Introduced tree legumes Indigofera zollingeriana to enhance potential carrying capacity of Brachiaria humidicola pasture in coconut plantations

Abstract

Coconut still one of the economic backbone of society. A tropical grass namely Brachiaria humidicola well adapted under mature coconuts, un fortune crude protein content of this grass fluctuated lower than minimum requirement in the ruminant diet. Furthermore, carrying capacity pasture based on B. humidicola in coconut plantation able to provide only the needs of total digestible nutrient for cattle with bodyweight no exceed to 250 Kg. Therefore, to increase crude protein content needs nitrogen fertilizer application but costly and in some circumstance occurred negative impacts on the environment. Herbaceous legume integrated as mixed pasture failed to persist due to the aggressiveness of this grass. There are some kind of tree legumes i.e., I. zollingeriana. This research aims to study the ability of I. zollingeriana to produce leaves as a source of protein and dry matter to enhance the carrying capacity. From animal feeds point of view B. humidicola solely could provides dry matter, crude protein and TDN for cattle with bodyweight 250 Kg, and I. zollingeriana as well, but the latter provides crude protein almost double more than B. humidicola. This means that both species altogether in the same space could provide feeds for body weight (BW) more.