Periodic Assessment of Dry Matter Production and Nutritional Value of Millet Legumes Mix Fodder

Abstract

The intercropping of millet with legumes rich in protein was tested at 50, 60 and 70th day of sowing for the dry matter and its nutritional value. The seeds of cluster bean, cowpea and sesbania were inter-seeded on the same day in millet. The preliminary analysis for forage quality of mixture indicated that the practice of intercropping appeared to be more successful for achieving the required nutritional value. Apparently, the successive delay in harvesting produced more dry matter and organic matter yield with the completion of biologic cycle of both the component crops. The significant loss of feeding value with respect to crude protein and ash of mixture was achieved with delayed harvesting. However, its negative impact was much low in millet–cluster bean and millet–cowpea mixture which sustained their protein contents over the sampling period. It is, therefore, suggested that mix cultivation of millet–legume, preferably sesbania, should be popularized among the dairy farmers for getting palatable and proteinaceous fodder.