Leuceana Leucocephala Research Articles

Performance of Leguminous Tree Species in Sand-mined Soil Under Nursery Conditions

Early growth performance of Delonix regia, Albizia lebbeck , Albizia saman and Leuceana leucocephala in soil from an abandoned sand mining site was investigated. Using a completely randomized block design, forty seedlings from each species were transplanted into topsoil and sand-mined soil. Total height, collar diameter, and number of leaves were monitored fortnightly, for 16 weeks. Biomass accumulated by the seedlings was determined, while root nodulation and foliar chlorophyll content were assessed. Significant differences were observed in the main and interaction effects of soil type and species type on growth variables, with higher growth in topsoil. Delonix regia in topsoil had the highest total height (41.01±3.14 cm) and collar diameter (7.11±0.34 cm), while A. lebbeck had the highest number of leaves (11.39±0.37). Biomass accumulation followed the trend: D. regia>A. lebbeck> A. saman>L. leucocephala for both topsoil and sand-mined soil treatments. Highest nodulation was in A. saman (13) growing in sand-mined soil while D. regia (6.20±1.20 mg/g) in topsoil had the highest chlorophyll content. All the species survived in the sand-mined soil with D. regia and A. lebbeck out performing the other species, indicating their potential choice for rehabilitation of sand mining quarries.

Comparison of Chemical Compositions Between Two Fast Growing Species: Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucochephala

Acacia mangium and Leuceana leucocephala are both exotic species known to be planted in Malaysia. Both species are well known to possess high growth rate, therefore made as reforestation species as well as a popular resource for pulp and paper industry. The main objectives of this study are to determine the chemical compositions of small diameter wild Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala species and to compare that properties between of them at three (3) different stem portions (bottom, middle and top) and two (2) different parts (bark and wood). All analyses were done according to TAPPI standard method, except hemicellulose (Wise et al.) and holocellulose (formula). All the data and results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s Post Hoc test. Results revealed alcohol-toluene solubles was highest in bottom portion of Acacia mangium bark (14.98%). Holocellulose can be found highest in middle portion of Leuceana leucocephala wood (90.61%). For α-cellulose, highest was in Leuceana leucocephala bark (69.36%). Hemicellulose was most abundant in Acacia mangium top portion of wood (36.14%), while highest lignin was in its bottom portion of bark (31.18%). ANOVA indicates there are statistically high significance between species for all chemical composition, but between portions, only alcohol-toluene soluble and holocellulose are significant. For parts, all chemical composition is significant, except for lignin. This study proved that small diameter wild Acacia mangium and Leuceana leucocephala as a viable resource for pulp and paper industry.

Effects of Leafy Biomass of Some Agroforestry Tree Species on Light Fraction Organic Matter Content of Soil

A study on light fraction organic matter was carried out on soil where leafy biomass of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (ENCY), Treculia africana (TRAF), Anogeissus leiocarpus (ANLE), Gliricidia sepium (GLSE), Leuceana leucocephala (LELE) were used as mulch. Soil samples were collected in each plot at two auger points 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and then homogenized for laboratory analysis. ANLE was observed to have significant higher values (6.37, and 6.52) on soil pH, and at day 28 on soil pH respectively. Light fraction organic carbon (LFC) also experienced significant higher value (3.48 g/kg) at day 28 in ANLE leafy biomass. However, LELE had the significant highest values (0.37 g/kg, and 1.44 g/kg) on light fraction nitrogen (LFN), and at day 42 on LFN respectively, while, microbial population count (MP) was highest in ENCY (183516667 cfu/g), and (726666667 cfu/g) at day 14 respectively. It is therefore concluded that the leafy biomass investigated had improving positive effects on light fraction organic matter.
 Keywords: Organic matter, Soil content, Light fraction, Leafy biomass, Tree species

Adaptation trail of selected Multipurpose Tree Species under Babille Condition East Hararghe Zone oromia, Ethiopia

Among several multipurpose tree species in the eastern parts of Ethiopia, Sesbania sesban, Moringa oliefera, Gravilea robusta, Cordia africna, Azadarichta indica and Leuceana leucocephala are common. However, their adaptability and growth performance of this tree species has not scientifically trailed in the study area. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability of multipurpose tree species at Babille District, Oromia, Ethiopia, for three years (June 2016 - June 2019). The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Data on the growth parameters; diameter, plant height and survival rate were measured and recorded at interval of three months. Results revealed that there were highly significant (p <0.05) variations among tree species in height growth, RCD, DBH and survival rate at the study area. Among the species tasted, M. oliefera showed the highest performance followed by A. indica, S. sesban and L. leucocephala in terms of height growth, RCD and DBH at Babille condition. after three years of establishment, M. oliefera, A. indica, S. sesban and L. leucocephala showed the highest mean survival rate at the study area. Hence it can be inferred that the conditions of Babille district matched with the environmental requirement of those tree species. On the other hand, species of G. robusta showed lowest performance at the study area. Thus, the long dry season, which extended from eight to ten months in the study area, clearly explains the poor survival and growth response in some of the species. Generally, the study under Babille condition and related agro-ecology, we advocate these adapted species and properly allocate species into the site that grow and adapt well for further agroforestry practices at wider scale on which success of agroforestry practices and forest plantations depend.

In Vitro gas production assessement of Panicum maximum incubated with Leucaena leucocephala at varying proportions to predict the nutritional value for ruminants

The inclusion of multipurpose trees with grass such as Panicum maximum in the diet of ruminants may enhance productivity. Thus, the study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, in vitro gas production characteristics and parameters of Leucaena leucocephala and Panicum maximum at varying proportions. Five diets were formulated such that Panicum maximum was substituted with Leucaena leucocephala at different ratio: T1 (100% Panicum maximum), T2 (100% Leuceana leucocephala), T3 (50% P. maximum + 50% L. leucocephala), T4 (75% P. maximum + 25% L .leucocephala) and T5 (25% P. maximum + 75% L. leucocephala). Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Values obtained for dry matter (34.43 –35.95g/100g) decreased with the increased inclusion of Leuceana leucocephala in the diets. The crude fiber values (14.33 – 30.75g/100g) also followed the same trend while crude protein (CP) content (10.70 – 26.78g/100g) increased the inclusion of Leucaena leucocephala in the diets. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the treatment means of organic matter digestibility (OMD 31.93 – 37.07%), Metabolisable energy (ME 3.62 – 4.33 MJ/kgDM), short chain fatty acids (SCFA 0.04 – 0.16mL) and methane (ME 1.00 – 2.50 mL).The values (2.00 – 4.67 ml/200mgDM) obtained for immediate soluble 'a' was significantly (P < 0.05) different among the treatments. The extent of gas production (a+b) ranged from 2.00 – 4.67 mL/200mgDM, T1 (100% Panicum maximum) recorded the lowest while highest was observed in T2 (100% Leucaena leucocephala). The insoluble but degradable fraction 'b'ranged from 2.67 – 5.67ml/200mgDM, while the rate of gas production 'c' ranged from 0.04 – 0.14ml/hr. In conclusion, the enhanced values of crude protein, OMD, SCFA, and ME in the Panicum maximum and Leucaena leucocephala mixture indicate that the diets is able to meet the nutrients requirements of small ruminants in the tropics especially during the dry season.

Adaptation and Growth Performance Evaluation of Agroforestry Tree Species in Babille District, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Study was under taken on five agroforestry tree species: Moringa oliefera, Gravilea robusta, Azadarichta indica, Leuceana leucocephala and Cordia africana at Fedis Agricultural Research Center to evaluate their adaptability and growth performance. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. The growth parameters; diameter, plant height and survival rate were measured and recorded at interval of three months. Results revealed that there were selected agroforestry tree species had no problem on survival and adaptability at study area except some growth variation and the outcome had a significant value at (p<0.05) between treatment’s parameters. The variations among tree species in height growth, root collar diameter development, diameter at breast height and survival rate were highly significant (p<0.05) after four years of age. This could be due to environmental factor and/or genetic potential of the species, which generally govern the growth of a given species. Among the species tasted, Azadarichta indica showed the highest performance followed by Leuceana leucocephala, Moringa oliefera in terms of height growth, root collar diameter and diameter at breast height. Moringa oliefera, Azadarichta indica, and Leuceana leucocephala showed the highest survival rate with 84%, 83.67% and 82.33% respectively. On the other hand, Gravilea robusta and Cordia africana showed lowest performance. Thus, the long dry season, which extended from eight to ten months in the study area, clearly explains the poor survival and growth response in some of the species. Hence it can be inferred that the conditions of Babille matched with the environmental requirement of Moringa oliefera, Azadarichta indica, and Leuceana leucocephala. Therefore, the species offers much promise for future use in agroforestry practices in the area. Generally, the study under Babille conditions and related agro ecology, we advocate these adapted species for further properly allocate species into the site that grow and adapt agro forestry practices, forest plantations and economic and livelihood benefits for different stakeholders.

Performance Evaluation of Multipurpose Tree Species Integrated with Moisture Conservation Structures on Degraded Area Closure at Babille District, Ethiopia

Tree planting on degraded lands plays a key role in forest rehabilitation processes through afforestation and/or reforestation. Moisture conservation structures have significant impact on seedling survivals at degraded lands. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of moisture conservation structures on seedling survival and growth performance of selected tree species. Field experiment was conducted for four (2016-2020) in degraded area closure at Babile District East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. The experimental design followed was the split plot design. The moisture conservation structures as main plot used were Soil level bund, Trench and normal pit (used as control). The tree species grown as subplots were Moringa oleifera, Melia azedarach, Grevillea robusta, Leuceana leucocephala and Sesbanea sesban. The five tree species were planted by using seedlings. The tree survival rate, plant height, diameter at breast height and root collar diameter of the five tree species were measured every three months in year after transplanting. The result shows that moisture conservation structures were significant in tree survival rate, plant height, and root collar diameter but not in tree diameter at breast height. Tree seedling height and root collar diameter grown in the Soil level bund were significantly higher than those grown in moisture conservation structures, trench and normal pit (P≤0.05). Survival rate and diameter at breast height grown in the Trench were significantly higher than those grown in moisture conservation structures, soil level bund and normal pit (P≤0.05). The survival rate of tree seedling was higher when grown in Trench than normal pit (control) (P≤0.05). The interaction of tree species seedlings and moisture conservation structures shows that those seedlings grown on moisture conservation structures were significantly thicker, taller and more survived than those grown on the normal pit (control) (P≤0.05). Based on the experiments, it is concluded that moisture conservation structures particularly the Trenches was considered as the most appropriate planting pit. Therefore, further demonstration of Trenches tree planting should be carried out.

Exploitation of unconventional protein sources in the feed of weaner rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus Linn.)

An experiment was conducted to explore the use of some leguminous shrubs, commonly accepted as protein sources for feeding ruminants but rarely considered as feed for micro livestock animals such as rabbits. Thirty two weaner rabbits of heterogeneous population, aged 4 weeks and balanced for sex, were randomly allotted to four experimental diets, in a completely randomized design, containing Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, with Centrosema pubescens serving as control. Total feed on offer was done at 4% body weight with concentrate supplementation at 25% of the total feed while forages were fed fresh. Results indicated that the crude protein content of the forages ranged from 21.64 g/100g DM to 26.88 g/100g DM in Centrosema pubescens and Moringa oleifera, respectively. Similarly, the crude fibre contents of the forage ranged from 14.47 g/100g DM to 21.89 g/100g DM Centrosema pubescens and Moringa oleifera, respectively. Although rabbits on Centrosema pubescens had the least weight (P&lt;0.05) throughout the experiment, yet they recorded the highest total feed intake (P&lt;0.05) of 6.348 kg, while the least feed intake was recorded for rabbits on Gliricidia sepium (5.48 kg). Rabbits on Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala gave the best (P &lt; 0.05) daily weight gain of 10.52 and 10.38g/d respectively, followed by those on Gliricidia sepium (10.05g/d) and least for rabbits on Centrosema pubescens (9.90g/d). The feed conversion ratios of rabbits on the forages were similar (P&gt;0.05) except for rabbits on Centrosema pubescens (P&gt;0.05). Nitrogen intakes of the rabbits from the different forage sources were similar (P&gt;0.05) but the nitrogen utilization differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) with rabbits on Leuceana leucocephala recording the highest value (78.52%), closely followed by rabbits on Moringa oleifera (76.46%) but the nitrogen utilization of rabbits on Gliricidia sepium and Centrosema pubescens are similar (66.23% and 66.11%, respectively). It can therefore be concluded that the unconventional forage shrubs hold potential as alternative feed sources for grower rabbits and Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala can conveniently replace Centrosema pubescens in the feeding of rabbits especially where the latter is depleted in stock.

Dynamics in tropical lowland soil nutrients as influenced by leafy biomass of some agroforestry trees

One of the major challenges of the developing countries is the production of sufficient food for the rapidly increasing population, and over cultivation of land resulting to soil infertility. Hence, transfer of nutrients through tree biomass contribute to micro variability in soil fertility and plant growth. A field research was conducted in the forest nursery of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria to investigate the response of tropical lowland soil to the application of leafy biomass of some agroforestry tree species; Anogeissus leiocarpus, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Gliricidia sepium, Leuceana leucocephala and Treculia africana at the rate of 5 tons per hectare (5t ha-1 or 5000 kg ha-1). The soil samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after application (WAP). Split plot experimental design was used with the time of soil sampling as main plots, mulch type as sub-plots. Data were statistically analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p =0.05 on pH, organic carbon, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. L. leucocephala had highest nutrient release values on; total nitrogen (0.019±0.002), calcium (41.07±3.75), sodium (139.0±36.927). Control plots was high in organic carbon (3.12±0.067), as well as pH (6.45±0.029). However, E. cyclocarpus also had highest nutrient contents in potassium (90.0±4.79) and magnesium (152.50±24.575). It is concluded that L. leucocephala had fast decomposition rate and its rapid nutrient release is a good alternative to improving soil nutrients in lowland tropical soil and therefore recommended as a better choice soil improvement agroforestry tree leafy biomass among other species as investigated from the study.

Adaptation and Growth Performance of Multipurpose Tree Species under Erer Dodota condition, Harari Region, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to evaluate adaptation and growth performance of five multipurpose tree species at Erer Dodota Kebele, Harari Regional State for three years (June 2016 - June 2019). Five multipurpose tree species (Sesbania sesban, Moringa oliefera, Gravilea robusta, Azadarichta indica and Leuceana leucocephala) were compared in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth parameters, diameter, and plant height and survival rate were measured and recorded at interval of three months. Results revealed that there were highly significant (p

Study of Amino Acids and Carbohydrates fromThe leaves and seeds of of Leuceana Leucocephala

Study of Amino Acids and Carbohydrates fromThe leaves and seeds of of Leuceana Leucocephala

Change of riparian vegetation from upstream to downstream reaches of a tropical river obstructed by a dam: A case study from Sri Lanka

Construction of dams across rivers is a common practice worldwide. However, obstructing free-flowing rivers could result in many negative impacts on riparian ecosystems, and are highly site-specific. In the present study, we evaluate the potential impacts of river regulation on the riparian vegetation by enumerating the vegetation at different distances from the dam/reservoir complex from upstream to downstream reaches of a tributary of the river Mahaweli in Sri Lanka. The tree-dominated riparian vegetation has been evaluated using belt transects located in the immediate and 8 km away from the reservoir/dam towards both upstream and the downstream of the tributary (US-0, US-8; DS-0, DS-8, respectively). A total of 150 species belonging to 58 families were identified, of which 43% were tree species. Approximately 77% of species were found exclusively in the upstream while 8% were recorded in the downstream. Both canopy and understory layers showed a significant decline in terms of richness, abundance, diversity and stem density from upstream to downstream. Leuceana leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, an invasive tree species, showed higher relative abundance in downstream reaches, while riparian species such as Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. and Pongamia pinnata (L.) showed no marked decline from upstream to downstream. The conditions triggered by reduced water discharges and severe river bank erosion may have contributed to these changes. The results indicate that the extreme water management practices in storage reservoirs have incurred negative impacts on the composition of the riparian vegetation. Introduction of well-coordinated flow management practices may help to mitigate some of these negative impacts.

Allelopathic effect of various plant leaf extracts on weed control in cotton

Allelopathy may help in weed control through inhibition of weed seed germination and weed seedling growth. The allelochemicals present in the plant species may be used to develop newer bioherbicide to combat the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds. Cotton being a long duration and wide spaced crop having the habit of growing at slower rate in early stages and much of vacant interspaces remain unutilized. Hence, weeds take the advantage of soil moisture, and soil fertility to suppress the crop growth. Based on the concept, this experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during 2012. For the experiment, fresh leaves of plant species Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis gigantea, Leuceana leucocephala, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Vitex negundo were collected from the plants found in nearby places of Madurai. The fresh leaves of the above species were collected and soaked in alcohol and water at 1:1 proportion and kept overnight. After 12 h, the leaf extract for each of the above species were prepared by filtration, which is 100% stock solution. From the stock solution, 10, 20 and 30% concentration were prepared and sprayed as pre-emergence application. Among the six plant species, pre-emergence application of Calotropis gigantea at 30% (T(10)), Calotropis gigantea at 20% (T(9)) and Calotropis gigantea at 10% (T(8)) recorded lesser weed density, dry weight and higher weed control efficiency compared to other leaf extract sprays.

Potenciales de las fuentes no convencionales de proteína en la alimentación de animales no rumiantes

Este trabajo revisa las investigaciones sobre el uso de fuentes no convencionales de proteína de origen vegetal para la avicultura en Nigeria y otros paises vecinos. Como el coste de los piensos compuestos continua siendo una carga para los granjeros nigerianos debido al alto coste actual de las fuentes convencionales de proteína tales como harina de pescado, torta de cacahuete y harina de soja, es muy urgente explorar los potenciales de fuentes alternativas no convencinales de proteína, especialmente harinas de hojas de algunas plantas, tales como Moringa oleifera, Leuceana leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Carica papaya y otros piensos leguminosos los cuales pueden, de alguna forma, sustituir la inclusión de fuentes convencionales de proteína. Esas fuentes alternativas no convencionales tienen un excelente valor nutritivo y propiedades terapéuticas. Sus contenidos de proteína bruta son excelentes. Resulta aparente por varios estudios previos que la inclusión de esas fuentes proteícas no convencionales en las dietas avícolas mejora el rendimiento de los pollos en término de tasa de crecimiento y producción de huevos. Sin embargo, sus niveles de inclusión recomendados deben de ser estrictamente ajustados para evitar cualquier efecto deletéreo que pueda tener sobre los pollos. Por ejemplo, la inclusión de la harina de hojas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM) hasta el 10% en dietas de gallinas ponedoras se ha comprobado que es segura. Por lo tanto, será una novedad su inclusión en alimentos avícolas sin producir efectos nocivos para el rendimiento de las aves así como para los consumidores de los productos y, finalmente, dando lugar a mejores beneficios de los granjeros.

Chemical analyses of the seeds of some forage legumes from Turkey. A chemotaxonomic approach

The seeds of six forage legumes (Leguminosae) were investigated for their protein, tannin contents and fatty acid compositions. The protein contents of forage legume seeds were found to be between 23.1 and 37.2%. On the other hand, the tannin contents of the same seeds were found to be between 0.67 and 6.33%. The fatty acid compositions of these six different species were determined by gas chromatography of the methyl esters of their fatty acids. The seed oils of different Leguminous taxa contained linoleic and linolenic acids as their major components. The seed oils of Lathyrus annuus, Onobrychis crista-galli, Trigonella foenum-graceum, Lotus corniculatus , and Leuceana leucocephala species contain 50.0, 59.4, 69.5, 37.06, and 52.6% linoleic acid, respectively, as the major component fatty acids, whereas in the seed oil of Lathyrus cicer , linolenic acid accounts for 29.7% as the major component fatty acid. The ratios of these fatty acids in the Leguminous genera were found to be highly variable. In the study of taxa, palmitic acid was found in the major saturated fatty acids, on the other hand oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were found in major unsaturated fatty acids.

Protein-Binding Affinity of Leucaena Condensed Tannins of Differing Molecular Weights

Depending on their source, concentration, chemical structure, and molecular weight, condensed tannins (CTs) form insoluble complexes with protein, which could lead to ruminal bypass protein, benefiting animal production. In this study, CTs from Leuceana leucocephala hybrid were fractionated into five fractions by a size exclusion chromatography procedure. The molecular weights of the CT fractions were determined using Q-TOF LC-MS, and the protein-binding affinities of the respective CT fractions were determined using a protein precipitation assay with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the standard protein. The calculated number-average molecular weights (M(n)) were 1348.6, 857.1, 730.1, 726.0, and 497.1, and b values (the b value represents the CT quantity that is needed to bind half of the maximum precipitable BSA) of the different molecular weight fractions were 0.381, 0.510, 0.580, 0.636, and 0.780 for fractions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The results indicated that, in general, CTs of higher molecular weight fractions have stronger protein-binding affinity than those of lower molecular weights. However, the number of hydroxyl units within the structure of CT polymers also affects the protein-binding affinity.

Growth Performances, Carcass and Organs Characteristics and Economics Results of Growing Indigenous Senegal Chickens Fed Diets Containing Various Levels of Leuceana leucocephala (Lam.) Leaves Meal

Growth Performances, Carcass and Organs Characteristics and Economics Results of Growing Indigenous Senegal Chickens Fed Diets Containing Various Levels of Leuceana leucocephala (Lam.) Leaves Meal

Nutrient Composition of Some Unconventional and Local Feed Resources Available in Senegal and Recoverable in Indigenous Chickens or Animal Feeding

This study was carried out to assess the nutrient composition of some unconventional and local feed resources available in Senegal so as to use them as protein supplement sources in the diets of indigenous chickens to enhance their productivity. Ten (10) unconventional and local ingredients from Senegal including leguminous leaves (Leuceana leucocephala, Cassia tora, Moringa oleifera, Adansonia digitata, Sesbania rostrata), cucurbit (Citrullus vulgaris) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds, red and white cowpea (Vigna unguiculata seeds) and cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) were collected, sun-dried, processed into meal and analyzed for their chemical and macro-mineral composition using internationally established procedures. The results showed that the samples Dry Matter (DM) percent ranged from 89.3% (red cowpea) to 94.9% (C. vulgaris). The Crude Protein (CP) content ranged from 24.7% (white cowpea) to 61.9% (cockroaches meal), with A. digitata leaves having the lowest value (12.9%). Citrullus and Hibiscus seeds meal recorded the highest (38.8% and 18.9%) Ether Extract (EE) values, followed respectively by cockroaches (11.1%), Moringa (9.8%), Leuceana (6.4%) and Sesbania leaves meal (5.1%), while the others were below 4.5%. The crude fiber (CF) content was globally high in the leaves, ranging from 11.7% (M. oleifera) to 16.8% (C. tora) while that of seeds and cockroaches ranged from 1.9% (white cowpea) to 19% (Citrullus seeds). A. digitata leaves gave the highest ash content (25.2%), followed by Cassia (15.2%), Moringa (13.6%), Leuceana (11.4%) and Sesbania leaves (7.1%), while the others were below 5.6%. The metabolizable energy (ME) value calculated for seeds and cockroaches meal ranged from 3161 kcal/kg DM (cockroaches) to 4270 kcal/kg DM (C. vulgaris) and that of leaves from 1873 (A. digitata) to 2888.9 kcal/kg DM (M. oleifera). Cassia leaves contained the highest level of calcium (3.1%), followed by Adansonia and Leuceana (1.81%), Moringa and Sesbania leaves (1.41%), whilst cockroaches, Hibiscus and Citrullus seeds meal recorded respectively 0.93, 0.81 and 0.55% of phosphorus. These results showed that all the ingredients samples contained appreciable quantities of all dietary nutrients tested for which more or less make them partial or complete substitutes for the conventional feed sources.

Interaction effect of tree leaf litter, manure and inorganic fertilizer on the performance of maize in Zimbabwe

An experiment was conducted over two seasons to evaluate the effects of 5 t ha-1 of different organic inputs (manure, Brachystegia spiciformis (miombo) leaf litter, Leucaena leucocephala senesced leaves) and Compound D (8N-14P-7K) fertilizer (300 kg ha-1), and their combinations on maize growth and yield on a sandy soil at Makoholi Experimental Station, Zimbabwe. Prior to planting, vegetation from a 12 year fallow (primarily annual grasses) was ploughed under in November 1990. Maize ( Zea mays ) hybrid (R201) was planted in both seasons. Yields were extremely high in the first season. Addition of L.leucocephala leaf litter and manure to the soil, depressed plant growth up to tasselling and silking of maize, respectively. Leuceana leucocephala leaf litter resulted in a decrease in both shoot dry matter and grain yields. Total above ground dry matter was highest from the fertilizer only and the fertilizer plus miombo litter treatments, though both treatments were not significantly different from the control. Application of both manure and miomba litter resulted in suppression of growth compared to the control. Application of both manure and miombo litter resulted in suppression of growth compared to the control. Suppression of growth was overcome by the application of Compound D fertilizer. In the absence of fertilizer, there was no difference between manure and miombo litter, but miombo litter preformed better than manure in the presence of fertilizer. It is hypothesized that the application of Leucaena, manure and miombo litter resulted in immobilization of nutrients. Leucaena, which is rich in N but low in P, probably resulted in P immobilization.

Digestibility, metabolic utilization and nutritional value of Leuceana leucocephala (Lam.) leaf meal incorporated in indigenous Senegal chickens diets

Digestibility, metabolic utilization and nutritional value of Leuceana leucocephala (Lam.) leaf meal incorporated in indigenous Senegal chickens diets