GLOBAL

DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

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Volume Five Winter 2007-Spring 2008 Numbers 1-2.

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ENSILING PROPERTIES AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CEREAL-LEGUME SILAGES ON SANDY SOILS

OF ZIMBABWE

N.T. Ngongoni M. Mwale C. Mapiye

University of University of University of Fort Hare

Zimbabwe Fort Hare

M.T. Moy H. Hamudikuwanda M. Titterton

Midlands State University of Zimbabwe University of Zimbabwe

University

Published Online: February 10, 2017

ABSTRACT

An experiment was undertaken to determine cereals and legumes nutritive value and ensiling quality when intercropped on sandy soils. The cereals were maize and sorghum (Pan 888, Jumbo and Sugar-graze). Legumes were Lablab purpureus (lablab), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), Crotalaria juncea (Sunnhemp), Glycine max (Soyabean) and Lupinus albus (Lupin). Forages were ensiled for 21 days, thereafter Dry Matter (DM), pH, VFAs, NH3N, CP, Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) were determined. Intercropping improved total protein and reduced fiber content of entire herbage. Cereal-based silages, maize and Pan 888, and their combination with lablab and/or cowpea were of good quality (P < 0.05). Sunnhemp silages had higher pH, NH3-N and butyrate, indicative of undesirable fermentation. To develop good quality silage for sustainable ruminant livestock production, farmers are, therefore, recommended to use sole maize or sorghum, and their combination with lablab and/or cowpea. This should be augmented by the development of viable and sustainable rangeland utilization systems.