all the parameters measured. The plant density was also found to have highly significant (P<0.001) effect on internode and significant (P<0.05) effect on stem diameter and number of stems. Species by plant density interaction had highly significant effect (P<0.001) only on internode length. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in morphological traits and biomass yields as the plant density increased. There were significant differences in mineral elements and proximate composition. Increase in plant density decreased the performance of plant species. The planting of both legumes and grasses at 30 cm spacing will be more beneficial for ruminant feed production.