Quality characteristics and nutrient yields of maize and legume forages under changing intercropping row ratios

Abstract

Availability of green fodder with improved quality to animals is the key to success for sustainable livestock production. It is difficult to maintain the health and milk production of the livestock without supply of the quality green fodder. Therefore, the study was carried out to evaluate the forage quality of maize and legumes as influenced by varying intercropping combinations. This experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments consisting of three different forage crops, viz. maize, cowpea and guar sown in sole as well as in 1:1 and 2:1 intercropping combinations of forage cereal with legume crop components in three replications. Experimental results showed that the highest dry matter yield (94.89 q/ha) was obtained in maize+ cowpea (2:1) intercropping combinations. The quality parameters of different forage crops, viz. Organic Matter, Crude Protein, Ether Extract, Ash Content, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, NDICP and ADICP were influenced significantly and favourably with inclusion of both legumes. Among intercropping combinations Maize: legume (1:1) was better over Maize: legume (2:1) and sole maize. The CP, EE and Ash yield were influenced significantly and maximum value were observed 10.74, 1.99 and 9.4 q/ha, respectively in forage maize+ cowpea (2:1) ratio. Among the different forage crops, the fiber fractions were observed minimum in (1:1) intercropping ratio of maize with legume components as compares to their sole component as well as (2:1) intercropping combinations. The insoluble crude protein content was found minimum in (1:1) intercropping combination and influenced significantly with their respective (2:1) or sole crop.